2008 Mini Cooper

Thoroughly Modern Mini

The Mini Cooper combines sporty driving with a distinctively styled package for those who want to drive a small car that stands out from the crowd.

The Mini Cooper is a popular choice among young people and urban dwellers, thanks to its retro-cool styling and sporty yet eco-friendly demeanor. A recent redesign includes more powerful engines and revised styling inside and out.

A confluence of factors prompted the redesign: Stringent new European safety laws require more space between exterior body panels and hard points underneath to reduce the likelihood of injury if a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist at low speeds. The previous generation was due for a spiffier interior, with higher-quality materials and a sleeker design. Mini’s German parent company, BMW AG, also adopted new engines, produced jointly with France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen.

Rather than changing the Mini Cooper’s successful formula, the redesigned model is definitely an evolution, not a revolution. Only rabid devotees could spot the current version’s exterior alterations at first glance. The car’s basic profile remains the same, with a proportionately long wheelbase, wide track and short front- and rear overhangs.

In addition to the base three-door coupe/hatchback, Mini also offers a higher-performance S version (read about the Mini Cooper S here).

The Mini Cooper comes powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The all-aluminum engine utilizes BMW technology to deliver peppy acceleration, with excellent fuel economy.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while the Mini Cooper’s optional six-speed automatic can be shifted manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. It also has a sport mode that shifts more aggressively.

An optional sport suspension sharpens the car’s reflexes, albeit at the expense of ride comfort.

The Mini’s antilock brakes benefit from a host of advanced functions found on much pricier BMWs. These include cornering control, hill assist, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Stability control is optional and recommended.

The Mini Cooper interior retains many distinguishing features, including an oversized and center-mounted speedometer. The same circular gauge also incorporates the audio system display and the optional navigation array. The car’s unique toggle switches are split between the center console and just above the windshield.

The Mini Cooper’s distinctive dashboard design features a push-button starter and round air vents. It can be customized with chrome-plated trim. Like Toyota’s Scion, an indirect illumination package includes five user-selectable lighting color schemes.

The Mini Cooper’s seats are both stylish and comfortable. The rear can accommodate two adults, but it's cramped and hard to access. The cargo area is small, but it can be expanded with the split-folding rear seat backs.

Front, front-side and side-curtain airbags are standard. A number of novel custom paint schemes and interior color combinations are available to further dress up the Mini Cooper, along with a litany of practical, performance and purely cosmetic accessories.

Is the Mini Cooper for You?

Buy the Cooper if	You like to think small; you live in a densely populated city; high style and high efficiency are priorities; you enjoy nimble, sporty handling.
Keep Looking if	You need seating for five; you need a large trunk; you prefer high power over high efficiency; you feel safer in large cars or trucks.
Who Fits?	The interior passenger space is roomier than you might think. Two adults fit comfortably in the supportive front seats, while two more can squeeze in the back without too much discomfort. But like most coupes, rear-seat access is awkward and rear foot-room is minimal.
Closest Competitors	Honda Civic Si Mazda 3 Scion xD Volkswagen New Beetle Volkswagen GTI
Did You Know?	The Mini Cooper is a modern-day embodiment of the original Mini, which debuted in 1959 as a tiny, four-seat car designed to efficiently navigate the U.K.’s narrow roadways. It gained prominence throughout the 1960s via its championships in international rally racing, as well as its mushrooming image as a fashionable petite car owned by the likes of the Beatles, Peter Sellers and even Enzo Ferrari.