The 2012 Mini Coupe is less of a coupe and more of a mini. Adding the aggressive John Cooper Works package puts it into a class all its own. It is a heavy, yet smaller version of the famous Mini which is the proud new coupe to the Mini lineup. Other product lines include a new roadster, the Mini Convertible, Mini Clubman Wagon and Mini Countryman CUV. While most automakers create completely different product lines, the Mini holds true to form with every version, still a Mini in the end, with its own delightful signature despite the heavy familiarity.
The unique signature to the 2012 Mini Coupe is the roof. Mini calls it a “helmet” roof because it looks like a batter’s helmet, worn backwards. Critics are saying that this is the ugliest Mini version out to date, but others appreciate the unusual look that it offers. Also, while it is being named a Coupe, others are saying it isn’t a Coupe at all, it’s a Hatchback. So the 2012 Mini Coupe, or Mini Hatchback, call it what you want. One thing you won’t call it is boring.
The 2012 Mini Coupe has the John Cooper Works package included. This is the most aggressive engine tune up available in the Mini family. The turbocharged and direct injected 1.6 liter four cylinder engine offers a powerful 208 horsepower and 192 pound feet of torque at 6,000 RPM. It will go from zero to sixty in 6.1 seconds and achieve up to 149 miles per gallon. All this speed and power, and you can still expect to get 28 city miles per gallon and 35 highway miles per gallon.
The 2012 Mini John Cooper Works Coupe is proof that great things come in small packages. It is not a budget model though. The base price starts at $31,200 along with a $700 destination fee. All the bells and whistles are included though and package options can quickly end up at around $40,000 if you want the top appearance, performance and infotainment options available.