2012 Mini Cooper Coupe/Roadster Total Car Score Analysis

As one of the newest members of the growing Mini family, the 2012 Mini Coupe doesn’t have enough reviews to earn a valid Total Car Store rating.  
 
What has been said is generally positive, however, with most reviewers applauding the Coupe’s athletic handling and distinctive—if somewhat polarizing—styling. Like all Mini models, the uncommonly long list of personalization options lets buyers tailor their car to suit their own unique tastes. 
 
Topping the list of negatives is the Coupe’s two-seat layout, especially in light of the fact that its Cooper hardtop sibling offers virtually identical handling with a notably roomier and more practical four-passenger interior. The dramatic roofline with the protruding spoiler along the rear edge also limits rear visibility, especially at speeds of 50 mph or better when the pop-up spoiler built into the rear deck is automatically deployed. 
 
Because the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is a brand-new model don’t look for any significant updates for the next few years.

2012 Mini Cooper Coupe/Roadster Model Line-Up

The 2012 Mini Coupe is a two-seat sports car that’s offered in three trim levels including base, a sportier S model and the high-performance John Cooper Works (covered separately). 
 
All three flavors are powered by a variation of the same 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which puts out 121 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque in base models. A turbocharged version puts out 181 hp and 177 lb-ft in S trim. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all models, with a six-speed automatic optional. 
 
Standard equipment on base models includes 15-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, air-conditioning, “leatherette” upholstery, cruise control and a CD stereo with six-speakers, satellite/HD radio and an auxiliary audio input jack. Cooper S models add 16-inch alloy wheels, a firmer suspension, fog lights and front sport seats. 
 
The options list is unusually long and features everything from seven different wheel designs to genuine wood interior trim. 
 
EPA fuel economy estimates for the 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe start with the base Coupe returning 29 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined when fitted with the manual transmission, and 28/36/31 with the automatic. The S model is rated at 27/35/30 with the manual gearbox and 26/34/29 with the automatic transmission.

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