Mini Coupé Cooper S

What is it?

A Mini model set to appeal to male buyers more than any other. At least, that’s what Mini is saying about its new Coupe – the fifth model to join its line-up since its revival in 2001.

The distinctively-styled two-door follows on from the hatchback, cabriolet, Clubman and Countryman, with UK sales set to get underway in October.

First previewed at the Frankfurt motor show back in 2009, the Coupe has progressed from concept to production car stage with remarkably few changes. The basis for the new car, including its complete lower body, is the existing cabriolet, to which Mini’s design team has added a completely new upper section and large liftback style tailgate at the rear – both of which provide it with unique visual appeal.

Inspired by classic independently produced Mini based coupes from companies such as Broadspeed, Marcos and Midas, the new Coupe is not exactly elegant – not in the traditional sense, anyway. However, it manages to stand out from the small car crowd – and for many prospective buyers this will clearly count more than anything else.

The styling works well from some angles, but less so from others. From what we’ve seen so far, the appearance also seems to be very colour dependent. And being a Mini, there’s a wide range of exterior schemes to choose from.

What’s it like?

Mini’s aim with the Coupe was to create a car that went one better than the hatchback in terms of overall driver appeal. However, the need to use as many carry over components as possible in a bid to make the new car profitable mean the mechanical package is virtually the same – and in many respects the way it drives, too.

The low roof makes entry a little more difficult than in the hatchback, but the seats are set low enough to ensure even tall drivers can be accommodated without any head room issues, thanks in part to a scalloped out headliner.

Although the driving position is unchanged over the hatchback, the more heavily raked windscreen and lower roof gives the Coupe a more sporting air from the driver’s seat. The drawback? Vision, not least to the rear which is restricted by the shallow glass.

Performance wise, there’s little to criticise. The turbocharged 1.6-litre engine in the Cooper S version driven here for the first time develops 177lb ft of torque between 1600rpm and 5000rpm – including a peak of 192lb ft between 1700 and 4500rpm, providing the Coupe with a good turn of speed out of the blocks and tremendous flexibility on the run.

Mini claims 0-62mph in 6.9sec and top speed at 143mph. As with the hatchback, though, it is the in-gear acceleration that impresses the most. Plant your foot at low revs in low gears and you’re treated to solid acceleration that is all part of the Coupe’s eager nature.

Although the roof has no load bearing function, a substantial transverse beam mounted above the rear axle helps provide a level of stiffness approaching other Mini models.

First impressions, after an extended run around an Austrian driver training facility in a pre-production prototype, suggest it has succeeded, although the difference in character between the two from behind the wheel is not great. There are subtle improvements in dynamic terms, less initial roll on turn in and a more securely planted rear end when you lift off mid corner among them, just don’t expect it to provide a vastly different driving experience to its much loved sibling.