Picture Gallery: 2007 Mini Cooper S
Day 1:
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If BMW is reading this — don’t worry, I don’t plan on jumping out of buildings or anything like that, but I may take a few corners at some mind-numbing speeds. You may also catch me squeezing through some tight spaces. You know what they say: if you’ve got it, you might as well use it.
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My tester isn’t one of those loaded up wonder cars, either. Starting at a base price of $30,600, my tester only adds $2,240 to the bottom line in the form of options. The big ticket item is the Premium package ($1,600), which adds a huge glass sunroof that covers the entire top of the vehicle, heated seats and an on-board computer.
Next is the Chrome Line package ($390) which changes the side mirrors for ones with a chromed appearance and adds a few more chrome flourishes on the outside and inside — personally I would skip this one. The remaining $250 is for the white stripes on the bonnet and the white roof.
That’s it folks: for only $32,840 you could be screaming around in the exact vehicle I am testing… should be an entertaining week.
2007 Mini Cooper S
MSRP as tested: $32,840
For more information on Mini and the Cooper S visit Mini Canada
Day 2:
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Although the interior of the Mini is still quirky, with toggle switches for buttons and half moon bits everywhere, it really is toned down from the original.
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The new controls are really easy to use and surprisingly efficient in their design. The new HVAC controls are simple to operate with a slip of the finger on the “wheel” type switch. The window and sunroof toggle switches are kind of fun to use, although the inability to easily put up the two windows at once is somewhat annoying.
The huge speedometer centered in the vehicle may be a negative to some. There certainly is no hiding from your passengers how fast you are traveling; with the Cooper S, it is easy to forget that there are speed limits, and I have to work at remembering to take a glance over to my right to ensure I am not doubling them.
I like the standard leatherette seats; they are firm and supportive enough to hold you in place in the corners. The tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids in attaining a comfortable driving position, and within minutes of driving the Mini, I felt right at home.
Obviously, interior storage is somewhat of an issue in the Mini. The trunk is fairly minimalistic; you could fit a good week’s groceries in it, but no trips to Costco without folding down the rear seats. I tried sitting in the back but it hurt my knees when I returned the front seat back to its prior location. On the plus side, it was easy to get back there and if your front passenger is on the short side, it wouldn’t be too bad. Seated sideways in the rear, you can fit three fairly comfortably in the Mini — please do not torture your rear passengers by hauling four people around.
Day 3:
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I haven’t had this much fun tooling around the city in such a long time. The torquey power band allows for quick getaways from traffic lights, while the low-slung driving position gives you a heightened sense of speed. Add in the ability to push the “sport” button for quicker steering and throttle response and you have a vehicle that is hard to stop driving.
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My tester is equipped with the base 16″ wheels; I would opt for the larger 17″ wheels if you really enjoy cornering. The Continental run-flats on my tester being to cry in agony and give up well before the chassis reaches its limits. I can only imagine what some larger, sticker tires could do for the already supreme handling.
The one thing to remember about the Mini ,though is its size. Although not that much slimmer than your average car, the clear view you gain from the driver’s seat allows you to fit the Mini into nearly any tight spot without a double take. And despite its diminutive size, I was able to carry an air compressor, some tools and one passenger with ease.
Day 4:
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The handling is held back only by the tires, but those can be easily changed. The acceleration will be outclassed by some of the newer hot hatches like the MazdaSpeed3, so that too gets slightly docked. I could be wrong about the fuel consumption, but I don’t think I will be test driving another vehicle capable of achieving what the Mini did this week.
I averaged an astonishing 7.6L/100km with a mix of city and highway driving, with a very heavy right and left foot. Sure, the Mini requires premium fuel, but anything with performance characteristics will be less efficient or require premium as well.
Possibly not the most practical of cars, but for a family of two or as a second car, the Mini could be the ultimate fun runabout. It is not completely devoid of usefulness, as proven by my shopping trip to pick up an air-compressor on the weekend. Need more storage? Add a bike rack — I saw a Smart car carrying two bikes the other day. If you are worried about the recent German vehicle quality issues, look at leasing — with a new car limited warranty of four years or 80,000 km you can’t go wrong!
