2013 MINI Roadster: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

2013 MINI Roadster

The 2013 MINI Roadster gets a light equipment update rather than a redesign. The main change is a semi-automatic soft top that becomes standard across the lineup.

Shop 3 in stock at Carvana

About the 2013 MINI Roadster

R59 Roadster generation (2012-2015), second model year.

MINI positioned the Roadster as a two-seat, open-air version of the brand’s playful small-car personality. Its core appeal was not luxury or long-distance comfort, but quick steering, compact size, standout styling, and a more driver-focused cabin than the four-seat MINI Convertible. Compared with traditional roadsters, it mixed cheeky MINI design, useful cargo space for a small soft-top, and a wide spread of personality from the easygoing Cooper to the much sharper John Cooper Works.

The 2013 Roadster is a small two-seat convertible offered in three levels, from the straightforward 121-hp Cooper to the livelier 181-hp turbocharged Cooper S. The 208-hp John Cooper Works is the performance-focused version, with a stronger engine tune and a more aggressive body kit.

What changed, by category

Powertrain
The John Cooper Works Roadster gains its first automatic-transmission option. The other engines and transmissions carry over.
Tech
The semi-automatic soft top, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and USB port become standard across the lineup. Satellite radio changes from standard to optional.

2013 MINI Roadster specs and features by trim

2013 MINI RoadsterCooper0 in stock
2013 MINI RoadsterCooper S2 in stock
2013 MINI RoadsterJohn Cooper Works1 in stock
Engine4-Cyl, 1.6 Liter4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter4-Cyl, Turbo, 1.6 Liter
TransmissionAuto, 6-Spd SteptronicAuto, 6-Spd SteptronicAuto, 6-Spd Steptronic
DrivetrainFWDFWDFWD
Fuel TypeGasGasGas
MPG City27 mpg26 mpg26 mpg
MPG Highway35 mpg34 mpg34 mpg
Horsepower121 hp181 hp208 hp
Torque114 lb-ft177 lb-ft192 lb-ft
Seats222
Doors222
Alarm System
Traction Control
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Rear Spoiler
Bluetooth
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
USB Ports
Heated Front Seats
Leather Seats
Proximity Keyless Entry
Push-Button Engine Start

How the 2014 MINI Roadster compares

The 2014 MINI Roadster is a carryover with no major changes from 2013. It keeps the same R59 design, trim lineup, and powertrains.

See the full 2014 changes

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest change to the 2013 MINI Roadster?

The biggest change is that the semi-automatic soft top becomes standard on every 2013 MINI Roadster trim. The basic two-seat design and overall styling carry over from 2012.

Is the 2013 MINI Roadster a redesign?

No. The 2013 MINI Roadster is a light equipment update in the second year of the same generation introduced for 2012, with no meaningful body, chassis, or exterior redesign.

Does every 2013 MINI Roadster have Bluetooth?

Yes. Bluetooth phone connectivity is standard across the 2013 MINI Roadster lineup, along with a standard USB port. Satellite radio changes from standard to optional.

Does the 2013 MINI John Cooper Works Roadster have an automatic transmission?

Yes. For 2013, the John Cooper Works Roadster gains its first automatic-transmission option. Its 208-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine carries over.

Is the 2013 MINI Roadster meaningfully different from the 2012 model?

The differences are modest but practical. The 2013 model makes the semi-automatic soft top, Bluetooth, and USB connection standard across the lineup, while the John Cooper Works version adds an automatic-transmission option.

Sources