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Eric's Autos: Reviewing the 2009 BMW Mini Cooper
Eric Peters
For all the choices out there, there isn't all that much difference.
One crossover or compact is pretty much like the next. That's one
reason why the Mini Cooper's so appealing. The spunky little thing is
unlike any other new car on the road. That it's also affordable (about
$18k to start) and happens to be one of the most fuel-efficient cars
you can buy right now (37 MPGs on the highway) seems almost too good
to be true.
WHAT IT IS
The Mini is a modern reincarnation of the iconic '60s-era Mini Cooper micro-car. Like the original, it's small on the outside but amazingly roomy inside. It's both sporty and economical, so its technical classification is as unique as its looks. It can be a much more fun alternative to a traditional economy compact - or it can be a high-mileage, high-performance alternative to a gas-slurping sports car.
The Mini comes in three bodstyles - two-door hatchback, convertible, and a wagon-like job called the Clubman, which has an extended rear section for additional cargo-carrying capacity. Turbocharged S and high-performance John Cooper Works (JCW) versions of all three models are available
Prices start at $18,550 for the base hatchback, $21,950 for the turbocharged S and $28,550 for the souped-up JCW version. Clubman wagons run from $20,200 to $30,800. Convertibles begin at $23,900 and top out at $34,300.
WHAT'S NEW
All version of the Mini now ride on a new and updated chassis; stability control has been made standard on all trims and the JCW package is massaged for even higher performance than before.
WHAT'S GOOD
The whole enchilada. What a happy little car! Everything about it is pleasing, from the artfully done resurrection of classic Mini themes inside and out to the absolute blast it is to drive to the fact that you don't have to be rich to afford it - or to feed it.
WHAT'S NOT SO GOOD
Hmmm... .
ENGINES & PERFORMANCE
Three engine/transmission combos are possible. Base versions come with a 1.6 liter, 118 hp four-cyinder with either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. "S" models add a turbocharger to boost the output to 172 hp; this engine is also available with the six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. At the top is an even further tweaked version of the turbo 1.6 liter engine that delivers 208 hp - again with your choice of six speed manual or six-speed automatic. All Minis are front-wheel-drive.
Even with the base engine, performance is kicking - in part because the Mini is, well, mini. It only weighs about 2,500 lbs. - which is why you get 0-60 in about 8 seconds and close to 40 mpg on the highway. Even city mileage (28 MPG) is exceptional given the zippiness of the car. Also, the Mini's six-speed transmission (both the automatic and the manual) is noteworthy at the $18k price point. Most cars in this price range - or which can match the Mini's economy - only come with five-speeds.
The turbocharged S model is a quick little beastie - 0-60 in just over 6 seconds - that still manages economy car fuel efficiency, 26 city/34 highway. For comparison, a new Toyota Yaris (the distilled essence of econo-box, with not a sporty bone in its skinny little body) is rated by the EPA at just 29 city/36 highway.
Amazingly, the JCW version achieves the same mileage as the S - even though it offers 30 hp more. (This trick is possible thanks to the on-demand nature of the turbocharged engine. It only burns more gas when you floor the pedal and wick up the turbo boost. The rest of the time, the 1.6 liter engine is as economy-minded as the aforesaid Yaris and others like it.)
RIDE & HANDLING/DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
Any of the Minis is a blast to drive - and that includes the affordably priced "base" version. The favorable power-to-weight ratio makes this 118 hp engine feel like anything but an economy engine. The close ratio six-speed gearbox helps, too. Base models even come with a Sport setting (activated by pushing a button on the center console) that dials up more aggressive throttle response and sharper steering feel. Name one econo-box that offers that.
Turbocharged S and JCW versions are as quick or quicker than sport roadsters like the Mazda Miata or Honda S2000 or BMW Z4 but get better mileage and (thanks to small but serviceable back seats) can carry more than two people and a Happy Meal.
JCW versions get Brembo brakes plus 17-inch rims with ultra-aggressive performance tires.