*Rating out of 5:
| 2007 Mini Cooper S | |
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Mini Cooper S
MSRP as tested: $32,840
For more information on Mini and the Cooper S visit Mini Canada
to our site.
June 25, 2007, 08:19:49 pm I've had my 2006 MCS (with leatherette seats) for just over one year, and I really don't like the leatherette. Talk about 'sticky back' in the warmer months. I ended up ordering Wet Okole front seat covers, which help a lot.
June 26, 2007, 08:10:39 am
I think you are right in that the regular Mini 1000 was sold in Canada until 1979-80, but I don't think the Cooper version was availalbe that late...
Exactly ! I was talking about the regular Mini. For the Cooper, '69 sounds about right.
June 26, 2007, 10:21:11 am dont be such a "pill" BLOTTO
June 26, 2007, 10:43:56 am For those looking for LSD - it is a $500 USD option at the US mini site. I have found that their site offers way more options for way less money. It could be worthwhile to go to US and get it there. Not sure if you can get it in Canada, but why not if you can get it in US.
June 27, 2007, 11:25:34 am You can get the LSD in Canada also, I forgot the price tho... but I know it's around $500-700.
If you plan on tracking it, you will need to LSD. If not, you don't need it, I didn't order it and I am managing~
Not many cars on the lot has the LSD, so be prepared to order one and wait 1-2 months~ haha~ It's worth it tho~
and about the speedo being in the middle and getting annoyed by your passengers, WHO CARES about the passengers! LOL it's a driver's car! HEHE
June 27, 2007, 11:50:33 am The mini HAS TO HAVE the centyral speedo. Its part of the whole retro look of the car.
I do agree with others that the new new mini is not quite as attractive as the new mini. I wonder if the new EU regs about pedestrain safety have anything to do with it. ( space between the front end bodywork and any hard bits underneath,)
June 28, 2007, 12:08:09 am I love the leatherette in our '05 Cooper. I probably wouldn't get that in a $50K BMW, but for a $30K car, it's fine. Low maintenance, that's the key.
What I don't like on the new new Mini is the new hood design. The 2 or 3 that I've seen on the road so far looked like the hood wasn't closed properly because it didn't line up that well along the wheel arch molding. Any comments from owners on that? Can that be adjusted to "sit" better when closed?
June 28, 2007, 08:21:18 am
I do agree with others that the new new mini is not quite as attractive as the new mini. I wonder if the new EU regs about pedestrain safety have anything to do with it. ( space between the front end bodywork and any hard bits underneath,)
Saw a clip on the Jag that has the hood pop up if it hits a person
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060501.002/country/ecf/jaguar/jaguar-receives-award-for-popping-hood
June 28, 2007, 08:44:00 am
I do agree with others that the new new mini is not quite as attractive as the new mini. I wonder if the new EU regs about pedestrain safety have anything to do with it. ( space between the front end bodywork and any hard bits underneath,)
Saw a clip on the Jag that has the hood pop up if it hits a person
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060501.002/country/ecf/jaguar/jaguar-receives-award-for-popping-hood
Yup - that's the issue. When BMW announced they were introducing a new, New Mini, one of the points they made was about over-compliance with EU regs for pedestrian safety. I actually don't mind the new look that much - it feels a bit evolutionary but not totally so. But then - there really weren't any changes to the original Issigonis design in the original run, so I wonder why BMW felt they needed to change the current model.
June 28, 2007, 10:28:04 am
Yup - that's the issue. When BMW announced they were introducing a new, New Mini, one of the points they made was about over-compliance with EU regs for pedestrian safety. I actually don't mind the new look that much - it feels a bit evolutionary but not totally so. But then - there really weren't any changes to the original Issigonis design in the original run, so I wonder why BMW felt they needed to change the current model.
realoriginal Minis, I would really like to hear how you can make this statement without a lot of smilies.June 28, 2007, 01:08:37 pm ..It's Yerman so it's a MEANIE................
June 28, 2007, 06:31:55 pm It's not the new hood that ruins the look of the new New Mini for me, it's the headlights. The new ones look somewhat dead to me. They're too widely spaced apart and they're too laid back - they just no longer look truly round and the look is ruined as a result.
