Based on looking at a demo Roadster at our local dealers, a few random thoughts came to mind. Maybe because that's all I'm thinking about until ours arrives next week!

The seats fold forward. I understand why - they can't make custom non-folding seats for the Roadster's volume, but it does seem funny.

I'm disproportionately excited at the thought of having an actual useful trunk on a car again! (sorry - "boot") See attached pic.
Our recent fleet has been a Prius (hatch), 370Z (hatch), and a MINI Convertible (trunk, but not super useful...).

The ability to open the pass-through door between the seats and reach into the boot (got it right that time!) is going to be really really handy, especially on road trips. And then to be able to stow valuables (iPad etc.) back there and lock it without making that obvious to potential miscreants when stopping for fuel and food - terrific.

I'm surprised by how much I liked the look of the front and rear compared to the JCW aero kit. As in, in some ways I like the normal look better than the JCW. Not by much, and in other ways I like the JCW better, but my net conclusion is that I'm ok not having it. (and not just saying that because I didn't order it)

The JCW aero kit side skirts are another matter - man, I like those. If it's possible to just buy those and have them installed, I see some (more) money flowing from my pocket into MINIs in the near future.

Don

 

I had a SLK55 and I'm almost positive the seats (power) folded forward. Also before that had a S2000 and vaguely remember then folding forward also.

 

I was thinking about your comment on the JCW side skirts. Check out this link for them on outmotoring.com. I know they are listed for the Coupe, most likely the same for the Roadster. Have your cake and eat it too
http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...de_skirts.html

Edit-Just checked, they are listed for the Roadster

 

Thanks for the info! I've got that question in to the MINI parts folks, but haven't heard back yet. Wow - pricy though! Knew they wouldn't be cheap, but scared to see what they'll be after paint and installation.

Don

 

I'm trying to remember if the seats in my Z3 folded or not. I'm thinking perhaps not, which is conceivable since that car wasn't a two-seat version of an existing four-seater.

Don

 

One reason for folding seats in a roadster is that when you leave the car parked in the sun with the top down, you can fold the seats forward to help keep the seating surfaces from getting so hot. Keeps you from blistering your rear when you get back in.

 

I have folding seats in my CRX. Makes it handy to get stuff from behind them; don't know why any manufacturer would be unthinking enough to make it so you'd HAVE to go through the rear hatch to get anything from the rear area. It would be totally not practical at all otherwise.

 

Hi Don,

About those side skirts... We had them added to our "S". I don't have that many new photos yet, but you'll get the idea. We bought them from the Mini dealership and took them to the same shop that did our spray-on clear bra to paint and clear bra. They turned out great and I think are worth every penny (a bit over a grand). I actually really like the "S" bumpers so I feel this is the best of both worlds. I think all the "S"s should come like this! I also love the chrome louvers of the Normals too

Anyway, I hope it gives you a visual.

Franny