Mini Sport Car: June 2010

Sunday, June 27, 2010

MINI Taunts Porsche in Rocky IV Training Montage

It’s possibly the best 80’s montage of them all; yes, we’re talking about the training scene from Rocky IV where the underdog Balboa trains in a wooden hut in the Russian countryside while Captain Ivan Drago (aka, Dolf Lungren) pumps up on steroids and makes use of the world’s most sophisticated machines to tone his body.
Well, in MINI’s continued bid to taunt Porsche into a showdown at Road Atlanta, the fun-loving (and internet marketing savvy) folks at MINI have teamed up with the comedy geniuses at FunnyorDie to produce a parody of the epic montage that is sure to pump you up. It’s no surprise that the part of Rocky is played by a MINI and that those overly serious Russians are played by overly serious folks from Porsche.
And we thought the Ford Fiesta campaign was smart online marketing.

BMW’s Active Sound Design Gives MINI Cooper V8 Sound

Last week we brought you a story about an innovate technology BMW is working on called Active Sound Design. The primary use of the technology is in sound deadening using an electro-acoustic system (aka, your car’s stereo) to minimize or change the sound you here. This is particularly important for BMW when it comes to diesel cars, as the sound of a diesel is considered rather unattractive to luxury shoppers – particularly in North America.

But there’s another use of Active Sound Design too, namely, making your car sound cooler. BMW says its new electronic noise canceling technology can not only be used to just limit sound, but to let the right kind of sound through, matching the engine’s noise to how the car is being driven. In fact, BMW recently performed a little research project using cars equipped with its electro-acoustic system and cars without. The results are impressive. “Subsequent test drives showed that test persons, despite measurably identical longitudinal dynamics, judged the driving performance of the vehicle with integrated Active Sound Design to be better. The subjective in-vehicle impression was comparable to the sensation of an accelerating car with a stronger engine.”

To prove this point further, BMW recently build a MINI with the new Active Sound Design technology, giving the little 4-cylinder the sound of a big V8. Don’t believe it? See the demonstration video courtesy AutoCar.

Mini VP Coupe Roadster To Arrive Within Two Years

Two stripped down models will join the MINI range within two years of the debut of the MINI Countryman crossover, one a Coupe, the other a 2-seat Roadster.

“The Coupe will arrive six months after the Countryman, and the Roadster 12 months after the Countryman,” said Jim McDowell, Vice-President of MINI USA. The Countryman will hit showrooms in February, 2011.

The MINI Coupe concept was essentially a Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works package (with the more powerful 211-horsepower turbo engine, suspension tweaks and big wheel package), with a “coupe” bodystyle. The Roadster used a base Cooper S engine (good for 172 horsepower), and jettisoned the exposed soft top from the standard Cooper Convertible in favor of a clamshell design similar to the Porsche Boxster Spyder.

Gallery: Mini Coupe and Roadster Concepts

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

MINI at the Goodwood Festival of Speed

MINI will be displaying their fleet of Mini models at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed that will be held this July 1-4. Goodwood will be a witness to the reunion of Mini’s past models, and the contemporary future of the brand.

MINI E Race to set electrifying pace

Monte Carlo Rallying legend, and one of the original ‘Flying Finns’, Rauno Aaltonen will drive the MINI E Race up the hill at Goodwood.

The Festival will be the first in the UK to host the appearance of the MINI E Race, a modified race-equipped version of the emissions-free MINI currently undergoing road trials in the UK, USA and Germany.

The MINI E Race made its public debut at the Nurburgring in May when it covered several laps of the challenging 20.8 km Nordschleife driven by Thomas Jäger, 2006 MINI Challenge Champion. Jaeger managed a lap in 9 minutes 51.4 seconds and achieved a top speed of 117mph on the sinuous Eifel tarmac.

Extensive preparations were made before the car could undertake tests under racing conditions. The MINI E Race was fitted with a special lightweight body and a roll cage in order to ensure optimum performance and safety. Other components, such as the suspension, brakes and tyres, also follow race specification. Other than that, however, the car relies almost exclusively on the standard technical make-up of the MINI E. For example, it shares the same 150 kW/204 hp electric motor, supplied with energy from 5,088 lithium-ion battery cells. The power from the emission-free motor is channelled to the front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox with a lengthened gear ratio.

Explaining why MINI had decided to build a Race version of MINI E Peter Krams, Head of the project said “The length and profile of the Nordschleife place extreme demands on the technology of our electric car. But the MINI E Race met this considerable challenge with great authority. The aim of this unique undertaking was to provide an impressive showcase of the great potential of the MINI E and its environment-friendly drive concept.”

