After twice testing the turbocharged Convertible S models, this time around, I had the standard 1.6-liter convertible with 115 horsepower and the Mini's new six-speed automatic transmission.
And there's a noticeable difference. The manufacturer says the turbocharged manual transmission Mini produces 0-60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The base model with automatic transmission is rated at only 9.1 seconds in the same test.
But the lack of quickness (the base model has more than 50 fewer horsepower) never diminishes the fun.
Consider the huge speedometer in the middle of the dash. It's as big as a wall clock, and it's cool. There's also a small, digital miles per hour display above the steering wheel in the center of the tachometer.
Yet, the large speedometer is the centerpiece of the dash, and it also features one of the car's instrumentation drawbacks. A small digital clock is positioned at the bottom of the speedometer and just to the left of the digital odometer. It's hard to differentiate the time of day from the miles driven.
But the Mini has more positive attributes than issues, including the automatic convertible ragtop. Push a button between the windshield visors and the top goes up or down with a smooth and quick three-step process — in less than 30 seconds.
The Mini Cooper's 2007 base model's price is $21,900. My test vehicle included more than $6,000 in options. Add the standard $650 destination charge and the final price approaches $29,000.
The vehicle's finest attributes are its steering and handling. The response — maneuvering through parking lots or zipping along the freeway — is impressive, particularly noting the car's size.
The Mini-Cooper has a 97.1-inch wheelbase and its overall length is 143.1 inches. But driving the car on the freeway surprisingly doesn't include any notions of inferiority. And driving around town affords lots of advantages in tight surroundings.
Bottom line: If you enjoy driving for the sake of driving, the Mini Cooper is worthy of attention. In any situation, it's a cocky little terrier and it can hold its own among the big dogs.
Facts & Figures: Safety — Driver and front passenger and side impact airbags; Fuel Mileage (estimates) – 25 mpg (city), 33 mpg (highway); Warranty – Bumper to bumper, 5 years/50,000 miles; Powertrain, 3 years/36,000 miles; Corrosion, 12 years/unlimited miles; 24-Hour roadside assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles; Base Price - $21,950.00
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