The Mini's compact dimensions (just 145.6 inches long) and short wheelbase (97.1 inches) translate into slot car-like handling. S and JCW versions have firmer-riding suspensions and feel even more slot car-like. Though front-wheel-drive, the Mini is absolutely a match for rear-drive and AWD sporty cars in the cornering department. Plus, it fits into parking spaces most of the rest have to pass by.
But the main thing about the Mini is that it makes you smile every time you get in it. The cheerfulness of this car is unmatched by any competitor - or car - on the market. It will take you back to a time when cars were simple, unpretentious fun.
STYLING & UTILITY
Nothing looks like a Mini (except another Mini). And the Mini is lethally cute, too - not just different looking. The extent to which the Mini's designers went to capture the spirit of the original, '60s-era car is startling. From old-timey toggle-style switches to the big rotary speedo in the center of the dash and the tachometer attached to the steering wheel (just like we used to do in the old days, using a big hose clamp) to the cool-looking retro fonts and shapes. Even the chimes are happy chimes.
Also like the original, it's amazingly big inside. Many small cars are all but undriveable for taller drivers, especially if they're equipped with a sunroof. But in the Mini, drivers well over six feet tall will not have to suffer their head rubbing against the roof - even with the optional panorama dual-piece sunroof.
The hatchback's rear seats are cramped - but they are also there. And what matters more is that when you fold them flat, there's 24 cubic feet of cargo-carrying capacity. This makes the Mini very versatile compared with a lot of the smaller compact econo-boxes out there. And if you need a bit more space, the Clubman model ought to cover it. Its extended rear section offers additional cargo space as well as wide-opending dutch doors (in place of the liftgate on the hatchback). There are also a pair of "mini" (and rear-opening) doors behind the main doors - with no "B" pillar between them. This gives excellent access to the Clubman's larger, roomier interior.
Though inexpensive, even the base $18k model is well-equipped as it sits with AC, six-speaker stereo, power windows and locks, tilt/telescoping wheel and leatherette trim all included. Everything from heated seats to racing stripes to iPod hook-up to GPS to a power sliding soft-top can be ordered up.
QUALITY & SAFETY
Early Minis had some issues with transaxles but these have reportedly been taken care of. Attention to detail is just phenomenal. The almost-endless list of factory and dealer-installed optional equipment means it's possible to order a Mini that's as close to a one-off custom as is possible with a mass produced vehicle. And given the appeal of these things, resale/trade-in values should remain pretty Blue Chip.
Front seat side-impact airbags, excellent disc brakes with ABS and stability control are standard on all Minis. Convertibles have a pop-up roll bar in case of well, a rollover. Traction control is the major safety-related option.
Despite its diminutive size, the Mini did well in government and insurance industry crash tests, earning "good" (best possible) and "acceptable" (second-best) ratings fro frontal and side-impact crashworthiness. Just keep in mind that these scores are relative to other cars in the subcompact class. A Mini T-boned by a Hummer would not fare nearly as well as, say, a Benz S-Class even though both are listed as having "good" test scores.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The Mini is a special car - genuinely unique in an era of dreary homogeneity. How it got through the gates is some kind of miracle. That it's barely more expensive than a lot of soul-sucking econo-boxes, yet matches or beats them on gas mileage, is truly divine.
========
www.ericpetersautos.com or EPeters952@aol.com for comments.
This news arrived on: 10/19/2009
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Posted Comments:
11-10-2009 13:37
G.Tennison wrote:
Mini Cooper
I agree with everything in the article, but want to add:
The dash is radically different from most cars! (both the look and layout) Many think it is great however, it is a turn off for many people that otherwise love the vehicle. If a conservative dash were offered, as an option, sales could increase significantly.
G.Tennison
The dash is radically different from most cars! (both the look and layout) Many think it is great however, it is a turn off for many people that otherwise love the vehicle. If a conservative dash were offered, as an option, sales could increase significantly.
G.Tennison
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