The driver was clearly impressed too. “I’ve driven this circuit many times, but never in such an extraordinary car,” said Jäger. “The power of the electric motor has an incredible effect, as you can access its full reserves of torque at all times. Another element of this fascinating experience is the lack of noise from the drivetrain. All in all, that was certainly the cleanest and quietest race lap I’ve ever driven.”

The MINI E Race demonstrates that MINI is leaving no stone unturned to prove the MINI E under all conditions. The public trials are approaching halfway and are proving highly successful. They are also helping to inform the BMW Group about the use of electric vehicles in real world conditions and contributing to the mass of planning and knowledge that is accumulating in BMW’s Project i. The company has announced its decision to start production of a Megacity vehicle in 2013.

Set up like a race track to celebrate MINI’s glorious racing heritage, Rauno Aaltonen will also be on the MINI stand for interviews and to meet fans over the three days.

New MINI models make Goodwood debut

Visitors will be able to take a closer look at the current range of MINI models including examples of the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman. Making its debut at a UK motoring event will be the new MINI Countryman that goes on sale at MINI dealers on September 18th 2010. The Countryman opens up a new era in the MINI story. It is the largest MINI model ever made and it is also the first to offer four doors and the option of four wheel drive in the ALL4 models.

The MINI Countryman range will form the fourth pillar of the MINI brand and it seeks to offer a solution to MINI owners who love the brand but feel forced to move to another make when they need more space in their car. The MINI Countryman will be available in five models, two of which will offer ALL4, MINI’s new four wheel drive option.

The Countryman retains a familiar MINI appearance, albeit distinctly different to any that have gone before. It is 398 mm longer than a MINI Hatch, 106 mm wider and 172mm higher. With the seats up it offers 190 litres more luggage capacity than a MINI Hatch, with a total of 350 litres. With the rear seats folded flat, capacity increases to 1,170 litres. This large load space is accessed through a wide-opening tailgate. For the first time ever a MINI has four wide-opening doors, passenger capacity for five adults and a flexible, activity-orientated interior packed with innovations. All UK models will be built as five seat cars, although customers can specify the four seat option at no extra cost.

Featuring that typical ‘wheel at each corner’ stance with short overhangs, the Countryman not only has larger dimensions than its cousins but also a higher ride height. This provides the commanding driving position preferred by many drivers as well as the ground clearance for soft off-road driving. Its ground clearance is 10mm higher than any other MINI model.

Many design characteristics are familiar such as the high window line and window graphics circumnavigating the glasshouse while others are new interpretations of iconic features. For example, the roofline with roof rails, the reinterpretation of the hexagonal radiator grille and the prominent headlight units integrated into the bonnet.

The Countryman range will include three petrol and two diesel models, as well as two ALL4 all- wheel drive models – the Cooper D ALL4 and Cooper S ALL4. The petrol engines are equipped with the new 1.6 litre power plants already announced for the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman models and introduced in March 2010. The new diesel-powered units combine excellent performance with parsimonious fuel consumption and extremely low emissions, both emitting well below 120g/km.

The petrol engines all feature VALVETRONIC variable valve timing that produces more torque low down and aids overall efficiency. The Cooper S model also features a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection that enables blistering performance with modest fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. All engines meet EU5 emissions standards. The key performance data are listed below:

Model/ hp@rpm/ Nm@rpm/ 0-62 mph/ Top speed/ Combined mpg/ CO2 g/km

One/98 @6,000/153@3,000/11.9 secs/107/47.1/139

Cooper/122@6,000/160@4,250/10.5 secs/118/47.1/140

Cooper/S184@5,500/240@1,600*/7.6 secs/134/46.3/143

One D/90@4,000/215@1,750/12.9 secs/106/64.2/115

Cooper D/112@4,000/270@1,750/10.9 secs/115/64.2/115

*The MINI Cooper S Countryman delivers 260 Nm of torque for short periods courtesy of Overboost.

Two models in the new Countryman range will offer four wheel drive, for the very first time in MINI’s 51 year history. The MINI Cooper D and Cooper S ALL4 models will be available as models in their own right from day one. A MINI Cooper ALL4 will follow in 2011.

Four-wheel drive is not needed for much of normal driving and it does consume more energy to drive all four wheels. MINI has a typically smart answer for this conundrum: the Countryman ALL4 is a front wheel drive car in most normal circumstances, but when an electro-mechanical clutch in the rear axle detects any sign of wheel slip it engages drive to the rear wheels to improve traction. To enable this imperceptible change to the driven wheels a propeller shaft from the front axle is driven constantly and is ready to direct drive forces from the front axle to the rear. The amount of power fed to the rear wheels is infinitely variable between one per cent and 100, depending upon the slip encountered.

