2005 MINI Cooper Road Test

As overheard from friends and family, the main gripes about the MINI Cooper is its interior size. There aren't any complaints

There aren't any complaints about the downright roomy front half of the cockpit, but in back it's a different story. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

about the downright roomy front half of the cockpit, but in back it's a different story. While the sculpted rear bench can seat two small adults, it's not the ideal vehicle for long journeys. Entry and exit is an excruciating task because of the Cooper's low roofline and a lack of rear doors. Trunk space is also limited to 5.29 cubic feet, the equivalent of two soft duffel bags. Weekly runs to the grocer's may require the use of the back seats, or folding the seatbacks which allows for a total of 23.7 cubic feet of cargo space. Unfortunately, this sad factor limits the MINI second car status for most families, usually the commuter car for getting dad to work. Of course, making every commute an adventure won't cause dad too much distress. After all, the lack of room is the price you pay for also enjoying one of the world's best rear suspension setups. Besides, no previous Mini ever had so much space in its second row, or in its trunk for that matter. The current MINI is a limo in comparison.

The second gripe, price is something that I feel is unjustifiably high, preventing many from seriously considering it. My Premium Package and Sport Package-equipped Cooper with Premium Stereo and hood stripes seems a poor value based on size and competition, but comparing the Cooper against compact cars, or even sports compacts is a wasted effort. It is a driving machine, a front-wheel drive junior-BMW wearing retro clothes and an iconic badge. It has the same technology, build quality, standard equipment and

The subtle improvements served up by the 2005 facelift only accentuate the brilliance of this unique "British" car. (Photo: Justin Couture, American Auto Press)

refinement as a BMW, and because of this it feels much like a BMW. From this perspective, the Cooper's base sticker of $16,449 is worth every penny.

When the new MINI made its debut in 2001 the odds stacked against it were as big as they come. In comparison to the Europe-only Rover 75, current Range Rover and 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom, it was the most challenging vehicle BMW had to design, not only due to its un-BMW front-drive architecture, but mostly because the German automaker's design team and engineers would be remaking an icon. In making the attempt they have succeeded in bringing to market one of the world's most enticing cars, and in the process rejuvenating the small car segment in the U.S.