June 28, 2007, 07:09:42 pm
I do agree with others that the new new mini is not quite as attractive as the new mini. I wonder if the new EU regs about pedestrain safety have anything to do with it. ( space between the front end bodywork and any hard bits underneath,)
Saw a clip on the Jag that has the hood pop up if it hits a person
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/newsID/2060501.002/country/ecf/jaguar/jaguar-receives-award-for-popping-hood
Yup - that's the issue. When BMW announced they were introducing a new, New Mini, one of the points they made was about over-compliance with EU regs for pedestrian safety. I actually don't mind the new look that much - it feels a bit evolutionary but not totally so. But then - there really weren't any changes to the original Issigonis design in the original run, so I wonder why BMW felt they needed to change the current model.
? During the run of the original model ( the real Issigonis mini) there were far fewer bureaucrats insisting on bodywork changes.... for most of the run, the first 14 years anyway the UK was not in the EU.
if by original you mean the "new" mini then Issigonis had nothing to do with it and the EU regs are for 2007 and up model years
June 29, 2007, 01:40:26 pm
? During the run of the original model ( the real Issigonis mini) there were far fewer bureaucrats insisting on bodywork changes.... for most of the run, the first 14 years anyway the UK was not in the EU.
Yeah - don't you wish for days with less bureaucracy?
I know - but we can dream can't we?
July 02, 2007, 07:36:34 pm Personally I think my 2007 Miata is a better "drivers car"
RWD is better than FWD!
I also get better gas mileage of 6.66 Liters per 100 klms.
The speedo position on the Mini is just stupid.
July 02, 2007, 09:09:10 pm
? During the run of the original model ( the real Issigonis mini) there were far fewer bureaucrats insisting on bodywork changes.... for most of the run, the first 14 years anyway the UK was not in the EU.
Yeah - don't you wish for days with less bureaucracy?
I know - but we can dream can't we?
yes and yes.
July 03, 2007, 01:52:58 am
RWD is better than FWD!
I also get better gas mileage of 6.66 Liters per 100 klms.
The speedo position on the Mini is just stupid.
The Miata is a great handling car with good driving dynamics, but I would not consider it the ultimate driver's car. The little Mazda is right up there when it comes to bang for buck and smiles per mile.
July 03, 2007, 07:25:38 am
July 03, 2007, 09:34:30 am
RWD is better than FWD!
I also get better gas mileage of 6.66 Liters per 100 klms.
The speedo position on the Mini is just stupid.
July 09, 2007, 10:36:25 am
RWD is better than FWD!
July 10, 2007, 10:02:16 pm After seeing the new-new-Mini for a while, I've decided to just accept that the styling is a big step backward from the previous generation.
The styling details on the '07s are almost childish in execution. The "purposeful styling" that the Germans do so well (and why their cars age so well) is comparatively non-existent.
The '07 looks like a Japanese interpretation of the '06.
July 11, 2007, 12:34:42 am
The styling details on the '07s are almost childish in execution. The "purposeful styling" that the Germans do so well (and why their cars age so well) is comparatively non-existent.
The '07 looks like a Japanese interpretation of the '06.
Does that mean the reliability might become acceptable?
August 08, 2007, 11:52:07 am Had the chance last week, when in Calgary, to drive a friend's 2005 Mini Cooper S with the John Cooper Works package. All I can say is "Holeeeee....Crappppp.....does that thing even go/stop/handle".
Particularily handle, like a go-cart. My buddy did a couple things with it I would never try but the car just asks for more. Very neat fun (but expensive as his was equipped).
August 08, 2007, 05:30:36 pm
RWD is better than FWD!
I also get better gas mileage of 6.66 Liters per 100 klms.
The speedo position on the Mini is just stupid.
Both the MINI and Miata are on my shopping list when it comes time to get a new car. Ovr50 has nicely summed up why the MINI is on the list.
August 08, 2007, 05:50:17 pm
RWD is better than FWD!
I also get better gas mileage of 6.66 Liters per 100 klms.
The speedo position on the Mini is just stupid.
Both the MINI and Miata are on my shopping list when it comes time to get a new car. Ovr50 has nicely summed up why the MINI is on the list.
A Mazdaspeed Miata would do all that but topless.