The price over the standard front wheel drive Countryman models is a modest £1,065 for the MINI Cooper D ALL4 and £1,190 for the MINI Cooper S ALL4, while the penalty in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is smaller than one might expect. In the case of the MINI Cooper D ALL4 Countryman, it delivers a CO2 value below 130g/km.

“With Countryman prices starting at £16,000, and offering a high standard specification along with optional MINI tlc, Chili and Pepper Packs, the Countryman offers new horizons for the MINI brand” said Jochen Goller, Director of MINI UK.

Monte Carlo Rally Legend drives the Forest Rally Stage

Rauno Aaltonen will also drive a classic Mini Cooper S on the Goodwood Forest Rally Stage. Aaltonen, along with Paddy Hopkirk and Timo Makinen, is part of the legend that saw the tiny car defeat all comers in the top echelons of rallying during the 1960s.

Aaltonen, known as the ‘Rally Professor’, invented the idea of left foot braking to balance the car as it entered corners. He enjoyed a long professional driving career from 1956 to the late 1970s and enjoyed a particularly purple patch when driving for the works Mini team winning the 1965 European Rally Championship in 1965 and the blue riband Monte Carlo Rally in 1967. He won countless other events too, including Britain’s RAC rally and the Gallaher 500 in Australia (now the famous ‘Great Race’ – the Bathhurst 500), also in a Mini Cooper S.

This legend of the world of rallying will be driving a privately-owned 1964 Monte Carlo car on the challenging Goodwood Forest Rally Stage on both the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival. One or two lucky people will experience the passenger seat to see at first hand the Flying Finn deliver a masterclass of MINI action.

Aaltonen has for many years been chief instructor for BMW’s driver training programme that operates winter and high performance driver training for customers in Austria, Germany, Finland and elsewhere around the globe.

MINI AT THE GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

MINI is planning to have heaps of fun at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed from July 1st to 4th. Apart from displaying the full range of the current MINI models, the quintessentially British MINI brand will mix old and new as befits a 51 year old hell raiser. Goodwood will be the venue where MINI’s glorious past meets the brand’s exciting future.

MINI E Race to set electrifying pace

Monte Carlo Rallying legend, and one of the original ‘Flying Finns’, Rauno Aaltonen will drive the MINI E Race up the hill at Goodwood.

The Festival will be the first in the UKto host the appearance of the MINI E Race, a modified race-equipped version of the emissions-free MINI currently undergoing road trials in the UK, USA and Germany.

Set up like a race track to celebrate MINI’s glorious racing heritage, Rauno Aaltonen will also be on the MINI stand for interviews and to meet fans over the three days.

New MINI models make Goodwood debut

Visitors will be able to take a closer look at the current range of MINI models including examples of the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman. Making its debut at a UKmotoring event will be the new MINI Countryman that goes on sale at MINI dealers on September 18th 2010.The Countryman opens up a new era in the MINI story. It is the largest MINI model ever made and it is also the first to offer four doors and the option of four wheel drive in the ALL4 models.

The Countryman retains a familiar MINI appearance, albeit distinctly different to any that have gone before. It is 398 mm longer than a MINI Hatch, 106 mm wider and 172mm higher. With the seats up it offers 190 litres more luggage capacity than a MINI Hatch, with a total of 350 litres. With the rear seats folded flat, capacity increases to 1,170 litres. This large load space is accessed through a wide-opening tailgate. For the first time ever a MINI has four wide-opening doors, passenger capacity for five adults and a flexible, activity-orientated interior packed with innovations. All UKmodels will be built as five seat cars, although customers can specify the four seat option at no extra cost.

The Countryman range will include three petrol and two diesel models, as well as two ALL4 all- wheel drive models – the CooperD ALL4andCooperS ALL4. The petrol engines are equipped with the new 1.6 litre power plants already announced for the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman models and introduced in March 2010. The new diesel-powered units combine excellent performance with parsimonious fuel consumption and extremely low emissions, both emitting well below 120g/km.

The petrol engines all feature VALVETRONIC variable valve timing that produces more torque low down and aids overall efficiency. The CooperS model also features a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection that enables blistering performance with modest fuel economy and low CO2 emissions. All engines meet EU5 emissions standards.

