2012 MINI Coupe Price, Review, Specs, what car reviews, The MINI Coupe is MINI’s new 2seat coupe with a distinctive flat silhouette and stepped up rear end design. The MINI Coupe is offered with the same drivetrains as the other models and includes a John Cooper Works version. MINI describes the chassis, weigh balance and body structure as geared toward driving fun and is offered with exclusive colors and materials, the roof in contrasting colors and a new version of the optional Sport Stripes. The two-seat configuration allows for cargo stowage behind the seats, rear luggage area with a high liftgate and a two-piece luggage compartment cover in a three-dimensional design.
The 2012 MINI Coupe is MINI’s new two-seat coupe that is distinguished from the other MINI models by a unique flat roof and stepped up rear end design. The MINI Cooper Coupe is powered by a 121-horsepower 1.6-liter engine and the Cooper S Coupe offers a 181-horsepower version with a twin-scroll turbocharged and direct injection. The John Cooper Works Coupe bumps the power to 208 horsepower and 192 lb-ft of torque from the turbo engine. The unique silhouette of the MINI Coupe incorporates steeply raked A-pillars and windshield, integrated roof spoiler and active rear spoiler.
The Coupe represents the brand’s foray into what it refers to as the super compact sports car class, an attempt to maintain the traditional MINI design ethos while creating a car optimized for spirited motoring.
The Coupe distinguishes itself visually with an unusual “helmet” roof (available in black, red and silver) supported by black pillars. There are oval-shaped recesses in the roof liner for increased headroom inside, while the rear section of the roof houses an active spoiler that extends automatically at 50 mph to optimize airflow. The steeply raked windshield is slanted an additional 13 degrees compared with a normal Cooper for a sportier look.
For all of the structural and aesthetic changes, the Coupe is still heavily based on the MINI Cooper. The pair share the same engine options, which in the case of the base coupe is a 1.6-liter inline-four cylinder. The little engine sports parent company BMW’s flexible VALVETRONIC variable valve timing technology and produces 121 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 revs, good for a quoted zero-to-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds. It certainly won’t be winning any drag races, but it won’t live in fear of being smoked by semis, either.
Inside, the Coupe utilizes the traditionally quirky MINI control and instrumentation layout, with an enormous speedometer in the center of the dash and a steering-column mounted tachometer. In keeping with the nature of the car, sport seats are fitted as standard. A pass-through feature links the trunk to the passenger compartment for extra cargo versatility to go along with the car’s racy styling.
Befitting the brand’s quasi-premium intentions, the Coupe features a healthy list of standard equipment including speed-sensitive power steering, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, height-adjustable seats, air conditioning and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection.
Optional equipment includes Park Distance Control, black headlight housing, xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic climate control, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, a storage package and for the aesthetically challenged, a rear luggage carrier rack. Entertainment options include a Harman Kardon sound system, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, a USB audio interface and a navigation system with a 6.5 inch display in the center of the speedometer.
Additionally, a wide variety of racing stripes, graphics and unique upholstery options are available for customers desirous of additional personalization.
Active safety features include Dynamic Stability and Traction Control systems and, as an option, an Electronic Differential Lock Control that helps keep the inside front wheel from spinning excessively when exiting tight turns.
In the event of a collision, the Coupe comes equipped with dual front and head-thorax airbags, which are integrated into the sides of the seat backrests and protect the head, upper body and hip area from injury in the event of a side-on impact.
2012 Mini Coupe Price :
• 2012 MINI Cooper Coupe – $22,000: Power comes from a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder making 122-hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 9 seconds with a top speed of 127 mph.
• 2012 Mini Cooper S Coupe – $25,300: Power comes from 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with a twin-scrool turbocharger making 184-hp at 5,500 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque between 1,600 – 5,000 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 143 mph.
• 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe – $31,900: Power comes from a 1.6 liter twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 211-hp at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft between 2,000 and 5,100 rpm. 0 to 62 mph comes in 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 149 mph.
2012 Mini Coupe Specs :
Engines & Power
Standard Engine : 1.6L 121 hp I4
Horsepower : 121 @ 6000 RPM
Torque (lb-ft) : 114 @ 4250 RPM
Transmissions
6-Speed Automatic Overdrive : Opt.
6-Speed Manual Overdrive : Std.
Fuel Economy
City (mpg) : 28 – 29
Highway (mpg) : 36 – 37
Comfort & Convenience
Sunroof : N/A
Air Conditioning : Std.
Power Windows : Std.
Power Door Locks : Std.
Leather Seats : Opt.
Power Seats : N/A
Max. Seating : 2
Number of Doors : 2
Entertainment
Cassette Player : N/A
CD Player : Std.
Nav. System : Opt.
Safety
Airbags : Driver; Passenger; Side
ABS Brakes : Std.
Traction Control : Std.
Stability Control : Std.
Final Assembly
Location : Great Britain