Mini Cooper
Sponsored links:
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FUEL ECONOMY:
28 / 37 MPG 8.4 / 6.36 L/100km
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BODY TYPE:
Coupe
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TECHNOLOGY:
Small Car
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BASE MSRP:
$18,700
When the MINI Cooper came to the U.S. a few years ago, it caused as much commotion and excitement as Volkswagen’s Beetle did with its return. The British-born Cooper has been an icon since its rally car racing days back in the 60’s. Now built by BMW, the hip and stylish MINI was re-launched worldwide in 2001 with modern underpinnings, and has since amassed a significant, though somewhat cultish following.
The Cooper hatchback is offered in both a base and an ‘S’ (for Sport) model. And both versions are also available as convertibles. In 2007, BMW introduced the second generation of the Cooper. And though there were key improvements made, the automaker proved its guile and smarts by barely changing the car’s aesthetics, the primary reason for its popularity among loyalists.
Though the MINI Cooper is known for its looks, its place in automotive history, and its now German engineering, it is still ultimately defined by another one of its important characteristics: its teacup-sized dimensions. The Cooper aptly lives up to its brand’s namesake, and is definitively a sub-compact automobile. But admittedly, this small car came into existence for entirely different reasons than the rest of the sub-compact class (it’s not here because of rising fuel prices that have dictated the need for smaller, more efficient cars). Regardless, it still enjoys many of the same fuel-friendly benefits found with the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris, among others.
The EPA numbers speak for themselves. The Cooper achieves 32 city/40 highway, while the more athletic Cooper S rates at a still impressive 29 city/36 highway. Fuel economy for the convertible versions are as follows: Cooper Convertible - 27/35, Cooper S Convertible - 25/32. But it’s important to know that many Cooper owners will admit that their car’s fuel economy in real world driving leans more heavily in favor of the City Rating.
MINI upgraded the front-wheel drive 2007 Cooper with two new engines. The base Cooper is outfitted with a 1.6-liter inline-4, producing 118 horsepower. Not overwhelming. As a matter a fact, it’s downright underpowered. On the other hand, the uplevel Cooper S now boasts a 172-horsepower 1.6-liter common rail direct injection engine. And it’s turbo-charged. The ‘S’ sprints from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. It’s basically a tiny sports car in a hatchback’s body. There aren’t many (or even any) vehicles out there combining that kind of performance level with such high EPA figures.
The suspension on the new Cooper has also been revised. The ride is very comfortable and compliant, especially on the base model. The Cooper S compromises some of that softness to put more focus on handling. Its stiffer suspension is a little harsher, but offers greater agility and a sportier overall drive.
From the standpoint of structure and engineering, the MINI Cooper is 100 percent BMW. This little car is built for quality. Just the muted sound produced by shutting the vehicle’s door (usually heard in higher-priced autos) indicates the Cooper’s tight construction and top-notch craftsmanship.
For all of these reasons, it’s no wonder that owners of the MINI Cooper, more than those of any other vehicle, say they will never part with their car. Unless of course, it’s to purchase another MINI Cooper. This little four-seater is nothing less than a cultural phenomenon.