Two models in the new Countryman range will offer four wheel drive, for the very first time in MINI’s 51 year history. The MINI CooperD and CooperS ALL4 models will be available as models in their own right from day one. A MINI Cooper ALL4 will follow in 2011.

The price over the standard front wheel drive Countryman models is a modest £1,065 for the MINI CooperD ALL4and £1,190 for the MINI CooperS ALL4, while the penalty in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions is smaller than one might expect. In the case of the MINI Cooper D ALL4 Countryman, it delivers a CO2 value below 130g/km.

With Countryman prices starting at £16,000, and offering a high standard specification along with optional MINI tlc, Chili and Pepper Packs, the Countryman offers new horizons for the MINI brand” said Jochen Goller, Director of MINI UK.

Monte Carlo Rally Legend drives the Forest Rally Stage

This legend of the world of rallying will be driving a privately-owned 1964Monte Carlocar on the challenging Goodwood Forest Rally Stage on both the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival. One or two lucky people will experience the passenger seat to see at first hand the Flying Finn deliver a masterclass of MINI action.

Friday, June 11, 2010

MINI facelift and Countryman set for Australia Coupe and Roadster possible

As the MINI range expands to be anything but that overseas, MINI Australia has confirmed local customers will not be left behind.

MINI Australia’s Piers Scott today confirmed a facelift of the current range, including the hatch, convertible and Clubman, will take place most likely in the last quarter of 2010. He said cosmetic changes would be “subtle”, with the biggest changes inside and under the bonnet.

“You could expect some small improvements in engine output fuel economy across the range and some changes in the interior in terms of the ergonomics, the layout of the interior and the levels of personalisation of the interior.
“Something that MINI places a very strong emphasis on is your ability to tailor your own MINI in terms of options and that will be increased with the launch of the model update. Things like what you can do with interior light set-up is a big one for example – the colour options become virtually infinite – and other things like that,” Mr Scott said.

He said the next brand new model to join the local line-up would be the MINI Countryman – a longer, chunkier, higher-riding, four-door off-roader with optional all-wheel drive – which launches internationally next month.

“That car won’t arrive in Australia until the very beginning of next year. It certainly heralds a pretty exciting new direction for the brand as a reasonably big departure in a design sense from where we’ve been in the past.
“But you can expect the vehicle to retain all the performance hallmarks of MINI in terms of it being quite unique in its drivability and driving experience,” Mr Scott said.

In the US, MINI vice president, Jim McDowell, earlier this week revealed that the MINI Coupe would arrive in the third quarter of 2011 and be followed by the Coupe-based Roadster six months later in early 2012.

Mr Scott said he could only vouch for the production of the Coupe, which he said was a good chance to make it to Australia.

“It’s been confirmed that the two-seater MINI Coupe will go into production. We don’t have any timing around that. I haven’t heard anything that the Roadster will go into production.
“[There is] no information on Australia, although assuming the car is built in right-hand drive – which I think is a pretty safe assumption – we will definitely be taking that vehicle,” he confirmed.

Looking further down the line, UK publication Auto Express says MINI designers have plans to make a seven-seater version of the Countryman to compete against smaller people-movers and SUVs.

Global head of MINI brand management, Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, told Auto Express the Countryman’s platform had the flexibility to be expanded.

“We could take the wheelbase from 2.60m to around 2.60m,” Dr Armbrecht said.

The UK publication also said the Moke is expected to make a comeback after supposedly being given the green light for production following a positive response to the radical Beachcomber Concept unveiled at this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Mini Works Clubman

On fleet since: February 2010
Total mileage: 7,200 miles
Official combined mpg: 40.4mpg
Actual mpg: 30.3mpg
Costs: £0 so far
GALLERY: Mini John Cooper Works

Where have we been?

Ash cloud. Unpredictable volcanoes. Strikes. It's enough to put anyone off flying. However, for my recent trip to Northern Ireland I needed little excuse to avoid the little metal tube in the sky. I was taking my Mini Clubman Works long-termer.

And better still I was forgoing the boring motorway route to Scotland by opting for a cross-country blast through Wales. Two and a bit hours from my house to the border, then four hours of winding roads, misty glens, soaring mountains and the occasional sheep.

My destination was Holyhead in Anglesey, where I would pick up the swift and reliable Stena service to Dublin.

From Dublin it's then a couple of hours to the north, dodging the millions of cops hiding in unmarked patrol cars ready to pounce on anyone who strays mildly over the limit. Hard given that this little Mini can flash well past the speed limit in third gear.

What do I like?

Some critics of the Mini accuse it of being deafening, stiff and uncomfortable, but on the A5 through Wales I'll guarantee they would reconsider their views.

