2015 MINI Cooper Roadster

The Mini Cooper Roadster receives only minor changes for 2015, including newly standard rain-sensing wipers and automatic climate control. 

With its distinctive styling and impressive handling, the Cooper Roadster is an excellent choice, but high-level models can be expensive, especially with options. We recommend a midlevel Cooper S Roadster to maximize thrills, and we recommend going easy on the options to minimize cost. Find a Mini Cooper Roadster for sale

The Mini Cooper Roadster comes in three available trim levels. There's a base model, called simply the Roadster, a midlevel Cooper S Roadster and a high-performance John Cooper Works model.

Drivers who choose the base-level Cooper Roadster ($27,000) get 16-inch alloy wheels, a power convertible top, and basic power accessories such as windows, mirrors, locks and keyless entry -- along with newly standard automatic climate control and rain-sensing wipers. The Roadster also includes standard leatherette upholstery, along with iPod and USB connectivity. The Cooper Roadster uses a 121-hp 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine.

Upgrade to the Cooper S Roadster ($30,000), and you get a turbocharged version of the base model's engine, good for 181 hp. Other upgrades include fog lights, a firmer sport suspension, sport seats and sport pedals.

Topping the range is the John Cooper Works ($37,100), which boosts power to 208 horses. It features an even firmer sport suspension, an aerodynamic body kit, 17-in wheels and strong Brembo brakes.

While those prices may not seem so bad, the Cooper Roadster's biggest problem is that so many features are relegated to the options list. There's a Cold Weather package with heated seats and heated mirrors; a Premium Package with keyless ignition and automatic headlights; a Technology package with the Mini Connected smartphone integration system, rear parking sensors and an upgraded sound system; and a Sport package, which adds larger wheels, sport seats and sport-tuned traction control. Like most Mini models, the Roadster also offers a long list of color options. An automatic transmission is $1,250 extra.