comments 2012 MINI Roadster Priced from $24,350 to $34,500*, Costs $600 Less than the Convertible

Mini has just released U.S. pricing for its new two-seater Roadster model that will be available in three flavors.

The Cooper Roadster is priced at $24,350 and is powered by a 121HP 1.6-liter inline four that allows it to hit 60mph in 8.7 seconds and top out at 124mph, while returning 30mpg combined.

Next up is the Cooper S Roadster with an MSRP of $27,350 that is equipped with a 181HP 1.6-liter turbo. It accelerates from zero to 60mph in 6.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 141mph, while delivering a combined fuel economy of 30mpg.

Finally, the John Cooper Works Roadster is the most expensive at $34,500 but also the fastest thanks to its 208HP 1.6-liter turbo engine that propels it to 60mph in 6.3 seconds and on to a maximum speed of 147mph. It has a combined fuel economy of 28mpg.

All the above MSRPs do not include a $700 (*) destination and handling charge.

Interestingly, the two-seater Roadster is $600 cheaper than the equivalent versions of the four-seater Mini Convertible.

However, roadster enthusiasts may also want to take a look at the rear-wheel drive Mazda MX-5 that comes with a 167HP 2.0-liter unit and starts from $23,470 for the soft top model and $27,540 for the retractable hardtop variant.