Two-seat convertible guns for Mazda MX-5 in classic soft-top form
- Geez, the Coupe hasn't even arrived here yet!
The Coupe _ Mini's fifth derivative with two seats and two doors _ made its world premiere in September this year at the Frankfurt motor show and is due to arrive in Thailand in December.
The Roadster _ the sixth variation with a folding soft-top instead of the Coupe's fixed roof _ will bow in Detroit next January and come to Thai shores in March.
The advance show-biz and publicity has become the norm in the global automotive industry as it allows potential buyers to make early purchase decisions.
- How different are the Roadster and Coupe?
Apart from the different roof type, the Roadster is essentially the same as the Coupe. But there is one difference, only slight, and that is in weight because the Roadster needs additional stiffness and rollover protection for its two occupants. On average, the Roadster is some 20kg heavier than the Coupe.
The Roadster's engine platter is the same, too, including the 211hp John Cooper Works, 184hp Cooper S, 122hp Cooper and 143hp diesel-powered Cooper SD. But the Roadster's weight disadvantage means the 0-100kph acceleration times are 0.1-0.2sec inside those of the Coupe depending on engines.
- How different are the Roadster and Convertible?
More this time, because the Convertible is a four-seater with a larger canvas-top and is around 50kg heavier than the two-seat Roadster. That also means the Roadster has better acceleration figures than the Convertible by some 0.5-0.6sec.
Mini also promises a sportier driving experience in the Roadster than the Convertible, explaining the pop-up rear spoiler _ just like how the Coupe is dynamically a step ahead of the Hatch.
- Will the Roadster carry a price premium?
Mini hasn't mentioned anything yet about pricing, but there's the likeli- hood of it being pricier than the Convertible.
Whichever the model, the Roadster should cost more than the Mazda MX-5, which currently retails for 2.5 million baht with a 160hp 2.0-litre petrol engine and six-speed automatic gearbox.
The Roadster Cooper S and Cooper with six-speed autos should cost between 2.7-3.2 million baht, meaning that the MX-5 holds the upper hand when it comes to performance-to-price ratio.
- BTW, when is the all-new MX-5 coming?
The logical answer is in less than 18 months, because the MX-5 is aging terribly in third-generation form.
Apart from price, the MX-5 has another trump card: Rear-wheel-drive layout for enhanced driving enjoyment. But whether buyers these days would get turned off by the Mini's front-drive dynamics remains to be seen.
Roadster, right, is 20mm lower in height than Convertible.
Roadster goes on sale early next year.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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