The steering is crispier than a bag of Kettle Chips, allowing you to pick out the apex on the jagged roads like you're on a track. The 1.6-litre turbo offers the punch to surge past slower moving traffic as if it's sitting still. And the constant buzz from the exhausts is undeniably intoxicating, not tiring.

On wet roads the front wheels would spin away the power in the first three gears, so a gentle throttle approach was required, but from here on grip was reassuringly abundant. Just make sure both hands are on the wheel or you might make an unscheduled short cut through the hedge when the torque steer kicks in.

What don't I like?

"Oh, it's the Mini estate" I would overhear. However, there's nothing roomy about the boot on this car: two small suitcases wouldn't fit lengthways without the rear seats being folded.

It's not that the boot is useless - it offers about the same room as a Ford Fiesta - but it's the awkward shape that prevents it being more useful. The extra length on the wheelbase doesn't give it much more rear legroom either.

Other foibles? Even on a motorway run sticking at 70mph, the average fuel economy rarely lifted its nose above the 30mpg mark though it was just about possible to get from our house to Holyhead on one tank.
And while I love the retro switches for the electric windows sitting low on the centre console, I often flick the fog lights on by mistake.

What next for the Mini?

Two months to D-day - the Works is due to go back soon. So in the meantime I'm trying to cram as much in as possible including the slight possibility of a trip to the Nurburgring. 150mph on the Autobahn, here we come... (maybe).
Mini Works Clubman: month three
Mini Works Clubman: month two
Arrival: Mini John Cooper Works Clubman
All our long-term test cars
Thanks to Stena for the travel arrangements

Gallery:

