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A MINI on the Nürburgring Nordschleife
Monday, May 14, 2012
The fastest MINI ever produced, the John Cooper Works, covered the gruelling 20.83-kilometre long Nürburgring Nordschleife in 8min23s - 19 seconds faster that the older MINI Cooper S, back in 2006 -.
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2012 MINI Cooper Roadster First Impressions
Wednesday, May 02, 2012
Wouldn't you know it? After a month of unseasonably warm weather, Mother Nature had the last laugh - subjecting us to a surprise lashing of stinging snow the very day we were to spend top-down cruising in the new 2012 MINI Cooper Roadster.
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2012 MINI Cooper S Coupé Review
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Although Mini and MINI do not have the posh clout of other British brands like Aston Martin and Rolls Royce, the car made famous by Alec Issigonis (or is it the other way around?), is one of the most enduring and endearing ever produced.
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2012 MINI Cooper S Coupé Review
Monday, January 09, 2012
The most recent iteration of the MINI Cooper is also the most visually distinctive example of the retro-themed European.Think of the MINI Coupé as the Audi TT of the MINI lineup but with significantly more headroom than the TT. While not looking as purpose-built, the MINI Coupé possesses many of the same attributes.
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The Italian Job - Mini Cooper
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Now call me biased if you like, but even if I weren't a Brit, the original 1969 The Italian Job would still be one of my all-time favourite movies. If you've never seen the film, you owe it to yourselves to track it down because it's not only immense fun, but perfectly demonstrates all that is Mini Cooper.
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Prodrive's rally-inspired MINI Countryman
Friday, October 21, 2011
Prodrive, the engineering firm associated with legendary World Championship Rally drivers such as Colin McRae and Petter Solberg, is set to transform a MINI Countryman S into a genuine four-wheel rocket.
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MINI Cooper Coupé from $25,950 in Canada
Monday, September 12, 2011
BMW has finally revealed the Canadian pricing scheme for the 2012 Cooper Coupe, the brand's first two-seater since its big comeback in 2001.
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2012 MINI Cooper Coupé First Impressions
Monday, September 12, 2011
We're hurtling down the runway of an ex-military airfield at 200 km/h in a John Cooper Works MINI Coupé. The driver's footwork is a blur, the car dances at the very limits of adhesion as we slide around the hairpin, staccato exhaust blatts punctuating every downshift.
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2012 MINI Cooper Coupe Preview
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
The 2012 MINI Cooper Coupe is the British brand's first two-seater and fifth car overall since returning to existence in 2001. And it aims to redefine the ''super-compact sports car''.
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Special-edition MINI convertible set for 2011 debut
Monday, August 29, 2011
If there were an entry for ''special edition'' in the dictionary, chances are you would see a picture of some exclusive MINI model next to it. And if you thought the little British company would soon run out of imagination, guess again.
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MINI Coupe, Goodwood stop by Pebble Beach
Friday, August 19, 2011
MINI banks on the Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance to showcase its Coupe and INSPIRED BY GOODWOOD models for the first time in America - ahead of the initial deliveries. At the same time, the British brand released pricing for both cars.
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2011 MINI Cooper Clubman Review
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Most of my girlfriends are not really into cars like I am. They are great at reminding me that women and men buy cars for different reasons. This week, one of my friends asked me what car I was driving, and I replied "the MINI Cooper Clubman". She had a strange look on her face, so I said "a MINI - just an extended one"; she still had a blank stare in her eyes. "The Italian Job?" I said: this, of course, she is familiar with.
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New MINI Coupe promises unbridled driving fun
Monday, June 06, 2011
The first production two-seater in the MINI line-up since the brand's renaissance in 2002 has just been launched. The MINI Coupe offers trademark styling and promises unbridled driving fun. And it looks like a home run.
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Move over Gene Simmons
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
You know, there are very few car companies who could pull off a stunt like this. Really, could you see a Honda Fit with Gene Simon's face paint? Or a Nissan Versa with Paul Stanley's ruby red lips across the front grille?
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DSQUARED²'s Red Mudder: eat your heart out, Jeep
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Last weekend, DSQUARED²'s designing duo Dean and Dan Caten finally revealed their Red Mudder, a completely revamped MINI Cooper S sold at auction at Life Ball 2011, Europe's largest AIDS charity event.
