Indulgent is not a word that you instantly associate with Mini , a brand founded on brilliant packaging, creative use of space and surprising versatility.

But the Mini Roadster, the sixth model in the new Mini line-up, is perfect for drivers who feel like a serious dose of pampering.

Distinctive, low-slung, with a visually stretched stance, the first open-topped, two-seater in the company’s history is a selfish driver’s dream. Once you have picked up your carefully chosen passenger, the rest of the family will just have to get on with life, as there is nothing more you can do to move people or cargo around.

What you fire up when you press the starter button on the dashboard, is a taut-handling two-seater with more than a whiff of a traditional British roadster.

Where it differs entirely from classic bone-rattling roadsters is that travel in the Mini Roadster, despite its compact dimensions, is a thoroughly upmarket, big-car experience.

All Mini’s trademark features — including the large central circular speedometer, the rev counter behind the steering wheel and the toggle switches — are present in the two-seater cabin, which is complete with a pair of large, massively supportive leather sports seats.

The level of standard equipment is also impressive with electrically-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors linked to a dashboard display, air conditioning and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player, digital radio and AUX IN connection for digital devices.

Safety features include front and head- thorax airbags, an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars.

The semi-automatic operation of the tailored soft-top roof means rapid opening and closing, and it doesn’t affect the Roadster’s practicality in any way. The canvas roof uses an easy opening and closing semi-automatic operation. When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats, and since the outer skin of the roof faces upwards, there is no need for any additional cover.

What the Roadster happily shares with classic roadsters is the kart-like ride and taut, responsive handling which has become a trademark of the new Mini brand. The standard dynamic stability control system selectively brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to prevent a front or rear-end slide.

Power on the test car came from Mini’s 143 horsepower performance diesel engine, which combines both low emissions and superb economy.

Two-seater roadsters have a tendency to lack practicality, but that is far from the case with the Roadster, which has a surprising decent boot space with the addition of a large ski hatch that means long items can easily be slid into the cabin. It also comes with large doorbins and three cupholders.

The price tag reflects the premium product that the Mini has developed into, a far cry from the budget billing with which the little car was launched back in 1959.

So it is a thoroughly indulgent little car, but still as practical as ever.

 

Auto facts Mini Coupé SD Roadster
 

  • Price: £21,630
  • Insurance group:
  • 24E (1-50)
  • Fuel consumption: (Combined): 62.8mpg
  • Top speed: 132mph
  • Length: 373.4cm/147in
  • Width: 168.3cm/66.2in
  • Luggage capacity:
  • 8.4 cu ft
  • Fuel tank capacity:
  • 8.8 gallons/40 litres
  • CO2 emissions:  118g/km
  • Warranty: Three years/ unlimited mileage