MINI Coope Vehicle Overview from Edmunds

Introduction:
Have fun, save the planet. Now that sounds like a great plan, but cars that get great fuel economy are typically dull to drive, boring to look at and just a tad dorky. But the 2010 Mini Cooper proves to be an exception to this rule. Since being reintroduced to America eight years ago, the Mini has been one of the few ways to get great gas mileage and still look cool in the process. And its agile handling, unique character and highly customizable nature make it a winner whether you care to save fuel or not. There are some downsides, however. Though it's tremendously fun to drive, the Mini rides stiffly (especially with 17-inch and larger wheels). Its compact dimensions make parking a snap, and even tall drivers will fit easily, but the backseat legroom is tight to nonexistent. The modernistic interior looks cool, but its controls are unintuitive and poorly placed. The convertible offers a whole bunch of fun in the sun, but its rear visibility is compromised. The Mini's engines are undoubtedly win-win propositions, though, offering relatively rapid acceleration, particularly in turbocharged form, while averaging about 30 mpg. And the customization options are second to none in this segment. There are countless combinations of trim, engine, body style and options available, from the hatchback and convertible bodies and three engine choices to the numerous factory options and dealer-installed accessories. For 2010, the hatchbacks can be further glamorized with the Mayfair or Camden packages. Named after distinctive parts of London, they combine a number of regular options with unique wheels and special exterior and interior color combinations. If you're looking for a small car, the Mini isn't the only game in town. Hatchback models like the Mazda 3, Volvo C30 and VW Golf/GTI, as well as convertible models like the BMW 1 Series and Volkswagen Eos, have their own sets of advantages. However, none of these exactly match up to the Mini in an apples-to-apples comparison. At the end of the day, know that if you pick a 2010 Mini Cooper you'll end up with a truly special automobile, one that allows you to have fun and help save the planet at the same time.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The 2010 Mini Cooper is available in two-door hatchback and convertible body styles. Each is available in three trim levels: Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW). The base Cooper comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, full power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, a six-way manual driver seat, leatherette (vinyl) upholstery, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel, multicolor ambient lighting and a six-speaker stereo with a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The Cooper Convertible models add a full power convertible top that includes a sunroof feature and 16-inch alloy wheels. The Cooper's Sport package adds 16-inch wheels on the hatchback and 17-inch wheels on the convertible, foglamps, a rear spoiler, sport seats and hood stripes. The Cooper S adds 16-inch wheels, a turbocharged engine, firmer suspension tuning, foglamps and sport seats. The Cooper S Sport package adds 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights and hood stripes. The John Cooper Works includes a more powerful turbo engine, upgraded Brembo brakes and cloth upholstery. A limited-slip differential and a firmer suspension can be fitted to both the S and the John Cooper Works. The options list is anything but mini. There are several packages available, but their content is mostly available Ã la carte. Major optional features include a dual-pane sunroof, automatic climate control, heated seats, keyless ignition/entry, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo, Bluetooth and an iPod interface. Other options include different wheels, parking sensors, cloth or leather upholstery, different trim colors and materials, a navigation system, satellite radio and HD radio. The new Camden and Mayfair packages include a selection of optional features listed above and add unique colors and trim. As has been the case since the Mini's debut, a multitude of dealer-installed features are additionally available.
Powertrains and Performance:
The Cooper comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine good for 118 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. As with all Minis except for the John Cooper Works, a six-speed manual with hill-start assist is standard and a six-speed automatic is optional. Mini estimates a manual-equipped hatchback will go from zero to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 28 mpg city/37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined with the manual (28/36/31 convertible) and 25/33/28 with the automatic. The Cooper S has a turbocharged version of the same engine good for 172 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque (192 lb-ft at full throttle thanks to an overboost function). In Edmunds testing, a manual-equipped hatchback went from zero to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, and a convertible with the same transmission did it in 7.2. EPA estimated fuel economy is 26/34/29 with the manual and 24/32/27 with the auto. The John Cooper Works cranks up the turbo boost to produce 208 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is the only available transmission. Mini estimates a 0-60 time of 6.2 seconds for the hatchback and 6.6 for the convertible. Fuel economy is 25/33/28.
Safety:
All 2010 Mini Coopers come standard with antilock disc brakes, stability control and front-seat side airbags. Side curtain airbags are standard on the hatchback, while the convertible features pop-up rollover bars and larger front side airbags that extend to head height. Traction control is optional. In Edmunds braking, various Mini Cooper S models with 17-inch wheels stopped from 60 mph between 112 and 115 feet -- excellent results. In government crash testing, the Cooper hatchback received a frontal crash rating of four stars out of a possible five. Side-impact tests resulted in five stars for front passengers and four stars for those seated in the rear. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the hatchback its best rating of "Good" in the frontal-offset test, and its second-best score of "Average" in the side-impact and roof-crush tests.
Interior Design and Special Features:
The 2010 Mini Cooper's interior layout is as head-scratching as its exterior is endearing. The pie-plate-sized center-mounted speedometer honors the Mini's past, but from a functional standpoint it's a bit silly. Meanwhile, the climate controls are awkward to use and the stereo volume control knob isn't grouped with any other audio controls -- what looks like the volume knob is actually a redundant tuning/track-skip knob. The phrase "form over function" is quite apt when describing the Mini Cooper's interior. On the bright side, the diminutive Mini is impressively accommodating up front -- neither headroom nor legroom is an issue. The rear seat, however, is very cramped due to a virtually nonexistent amount of legroom. Trunk space behind the rear seat is severely limited, too, but folding down the 50/50-split rear seat creates a useful square-shaped cargo area. The convertible features a tailgate-style trunk opening with an upper portion that lifts up to allow larger items to fit in the tiny 6-cubic-foot trunk. The 50/50-split rear seat folds down to expand space into the cabin. Unlike in the old Mini Convertible, it is possible -- barely -- to see out the back of the current one with the top lowered thanks to redesigned rollover hoops, though visibility is still compromised relative to other drop tops. With the top raised, rearward visibility is very poor.
Driving Impressions:
The 2010 Mini Cooper is an amusement park ride on wheels, albeit a noisy one. Even the base model can hold its own when the going gets twisty. It rides stiffly, however, and the Cooper S and JCW are stiffer still. We recommend that mainstream buyers pass on the sport suspension and the larger wheels. The base Cooper is peppy enough for most drivers, and the S and John Cooper Works variants are a wild ride -- expect some torque steer with these turbo models, though. In terms of outright speed, the JCW model is the swiftest, but the Cooper S is close enough that it should suffice for all but the most ardent Miniphile. The six-speed manual transmission is notable for its precise shifter and compliant clutch. The automatic isn't the smoothest-shifting unit in the world, but in Manual mode it responds quickly to the driver's paddle-shifted inputs.

Mini Cooper Convertible Quick Spin

Convertible owners are a breed apart. An opportunistic lot, they seize any opportunity to drop the top and soak up the sunshine. While many live in Sunbelt states, you'll also find them in parts of the country where sunshine is fickle and top-down seasons are fleeting. Through months of leaden skies and numbing cold, these people grit their teeth and button their tops (or squirrel their cars away for the duration). When winter shows a chink in its armor, they jump on the opportunity, peel back the lid and take off - even if they have to turn on the heat to keep frost from forming on their brows. It's to these people that Mini points its latest offerings.

