On the highway, though, this Cooper cabriolet is noisy. The engine spins at over 3,000 rpm while driving at 110 km/h, and with the wind noise (top up or down), the cacophony becomes tiring after a while. Let's just say that if I was driving down to Old Orchard Beach, I'd think twice or even three times before choosing this car to get there.
The car's fuel consumption is also a matter of discussion around the water cooler at work. I've managed an average of 11.6 L/100 km, about a litre more than with the MINI I tested last year and much more than with the 2007 hardtop Cooper S, which averaged under 10 L/100 km.
Distinct dashboard
I really like the giant speedometer placed in the middle of the dash, the toggle switches as well as the generally-retro appearance. The cupholder that's screwed on the centre console definitely lacks elegance, however, and includes a small drawing that warns us not to put wine glasses in it. I'm still trying to figure out that one...
It's a small car, so no need to tell you that interior space is somewhat restrained. In back, there's hardly any legroom. However, if the front occupants are nice enough to move their seats forward and ride with their knees rubbing against their chins, then two adults can fit in the back seat.
And I should've realized that going grocery shopping with the whole family on board wasn't a really good idea; the trunk is miniscule, and after inserting five bags, there was no more room. To further complicate things, a wiring harness is located right in the lower edge of the trunk opening, and every time you try to stuff something in, you're rubbing on the wire; someday, it might end up breaking.
The main problem
This shortcoming is an important one. My biggest complaint concerns the lack of rear visibility, completely spoiled by the raised roof and safety roll bars.
The view out the windshield also suffers from the rearview mirror, which is way too big for what little view we have looking out the back window.
The car's fuel consumption is also a matter of discussion around the water cooler at work. I've managed an average of 11.6 L/100 km, about a litre more than with the MINI I tested last year and much more than with the 2007 hardtop Cooper S, which averaged under 10 L/100 km.
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| The overall appearance of the interior is distinctive and of good taste. |
Distinct dashboard
I really like the giant speedometer placed in the middle of the dash, the toggle switches as well as the generally-retro appearance. The cupholder that's screwed on the centre console definitely lacks elegance, however, and includes a small drawing that warns us not to put wine glasses in it. I'm still trying to figure out that one...
It's a small car, so no need to tell you that interior space is somewhat restrained. In back, there's hardly any legroom. However, if the front occupants are nice enough to move their seats forward and ride with their knees rubbing against their chins, then two adults can fit in the back seat.
And I should've realized that going grocery shopping with the whole family on board wasn't a really good idea; the trunk is miniscule, and after inserting five bags, there was no more room. To further complicate things, a wiring harness is located right in the lower edge of the trunk opening, and every time you try to stuff something in, you're rubbing on the wire; someday, it might end up breaking.
The main problem
This shortcoming is an important one. My biggest complaint concerns the lack of rear visibility, completely spoiled by the raised roof and safety roll bars.
The view out the windshield also suffers from the rearview mirror, which is way too big for what little view we have looking out the back window.
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| Visibility is the negative point of this vehicle, especially rearward. |