“I love this car. Love. That is not without saying there aren't any issues or watchouts about the MINI Roadster, namely being aware of the enormous blind spot when backing out of spaces with the top up. When it's down visibility is incredible but not easy with top up. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is a good driver that knows what they are doing and are conscientious.”
MINI Roadster: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The MINI Roadster is a tiny, two-seat, front-wheel-drive convertible sports car known for playful styling, quick reactions, and go-kart-like handling. It puts sunny-day fun ahead of everyday practicality.
Sold in the U.S. from 2012 through 2015, the Roadster was MINI’s first open-top two-seater. It traded rear seats for a lower, more focused shape and a useful trunk. Across its brief run, the formula stayed consistent: bold character, nimble handling, and a performance range from easygoing to hard-edged.
Strengths
- Its short wheelbase and quick responses give it the playful, go-kart-like feel associated with MINI.
- The trunk is genuinely useful for such a tiny two-seater because it occupies the space where rear seats would normally be.
- Its bold shape and focused two-seat layout give it a distinct personality among small convertibles.
- From 2013 onward, the standard semi-automatic soft top made open-air driving easier to enjoy.
- The trim range covers both relaxed cruising and more serious performance without changing the Roadster’s basic character.
Who it's for
It suits someone who wants a small weekend or sunny-day car with lots of personality and engaging handling. It makes the most sense for a driver who rarely needs more than one passenger and is comfortable putting fun ahead of everyday versatility.
MINI Roadster lineup
The three-trim ladder stayed consistent throughout the Roadster’s run. Pick the Cooper for the most relaxed version of the open-top experience, or step up to the Cooper S for a middle ground between everyday fun and stronger performance. The John Cooper Works is the hardest-edged model and fits drivers who want the Roadster’s most serious performance character.
MINI Roadster generations
From 2012 to 2015, the Roadster spans 1 generation. The current 1st Generation — R59 arrived for 2012.
1st Generation — R59 (2012–2015)
The R59 is the MINI Roadster’s first and only U.S. generation. It is a low-slung, two-seat convertible with a soft top, an active rear spoiler, and more cargo room than its compact shape suggests.
6 In Stock
2015
Rain-sensing wipers and automatic climate control became standard across the lineup. Cooper S and John Cooper Works models also gained standard LED fog lights.
2014
The Roadster carried over with only small changes to optional-feature availability.
2013
A semi-automatic soft top and Bluetooth became standard across the lineup. The John Cooper Works model also gained an automatic-transmission option.
2012New generation
The all-new Roadster launched as MINI’s first open-top two-seater, with Cooper, Cooper S, and John Cooper Works trims.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the MINI Roadster.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MINI Roadster a two-seater?
Yes. Every MINI Roadster has two seats and two doors. MINI used the space behind the seats for an 8.5-cubic-foot trunk instead of a rear bench.
How is the MINI Roadster different from the MINI Convertible?
The Roadster is the more focused two-seat model. It has a lower shape and a dedicated trunk, while the MINI Convertible has four seats. The Roadster suits shoppers who value a sportier feel over rear-passenger space.
Is the MINI Roadster a hybrid or electric car?
No. Every U.S. MINI Roadster uses a gasoline 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive. Output ranges from 121 hp in the Cooper to 208 hp in the John Cooper Works.
What is the MINI Roadster known for?
It is known for quick, playful handling in a tiny open-top body. Its short wheelbase and two-seat layout make it feel more focused than a typical small convertible, though everyday space is limited.
Who is the MINI Roadster a good fit for?
It fits one or two people who want top-down fun, compact dimensions, and a usable trunk more than rear seats. It is less suitable for carrying family or friends regularly.
How many generations of the MINI Roadster were made?
There was one U.S. generation, known as the R59. It ran from 2012 through 2015, so every used MINI Roadster shares the same basic body and two-seat layout.
Does the MINI Roadster have a manual or powered roof?
It depends on the model year. Launch-year cars have a manually operated soft top. A semi-automatic soft top became standard across the range from 2013, and every version has a glass rear window.
MINI Roadster Reviews
What owners are saying about the MINI Roadster.
4.6
MINI Roadster
(45 reviews)
“Need to redesign seat belt placement/accessibility. Needs trunk release for driver. Needs auto window closing when convertible top up and in place. Fix the seatbelts so they are convenient.”
“I would change three things: have the exterior door handles like the new Hardtop (easier to operate); have a large clock displayed all the time; have the entertainment display off unless you turn it on (currently the display is on every time you start or backup so you have to turn it off.)”
“I miss having the ability to tell the car to call someone and it does from my phone directory. I had it on my first Cooper and now they have taken that out of the cars. It was a great hands-off driving feature to make phone calls without dialing manually.”
“need a bike rack for my 2015 roadster -was told that this was definitely no problem - but upon delivery I was on my own to find a solution - frustrating would love to have a bike rack option that does not compromise the backlight.....”
“For the MINI S Roadster, runflat tires were a standard feature. Have since replaced them with same brand but non-runflat tires which has improved ride quality (less harshness) while maintaining excellent acceleration, handling and braking. Wish a non-runflat performance tire option was available.”
Sources
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0182827EN US / Complete 2015 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Attachment / T0182827EN US / 270051
- miniusa.com — Archiveownermanuals / MY15 / 2015 Owner Manual Coupe Roadster Convertible
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0142763EN US / Complete 2014 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0124618EN US / Spontaneous Open Irresistible: The Mini Roadster
- press.bmwgroup.com — Attachment / T0124618EN US / 183650
- press.bmwgroup.com — Attachment / T0124618EN US / 183649
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0127703EN US / 2013 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0142763EN US / Complete 2014 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0123003EN US / Spontaneous Open Irresistible: The Mini Roadster
- press.bmwgroup.com — Detail / T0136102EN US / Complete 2013 Mini Lineup Pricing And Equipment Updates