MINI has just released full details of the new MINI Coupe. It will be available in four variants, including the MINI Cooper Coupe, MINI Cooper S Coupe, MINI Cooper SD Coupe and MINI John Cooper Works Coupe.

The MINI Coupe is a two-seater, two-door coupe version of the popular MINI Cooper. The new model sits up to 52mm lower overall compared with the conventional model, and gets the same drivetrain and engine specifications as the respective MINI Cooper variants.
Starting the range is the MINI Cooper Coupe. It features a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 90kW of power and 160Nm of torque. Sporting a slightly more responsive chassis than the respective MINI Cooper hatch, the Coupe is able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds, compared with 9.1 of the normal model. Average fuel consumption is rated at 5.4L/100km.
Taking a step up in the model list is the MINI Cooper S Coupe. It features the twin-scroll turbocharged ‘S’ engine which produces 135kW of power and 260Nm of torque on overboost. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 230km/h. It also has an average fuel consumption rating of 5.8 litres/100km.
Next up in the range is the MINI Cooper SD Coupe. It features a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 105kW and 305Nm. Average fuel consumption is rated at 4.3 litres/100km, however, accelerating from 0-100km/h takes 8.0 seconds – not bad for a car with those fuel consumption figures.
Completing the new model showroom is the range-topping MINI John Cooper Works Coupe. It features the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine also seen in the JCW Cooper, producing 155kW and 280Nm. Accelerating from 0-100km/h takes just 6.4 seconds, while the top speed is 240km/h. Average fuel consumption is rated at a fairly respectable 7.1 litres/100km.
Interesting features on the new model include an automatic pop-up rear spoiler which deploys out as soon as the car reaches 80km/h to aid downforce and provide a more sporty look. Once the car’s speed drops below 60km/h, the spoiler returns, blending in with the roof design. It is also adjustable at any time via a button inside the car.
Since the car is a coupe hatch with no rear seats, there is 280 litres of rear cargo space, providing 120 litres more room than the conventional Cooper model (160 litres) – although, if you put the rear seats down in the normal Cooper, there is 680 litres. Every model also comes with Park Distance Control with rear sensors, speed-sensitive power steering, and an MP3/auxiliary input stereo as standard.
MINI Australia’s Lucy McLellan has confirmed the MINI Coupe is likely to arrive in Australia in either October or November 2011. Definite Australian pricing and specifications are yet to be finalised.
Unfortunately, MINI has no plans to attend this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne, so we won’t get to see it in the flesh until later in the year.
We look forward to providing a full review of the MINI Cooper Coupe upon its launch.