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2011 MINI Cooper Countryman Review
Saturday, May 28, 2011
A MINI crossover might seem like a sin, just like when Porsche decided to develop the Cayenne SUV. But let's face it, the brand cannot continue being sustainable by selling miniscule yet fun-to-drive hatchbacks. So, spawning more models in the MINI brand has no choice but to make sense.
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2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Review
Monday, May 02, 2011
A few weeks back, I travelled to Québec City to get a taste of what MINI gets involved in these days; Red Bull Crashed Ice. This got me to thinking about BMW's purchase all those years ago and if they had ever imagined where the brand would go and take them.
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2011 Mini Cooper Clubman Review (video)
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
"Eww, it's not "S"? The turbo one"? A friend had spotted the Mini Cooper Clubman tester parked outside the coffee shop, and noticed that it was missing an "S" badge on the trunk, and a scoop on the hood.
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MINI and Crashed Ice in your Red Bull
Friday, March 25, 2011
I'm not certain if BMW had exact long term plans for MINI when they bought the British Rover Group in 1994. They certainly knew they wanted a small car, but I doubt they had any idea that the brand would mushroom as it has.
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The MINI goes harmonica crazy
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
We love it! MINI's latest publicity stunt in New Zealand involves an instrument, 330 of them actually, and a brand new Cooper Clubman. Yes, the Clubman is literally covered in harmonicas; on its bonnet, roof, doors and fenders. The car seemingly has its own theme song which strangely reminds us of Peter Griffin and his walking theme song...
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2011 MINI Cooper Clubman Review
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Say what you want about body styles, but the MINI Cooper remains a definite head-turner. Its unique design ages beautifully, drawing smiles and admiration along the way.
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2011 MINI Cooper S Review
Friday, February 18, 2011
Driving a MINI Cooper S is about craving people's attention. Otherwise, folks who look for a flexible, friendly runabout would happily make do with a Toyota Yaris!
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Win a MINI Cooper Countryman for one year
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
MINI created a Facebook contest for its new Countryman crossover, and the winner will get to drive one for a year. To promote the contest, festive holiday elves were sent out in the cold to show people the Facebook page and encourage them to sign up.
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Ward's Top 10 engines of 2010
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Ward's published its list of Top 10 engines of 2010 today. Proof that times are a-changin', for the first time in 17 years an electric motor has made the cut, the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan LEAF coming in sixth and eighth, respectively.
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Unique Paul Weller designed MINI goes on sale in charity auction
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Following his headline performance at MINI's 50th Birthday extravaganza at Silverstone in 2009, mod rock legend Paul Weller has collaborated with MINI to create a one off car which will be sold in a live global online auction with all proceeds going to charity. The unique MINI Cooper is the ultimate British icon, it was designed by Paul Weller, built in Oxford and hand-painted by MINI craftsmen. The car will be auctioned for one month from 11 November to raise money for charities Nordoff Robins and War Child.
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2011 MINI Cooper Countryman Preview
Monday, July 12, 2010
Almost every manufacturer is riding high on the crossover craze and has at least one in their product line-up, and those who are not have to do something about it if they want their share of the market.
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MINI Presents Their Revamped Models
Monday, June 28, 2010
MINI is giving its model family fresh impetus to continue its history of success in the small car segment with eye-catching design modifications, additional engine variants, an all-new selection of diesel engines and innovative new equipment features.
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MINI vs Porsche: masterful stunt or marketing fail?
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Last week, we thought that MINI's publicity stunt that publicly invited Porsche to a race at Road Atlanta was fantastic. Challenging them to something that no one expected to happen, was a brilliant idea for gathering up Facebook fans and creating a marketing hype.
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MINI E : BorgWarner's New High-Voltage Cabin Heater
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
MINI E cars equipped with a new generation of electric cabin heaters from BorgWarner BERU Systems are currently being tested in rental vehicles in the United States, Great Britain, Germany and other countries. Unlike diesel- or gasoline-powered vehicles, electric vehicles generate virtually no waste heat, and the battery does not radiate enough heat to warm the interior or defrost the windshield.
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2010 Mini Cooper Preview
Saturday, February 13, 2010
The re-born Mini was re-born again for 2007. This second-generation model heads into 2010 with minimal changes to specifications, and a few positive (read downward) price adjustments.
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2010 Mini Clubman Preview
Friday, February 05, 2010
Clubman joined the Mini party for model-year 2008, and heads into model-year 2010 with no major changes.
