The Mini Coupe is the most satisfyingly sporty model in the range without being spine-snappingly spoiled. Slipping into the roomy cabin of the Coupe I was expecting a stiff chassis setting optimised for the demanding 230 mile test route through the Austrian, Italian and German Alps but both Cooper SD and the JCW models tested were both surprisingly comfortable yet utterly capable of delivering memorable driving experiences. With four cases swallowed into the boot the Coupe packed in pin-point handling precision normally found in a purpose designed sports car. Headroom was particularly good thanks to the belled roof lining and the seats easily coped with a six footer yet securely held them on the myriad mountain hairpins. Engine responses are sharp and strong with bags of pulling power, a short gear-change action but a long clutch-pedal travel, karting like steering with immensely powerful and well balanced brakes. Visibility is a little compromised by the sweeping roofline when pulling out of road junctions but you can still place it precisely on the road when covering ground quickly. Noise levels are all low and engaging the Sport mode audibly alters the engine note as well as makes it even more responsive. That the Coupe is going to be another successful chapter in the Mini story there can be no doubt, and part of the continuing excitement is not knowing where that story is going to end as sales of this British icon appear unflagging. Mini Coupe specification The new range comes with DAB digital radio, air conditioning, park distance control, alloy wheels, 3-spoke sport leather steering wheel and sport stripes on the body work. Outputs range from 122hp/90kW in the Mini Cooper Coupé to 211hp/155kW in the flagship John Cooper Works Coupé. The recently launched performance diesel engine, the 143 hp/105 kW Cooper SD, is also available and the line-up is completed with the Cooper S which offers 184hp/135kW. Six speed manual gearboxes are standard but Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper SD can be ordered with a six-speed sequential transmission including paddle shifts. Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to make efficient use of fuel with low emissions. JCW models can also be ordered with a tauter sports suspension or still firmer Works set up which also lowers ride height for the really serious Mini aficionado. Mini Coupe performance Fuel economy on the combined cycle stretches from 39.8mpg in the John Cooper Works Coupé to a frugal 65.7mpg in the Cooper SD model while CO2 emissions are as low as just 114g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé emits only 165g/km. Likely to prove popular with many potential Coupé customers is the Cooper SD variant, which offers the best fuel economy, lowest emissions and highest torque output of any Coupé model. What's more, it will still sprint to 62mph in under eight seconds and carry on to a top speed of 134mph. With a BIK value of just 13%, and zero first year road tax, user chooser company car drivers and fleet managers will also see its obvious appeal. The Mini Coupé boasts class-leading residual values, with the Cooper SD model retaining 47pc (£9,575) of its original value over three years or 60,000 miles and the John Cooper Works model retaining 45pc (£10,625). Mini has created a bespoke range of luggage for it to fully utilise the available space which runs to 280 litres or 20 litres more than the Clubman. Mini Coupe MILESTONES MINI Cooper SD Coupé (anticipated best seller) Price: £20,510. Engine/transmission: Four-cylinder turbo diesel with aluminium crankcase, common-rail injection and variable turbine geometry, 1,995 cc 143hp/105kW at 4,000 rpm, 305 Nm/225 lb-ft at 1,750 - 2,700 rpm. Performance: -62 mph: 7.9 seconds, top speed: 134 mph, average fuel consumption combined cycle: 65.7 mpg, CO2 emissions: 114 g/km. Insurance group: 22E. For: Handling, room, pulling power, low emissions and running costs with 8 years £524 TLC package. Against: Long travel clutch, tricky visibility in some situations, scattered secondary controls.