Sporty cars have traditionally been open cars - even in Great Britain, where rain was invented and from whence Mini's hail. No surprise, then, that Mini is celebrating the second anniversary of the Cooper hatchback's arrival with a pair of new convertible models. On sale now are ragtop versions of both the standard Cooper and the sportier Cooper S.

Vehicle Overview from Kelley Blue Book

By now you've seen the MINI Cooper running around town. It's unmistakable really, with its tiny box of a body and big bug eyes. You may even have made the mistake of trying to race past one, assuming that such a small car couldn't be as fast as your SUV. If the little car you tried to overtake ended up dusting you in the process, you were probably toying with the Cooper S, a supercharged terror that can roll from 0 to 60-mph in less than seven seconds flat.

The MINI Cooper—or MINI as it is affectionately known—may be small, but it is big on room, safety and economy. MINI's parent company is BMW and the quality and attention to detail this premium automaker is renowned for is evident throughout the Cooper. A quick walk around reveals perfectly aligned seams, solid construction and unusually detailed brightwork surrounding the grille and bumpers. Upon further inspection, you'll notice that the MINI's wheels are pushed to the furthest edges of the car. This design not only creates a roomy interior, it is a major factor in the MINI's fantastically stable handling.

The MINI comes in only one body style, though a convertible will join the line mid-year. The two-door hatchback is available in three trims: base, S and John Cooper Works S. All three employ the same 1.6-liter engine, but the latter two receive a supercharger that significantly increases horsepower. The standard MINI produces 115 horsepower while the S bumps that figure to 163; the John Cooper Works S, which is a specially produced version of the MINI sanctioned by BMW, tops out at a whopping 200 horsepower. Now we know these numbers don't look huge, but you need to remember that the MINI weighs less than 3500 pounds, so a little power goes a lot further than in most cars.

The MINI is as radical inside as out, with a huge speedometer predominantly mounted in the center of the dash and a freestanding tachometer bolted to the steering column. There are numerous styling tricks that delight and entertain, such as the dash-mounted toggle switches and the sculpted plastic door panels. The MINI's height adjustable front seats ensure that there is plenty of leg and headroom for six-footers; you can even fit two adults in the rear seat without requiring the front passengers to move their knees under the dash. You won't find much cargo room behind the rear seats, but you can fold them down if you need the extra space.

Of the three models, you'll likely find that the base car affords the smoothest ride. The 115-horsepower engine has no problem pulling the MINI around and, so long as you don't have a full load or are climbing steep inclines, the acceleration is more than adequate for passing and merging. You'll find the MINI's handling to be downright mind boggling, with instantaneous turn-in and a level cornering attitude that would make the original proud. The standard five-speed manual shifts smoothly, but is not as precise as the wonderful Getrag six-speed found on the S model. If you want an automatic, you will have to go with the base Cooper that offers an advanced CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) as an extra-cost option.

The 163-horsepower Cooper S provides a significant increase in performance yet costs only a few thousand dollars more. Though it runs like a cheetah closing in on dinner, the Cooper S does exhibit one unusual trait. Upon engaging first gear, you'll notice what feels like turbo lag. The Cooper S slowly moves forward and then—as the supercharger gains momentum—suddenly rockets away. We are not sure why this occurs but we do know that the John Cooper Works S exhibits no such hesitation, suggesting the culprit may reside in the stock engine management program. To compensate for this momentary lack of inertia, you may find yourself tempted to slip the clutch; doing so will certainly quicken the Cooper S' off-the-line acceleration but it will also greatly shorten the life of the car's clutch.

The Cooper S runs on 16-inch run-flat tires that provide better handling than the stock 15s, but contribute greatly to the S model's rougher ride. If you opt for the Sport Package on the S, you'll get even shorter 17-inch run flats. To ensure you don't end up with buyer's remorse, we suggest you road test all three wheel and tire combinations before signing on the dotted line.

Beyond its original good looks, the MINI offers tremendous value for the money. With a starting price just under $17K, the MINI includes many items that are usually options on other vehicles. If you were to pick up a MINI with no options at all, you'd drive off in a car with air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, keyless entry, dual heated power side-view mirrors, a five-speed manual transmission, AM/FM stereo with CD, front head- and side-impact airbags, a rear wiper, a tire-pressure monitoring system and 15-inch alloy wheels. The S adds traction control, sport seats, six-speed manual transmission, 16-inch alloy wheels, chrome fuel cap and a hood scoop.

