Part 8 of an 11-part series.
Six years after its return to United States distribution, the Mini Cooper is no longer a novelty retro. Yet until the Smart, the Daimler-Chrysler mini-car, arrives next year, the Mini-Cooper is still the shortest car available in the United States.
As such, the English-built sports car still attracts more than its share of comments. I've now driven the last three years of the Mini, and I have no reason to change my mind from my original experience. Everyone has something to say about the Mini, and it's the most fun car I've ever driven.
This time around, I had the standard 1.6-liter convertible with 115 horsepower and the Mini's new six-speed automatic transmission. 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 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. Also, a swiveling cupholder (one of three), positioned to the right of the radio, just seems to get in the way.
But the Mini has more positive attributes than issues: There's plenty of front seat foot and head room, at least for a 6-foot, 185-test driver; The cabin's tubular, metallic trim is sleek and modern, and the glove box cover and other interior areas get high marks in the "cool" category; Windows and other automatic functions are engaged with bullet-style toggle switches on the dash. They're separated by hip-looking black, metal rings. And while not practical, the approach is unique and fun and therefore good.
Another great Mini feature is the automatic convertible ragtop. Push a button between the windshield visor the top goes up or down with a smooth and quick three-step process — in less than 30 seconds.
The Mini Cooper's base model's price is $21,900 and it included nearly $7,000 in options. That's not a bargain. Nevertheless, potential buyers consider the Mini Cooper for its sportiness and driving appeal, and that's what they'll get.
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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