Cars Service

MINI Cooper Review

Accompanying the introduction of the MINI Cooper and MINI One into the German market, the BMW Group is presenting a future-oriented concept version of the MINI.
Consistently designed for hydrogen power, the MINI Cooper hydrogen package study based on the MINI Cooper proves that the combustion engine can provide an excellent combination of emission management, low costs, a good package and driving pleasure using a combustion engine free of CO2.



The single-mode 4-cylinder power unit based on a series-production MINI engine could therefore well come with a cryogenic fuel/air mixture formation efficiently cooling the mixture drawn into the engine, giving the cylinders a better charge and boosting both engine power and efficiency in the process. In its output and consumption, the hydrogen engine will therefore equal the high standard already achieved by petrol engines today. A further feature is the contoured hydrogen tank fitted for the first time beneath the rear seats, ensuring that the supply of hydrogen, while offering the same capacity, does not take up more space than the conventional supply of petrol. In other words, both the passenger and luggage compartment are just as large as before.

The MINI is the future-oriented re-creation of a genuine original. In the guise of the MINI One and MINI Cooper, the new car offers the best technology you can find today in this segment, while at the same time bringing back the genes and characteristics of the original Mini in many emotional components.



The MINI is ingrained in British culture and even though it is now owned by BMW its spirit remains British through and through. BMW have taken this motoring icon of the last four decades and transformed it into the most advanced and entertaining car of its size on the market.

Built in Oxford (the original home of the Morris Minor) the MINI retains all the cheeky charm of its predecessor combined with German reliability.



With the launch of the new MINI, BMW have rekindled public enthusiasm for the MINI brand worldwide and it is now available in over 70 countries. In April this year the MINI reached an important milestone when the 100,000th MINI, a silver Cooper S was registered in the UK.
The range now includes the MINI One, MINI One D (diesel), MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S and the MINI Convertible (launched this summer). The only model lacking is an estate (traveller).


Summary

The Mini Cooper is a well-executed piece by every measure. Its the total package that makes it the excellent value it is: appealing appearance inside and out, excellent performance, notable engineering, numerous safety devices and the simple delight of being in and around it. It gets excellent gas mileage and it will make your garage seem enormous.

About 10,000 Mini Coopers were sold in the United States from 1960-67. Still a sensation, the current Mini was introduced in late March 2002 and posted 15,000 sales in the first seven months. New owners were delighted by the Minis design, features, and performance, according to a J.D. Power and Associates survey. Wed certainly be delighted to own one.

Model Line Overview

Model lineup: Cooper ($16,425); Cooper S ($19,425)

Engines: 115-hp 1.6-liter SOHC inline-4; 163-hp 1.6-liter SOHC inline-4

Transmissions: 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Safety equipment (standard): ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Corner Brake Control, Electronic Traction Control; dual frontal and side-impact airbags; front and rear head-protection system

Safety equipment (optional): Dynamic Stability Control; run-flat tires

Basic warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles (3 years/36,000 full maintenance)

Assembled in: Oxford, England