Topic: CD Article: 2007 Mini Cooper

[Autos_Editor]

First Drive:


Though they look like the current Minis, the new Cooper and Cooper S are longer and taller and have more rear legroom and trunk space, reports Laurance Yap.  The Cooper S's new turbocharged engine is "less noisy", and a revised suspension offers "a major improvement in ride quality and body control at high speed," he says. A "short-shifting" six-speed manual transmission is now standard in both cars, and the Cooper's CVT transmission has been dropped and replaced by a six-speed automatic.  
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[tpl]

If they make it any more expensive they, BMW, will be able to bring the 1-series to NA at a lower price point than the mini....

[jww]

For good or bad, I love this little roller-skate of a vehicle. It's pretty close to being the funnest thing you can drive, IMO.

Notwithstanding it is quite pricey, so, I suppose I would have to settle for the Mazda3's cheaper price to get a moderately priced fun-factor behind the wheel.

[mdxtasy]

Pricey little buggers aren't they?  Interior is too funky for me.  Exterior is nice but there's no nostalgic feeling for me.  I noticed the Sentra SE-R is a competitor....so I guess the Civic Si, and Acura CSX Type S should also be considered a competitor to this hatch?  This Mini seems to be maxi on power. 

[Rupert]

Love the big centre speedo. High up on the dash great. Tach good with sporty manual shift car. Controls with tactile divider bars look great and probably require less driver attention to operate. Not a purchase for me, more the pitty, but surely some of these similar design features could be a carryover to less exotic vehicles. It's good to see that the vehicle that started the space saving transverse front wheel drive layout and revolutionised  auto design, still has a place. Albeit different company and far more upscale. Hope it does not grow in size too much.

[Bonzo]

But as usual Canadians are getting ripped off by BMW. The list price of the 2007 Cooper in the US is US$18050. In today's Globe the exchange rate is 1.13. That should price it at C$20396 here. How does BMW justify the extra $4600?

[mdxtasy]

But as usual Canadians are getting ripped off by BMW. The list price of the 2007 Cooper in the US is US$18050. In today's Globe the exchange rate is 1.13. That should price it at C$20396 here. How does BMW justify the extra $4600?

Yay...another one.

[Bullet Blue]

I noticed the SE-R as a competitor too. Didn't realize they were still being offered.

I think the Mini is great, but it is a lot of money. I'm not sure buying used is exactly a safe bet. I hear from every owner that they are definately worth the money.

[Benhaze]

I was nearly ready to go buy one after seeing the Italian Job movie.

[mdxtasy]

I was nearly ready to go buy one after seeing the Italian Job movie.

Ditto.  I wanted one with Ms. Theron in the passenger seat. 

The white one with the striping was my favorite.

[quadzilla]

I was nearly ready to go buy one after seeing the Italian Job movie.

Ditto.  I wanted one with Ms. Theron in the passenger seat. 

The white one with the striping was my favorite.

Did you happen to catch Aeon Flux in HD on the weekend? 

I’ve only driven the Mini at the events they have once a year and walk away thinking it will be our next car only if I could get over the function/space/$$$ aspect of the car (we do a lot of camping/biking).  The MS3 is about the same price as the Cooper-S and offers a lot more space and probably really close performance wise. It would be a touch decision if we ever go smaller.

[mdxtasy]

I was nearly ready to go buy one after seeing the Italian Job movie.

Ditto.  I wanted one with Ms. Theron in the passenger seat. 

The white one with the striping was my favorite.

Did you happen to catch Aeon Flux in HD on the weekend? 

    Aeon can flux me any day of the week....weekends too. 

[avtoller]

I was nearly ready to go buy one after seeing the Italian Job movie.

I watched the original Italian Job at a drive-in while sitting in my 1969 Mini Cooper. 

[Benhaze]

I was nearly ready to go buy one after seeing the Italian Job movie.

I watched the original Italian Job at a drive-in while sitting in my 1969 Mini Cooper. 

That is too funny! 

[The Mighty Duck]

Pricey little buggers aren't they?  Interior is too funky for me.  Exterior is nice but there's no nostalgic feeling for me.  I noticed the Sentra SE-R is a competitor....so I guess the Civic Si, and Acura CSX Type S should also be considered a competitor to this hatch?  This Mini seems to be maxi on power. 

I was thinking of the Si reading the review, too.  I think I'd rather have the Mini, but it doesn't come cheap, do they?  I'm not surprised they sell, but I'm not convinced I would ever be able to justify the price they command.

[84im]

I'm really happy with our 2006 MCS.  Power is good, and the handling is awesome.   I find the ride with the 16 inch wheels to be very good, and the car is fairly quiet on the highway.  As far as carrying capacity goes....I'm glad I also have a pickup truck.  There's not much room!
The basic MINI Cooper S, while not inexpensive, is very well equipped.  The price does climb very quickly when you start to add on the options.  As for comparing the MCS to an M3S.....that would be a tough one.  I'd have to drive both, back-to-back.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I just LOVE the Mini. I think it's the best lookin' thing on the road, and is a blast to drive.

However, it's just too small for me as my solo vehicle. Also, in the past the ride has been pretty stiff on S's and heard complaints of lots of rattles. Think reliability has improved a lot from a few years ago. Even priced that high, I think they're a decent deal because the damn things hold their value so friggin' well. It's crazy - I wouldn't buy a pre-owned one.

[Arthur Dent]

So much money and even bigger than the older version. No thanks.

What is this mystery rear suspension - he don't say except that it is lightweight and not like the old Z axle or a dead axle.

[Ex-airbalancer]

Pricey little buggers aren't they?  Interior is too funky for me.  Exterior is nice but there's no nostalgic feeling for me.  I noticed the Sentra SE-R is a competitor....so I guess the Civic Si, and Acura CSX Type S should also be considered a competitor to this hatch?  This Mini seems to be maxi on power. 

I was thinking of the Si reading the review, too.  I think I'd rather have the Mini, but it doesn't come cheap, do they?  I'm not surprised they sell, but I'm not convinced I would ever be able to justify the price they command.

Once you done school and have cash or a great credit rating you can justify anything if you want it

[Jameel]

Once you done school and have cash or a great credit rating you can justify anything if you want it

Hahahahahaha...   Very true...

But I have to admit it's a tad pricey.  And it's so true they (Mini) hold their value better than Civics.