|
2008 MINI Cooper Review
Sports appeal and fuel efficiency.
2008 Cooper Review Summary & Specifications
Since its introduction as a 2002 model, the Mini Cooper has offered a satisfying combination of peppy performance, distinctive bulldog appearance, and a wide variety of trim and color options at a very reasonable price. Though significantly re-engineered to meet environmental standards (and BMW's own), the most recent versions haven't changed this success formula, but simply improved on it.Gary Anderson filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from Amsterdam, with Barry Brazier in Barcelona, and John F. Katz in Pennsylvania
|
|
| Vehicle Category | Compact Cars |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Mini Cooper hardtop ($18,050); Cooper S hardtop ($21,200); Cooper convertible ($21,950); Cooper S convertible ($25,400) |
| Engines (standard) | 1.6-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4 |
| Engines (optional) | 118-hp 1.6-liter dohc 16-valve inline-4; 172-hp 1.6-liter dohc 16-valve turbocharged inline-4; 115-hp 1.6-liter sohc 16-valve inline-4; 168-hp 1.6-liter sohc 16-valve supercharged inline-4 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 6-speed automatic; 5-speed manual; CVT |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags; electronic stability control, ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Brake Assist |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | Dynamic Stability Control with Hill Assist, Automatic Stability Control plus traction control, run-flat tires |
| Basic Warranty | 5 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Oxford, England |
| Manufacturer Phone | |
| Manufacturer URL | www.miniusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 18050 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mini Cooper S hardtop ($21,200) |
| Standard Equipment | air conditioning, power steering, electrically-assisted disc brakes, cruise control, trip computer, sports suspension; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, RDS, and pre-wiring for satellite radio; power windows with auto-down; power locks; remote keyless entry with electronic signal transmitter in place of the ignition key: leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel; six-way adjustable driver's seat; split-folding rear seat; rear wiper and defogger; ASCT traction and stability control, performance exhaust system |
| Destination Charge | 650 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Premium Package ($1,500) includes panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, high-fidelity radio; Convenience Package ($1,500) includes rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, Bluetooth, multi-function sports steering wheel; bi-xenon headlights ($500); Park Distance Control ($500); leather upholstery ($1,500); chrome line interior ($250) and exterior ($250) kits; 17-inch Crown Spoke wheels ($750) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 28600 |
| Horse Power | 172 @ 5500 |
| Torque | 177 @ 1600-5000 |
| Fuel Economy | 26/34 |
| Wheelbase | 97.1 |
| Length/Width/Height | 146.2/66.3/55.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.8/50.3/41.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.6/44.7/29.9 |
| Trunk Volume | 24 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent MacPherson struts |
| Rear Suspension | center-arm axle |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 |
| Curb Weight | 2668 |
| Stock Tires | 205/45VR17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.2 |
|
|