For just a few thousand more, you can select from a number of packages and stand alone options such as the glass moonroof that fills the entire roof panel, larger wheels and tires, a sport suspension, cruise control, Dynamic Stability Control, heated seats and Xenon headlamps; you can even get an onboard navigation system, though you'll lose the cool center-mounted speedometer to the unit's LCD screen if you do.

Mini is just the name Think huge.

The eagerly awaited Mini has arrived with the emotional appeal of a puppy, the high-style gloss of a fashion magazine and the technological edge of a Los Alamos lab. It is adorable, roadable and affordable. BMW has managed to meld the inherent incongruities of the German and British car culture and reached back to the 1960s for the automotive icon of mod London. The popular Mini thus reappears as the Mini, reinvented for the 21st century.

A third larger than the original Issigonis design, this Mini is still the shortest car in American parking spaces and still larger on the inside than on the out. It totes four adults and a fair amount of stuff. Though connected to its popular past, the new Mini is clearly of this century with advanced safety features and impressive engineering innovation.

BMW priced the Mini with an appreciation for real-world pocketbooks (starting at $16,300) yet endowed it with a visual and physical opulence that ratchets up its value quotient. And finally: it's as much fun as patent-leather Mary Janes with taps on the toes.

MINI Cooper Overview Vehicle Overview from Kelley Blue Book

There is a lot of buzz about the MINI Cooper. The hot little British import now owned by BMW is being reintroduced to the U.S. market for the first time since leaving our shores some 20 years ago. What's so special about a tiny little hatchback with big bug eyes and a price tag starting at over $15K? Plenty! The MINI Cooper puts the fun back in to "fun to drive" and after your first test spin we're sure it will have you wearing an ear-to-ear grin in just under 7.0 seconds.

The original MINI Cooper (MINI is the company, Cooper is the actual name of the car though most people just refer to it as "the MINI") came to the U.S. in the early 1970s. It was even smaller than the current MINI, but its tiny size and long wheelbase made it a phenomenal handling car and it quickly gained a cult like following. Contrary to its outward appearance, the original MINI Cooper actually had a surprisingly roomy interior, a trait the modern MINI also shares.

The MINI Cooper is a blast to drive. Its 115-horsepower engine has no problem pulling the little car around and you can zip in and out of traffic with go-cart-like precision. The five-speed-manual transmission is fun to shift, but feels a bit rubbery, making quick, flick-of-the-wrist shifts a bit difficult. The S model, which includes larger wheels and a supercharged engine, gets a much nicer 6-speed manual that feels more in tune with the MINI Cooper's image. As good as it feels to accelerate in a MINI , it feels even better coming to a stop. The MINI Cooper is outfitted with large 11" front disc brakes (10" at the rear) that can stop the car on a dime. Run the MINI up a winding mountain road, and you'll understand the true joy of driving. The MINI obeys your every command with instantaneous response; no SUV ever tackled a mountain road like this! The more you drive the MINI Cooper, the more you begin to feel like one of the car's components, an integral part of the driving apparatus. It may sound like a bad Zen pun, but you really do become one with the car.

The new MINI Cooper offers more than just go-cart-like handling and attention grabbing good looks; it is a real value story in the making. The design alone is worth the price of the car, with its retro exterior styling and thoroughly funky interior that includes a center-mounted speedometer and flip-up toggle switches, just like they used in the 1960s. The MINI Cooper is also loaded with standard safety features including front side-impact airbags and a full-length head protection airbag for both front and rear-seat passengers. The MINI Cooper also has numerous crumple zones and a rigid passenger cell that helps protect the occupants in the event of a crash. Though tiny in size, the MINI is big on safety, a point that needs to be emphasized in a land where people sometimes falsely equate size with security.

The MINI Cooper's interior is nothing short of magic. How they fit all that legroom into such a tiny frame boggles the mind. Six footers will have no problem with either headroom or front seat legroom; rear seat passengers can sit comfortably, provided the front-seat occupants do not have the seat pushed all the way back. Storage behind the second row is pretty MINImal, but if you are not carrying additional passengers, you can fold the rear seats down and create a large storage zone (25 cubic feet). There are plenty of standard features to play with such as power windows, power door locks, a steering column mounted tachometer, tilt wheel, rear defroster, air conditioning and a 6-speaker CD audio unit.

The MINI's options list is loaded with cool and fun features you won't find on any other car in this price range. It has features like a full-length glass sunroof, a Harman Kardon sound system, on-board navigation and automatic climate control. And then there are the no-charge options, like the numerous paint patterns. You can order your MINI in one solid color or opt for the roof and side mirrors to be painted either black or white. For an additional fee, MINI will even paint a British Union Jack flag on the top of your car; very hip.