May 2007
First Look: Mini Cooper S
The redesigned Mini is a blast to drive, despite minor annoyances
Overview. Since BMW reinterpreted the long-lived original Mini Cooper for 2002, the small hatchback has been a hit. Its combination
of heritage styling, agile handling, and premium features has struck a chord with car enthusiasts and trendsetters alike.
At a glance, the redesigned 2007 Mini is almost identical to the 2002 model, and it retains a retro resemblance to the iconic original. Major upgrades have been made to the engines, chassis, cockpit, and some switchgear. The Mini still comes as a two-door hatchback, although the redesigned convertible has not been introduced yet. The new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, developed with Peugeot, is a good for 118 hp in the base model and 172 hp in the turbocharged S version. (The previous S model had a supercharged 168-hp engine.) The standard transmission is six-speed for the hatchback. A five-speed automatic is optional, replacing the CVT of the last generation. The cheapest Mini starts at just over $18,000. We bought a typically equipped Mini Cooper S, which listed at $26,400.
Initial impressions. On the road, the Mini handles with the agility of a go-cart. Steering response is immediate, and the body is virtually free
of roll. The electrically assisted steering, while one of the better systems of its kind, still feels a little artificial
on center. The ride is very firm, but this new model seems less choppy than the last one we tested. The turbocharged engine
accelerates the car eagerly and is more refined than its whiny supercharged predecessor.
Sadly, there is now a bit of torque steer where there wasn't much previously. That's most likely due to the nature of supercharging vs. turbocharging. The former boosts low-range to midrange power; the latter helps mid- to upper-range performance. The six-speed manual shifter has a precise, low-effort feel, but it's too easy to select reverse instead of first gear during parking maneuvers. We haven't conducted our formal fuel-economy tests yet, but the trip computer indicates that we've been averaging 27 mpg overall.
As before, the front seats are comfortable, but the vestigial rear bench is more suitable for a handbag or a pet. Fit and finish is very good, and the soft-touch surfaces have a high-quality feel. But the audio system comes straight from BMW's Confusing Controls Department. Reliability through the last five years has seen ups and downs. We look forward to seeing the results from our next owner's survey.
CR's take: The updated Mini Cooper retains its charm and agility, while gaining a bit more power and refinement. We'll have a full report in the October issue of Consumer Reports and in September at ConsumerReports.org.
Read the Consumer Reports Cars Blog for regular updates on vehicles CR is currently evaluating.
At a glance, the redesigned 2007 Mini is almost identical to the 2002 model, and it retains a retro resemblance to the iconic original. Major upgrades have been made to the engines, chassis, cockpit, and some switchgear. The Mini still comes as a two-door hatchback, although the redesigned convertible has not been introduced yet. The new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, developed with Peugeot, is a good for 118 hp in the base model and 172 hp in the turbocharged S version. (The previous S model had a supercharged 168-hp engine.) The standard transmission is six-speed for the hatchback. A five-speed automatic is optional, replacing the CVT of the last generation. The cheapest Mini starts at just over $18,000. We bought a typically equipped Mini Cooper S, which listed at $26,400.
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Sadly, there is now a bit of torque steer where there wasn't much previously. That's most likely due to the nature of supercharging vs. turbocharging. The former boosts low-range to midrange power; the latter helps mid- to upper-range performance. The six-speed manual shifter has a precise, low-effort feel, but it's too easy to select reverse instead of first gear during parking maneuvers. We haven't conducted our formal fuel-economy tests yet, but the trip computer indicates that we've been averaging 27 mpg overall.
As before, the front seats are comfortable, but the vestigial rear bench is more suitable for a handbag or a pet. Fit and finish is very good, and the soft-touch surfaces have a high-quality feel. But the audio system comes straight from BMW's Confusing Controls Department. Reliability through the last five years has seen ups and downs. We look forward to seeing the results from our next owner's survey.
CR's take: The updated Mini Cooper retains its charm and agility, while gaining a bit more power and refinement. We'll have a full report in the October issue of Consumer Reports and in September at ConsumerReports.org.
Read the Consumer Reports Cars Blog for regular updates on vehicles CR is currently evaluating.