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2009 MINI Cooper S Convertible Review
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
You'll always have a soft sport for the car you were driving when you met your high school sweetheart... And that soft spot is the same reason we're so willing to overlook the nonexistent comfort of the Austin Mini.
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MINI has turned out 1.5 million cars
Monday, July 06, 2009
Just weeks after the official 50th birthday celebration for the brand at the Silverstone track, the MINI plant in Oxford claims another milestone. Since production began in 2001, 1.5 million MINI units have been produced there. The milestone model, a MINI Clubman in Chili red, cleared the end of the production line in the presence of Business Minister Ian Lucas and BMW Group board member Ian Robertson.
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2009 MINI Cooper Convertible Review
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Styling is always the predominant feature of any MINI on the road. Its friendly little face, can't-miss presence and half-retro, half-modern looks make this car absolutely impossible to fly under the radar. In fact, it's impossible not to smile when looking at it, plain and simple. In a lot of ways, the MINI is similar to the iconic smart.
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A MINI Ranch - in Barcelona
Monday, May 18, 2009
After the Texas Cadillac Ranch comes the Barcelona MINI Ranch! For the 90th edition of the Barcelona Auto Show, held from May 9 to 17 in Spain, the MINI brand decided to impress visitors by aligning four Cooper Clubmans planted tree-like in the ground near the site of the auto show, imitating the famous Texas sculpture created 35 years ago.
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MINI Cooper S Clubman meets Airstream Trailer
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
After the successful unveiling of the new MINI Convertible this spring, MINI dips its toe into the stylistic future of travel. Teaming up with renowned brands Airstream and Republic of Fritz Hansen(TM), the carmaker has embraced the theme of "mobile living" in developing an innovative design study with a down-by-the beach feel. The collaboration has spawned a unique combination of a 6.80-metre-long Airstream trailer and a modified MINI Cooper S Clubman, one whose appeal extends beyond the reaches of the watersports scene.
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2002-2006 Mini Cooper Pre-owned
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Here's a machine that pulled off the same sort of stunt as the VW Beetle- dropping from sight decades earlier to re-emerge as a top-selling automotive fashion statement that combined the cartoony charm of the original with the reliability that today's customers expect.
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New topless MINI presented to Montreal
Thursday, January 15, 2009
MINI presented the restyled and updated Mini Convertible to fans at the 41st annual Montreal Auto Show earlier today, showcasing a mildly updated look alongside plenty of new features and convenience.
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Updated Mini Cooper Cabriolet takes the stage at NAIAS
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The folks at MINI have been busy updating their popular Convertible, and the fruits of their labor were on display at this week's North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). BMW says the revised model gets various updates to packaging, safety and styling while leaving its cheeky personality unchanged. Fans of the Mini lineup noted the model's subtle size increase and various evolutionary styling updates.
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New MINI convertible arrives in spring
Monday, December 01, 2008
Spring is a time of rebirth and new beginnings, and BMW's MINI division knows it. Their 2009 MINI Convertible model will be familiar looking- though it will ride an all new body / chassis and drivetrain. A new interior is featured as well.
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2008 MINI Cooper S Clubman Review
Saturday, August 02, 2008
When you step behind the wheel of a MINI, you first get impressed by the design, both inside and out. Then, after a few kilometers, the driving excitement takes over. The MINI, especially the more powerful S model, is like a real go-kart. Both the steering and throttle are extremely responsive. Fans were understandably nervous when the company introduced the Cooper Clubman.
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MINI Clubman Challenge (video)
Friday, May 16, 2008
You can always drop by a dealership to test drive a new car, but rare are the occasions when you can actually compare it side-by-side with the competition. So when a manufacturer decides to organize an event that allows the buying public to do just that, they have to be pretty confident that their product is the best.
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2008 Mini Cooper S Clubman Review (video)
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The Mini Cooper and Mini Cooper S deliver roller-blade handling and a smashing sense of style- though no one's ever been too nuts about the rear-seat room or storage space. Coopers excel as affordable, economical machines that are hazardously fun to drive- but they can fall short if owners want to take them camping, skiing, or to Ikea.
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2008 MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works Package Review
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
I doubt that I have to explain to many of you what the initials JC in JCW stands for, especially if I were to add in, the word Mini. John Cooper (1923 -2000) was renowned throughout the world of motor sport, and to the little British car which still bears his name, he was the ultimate master of performance. But to truly appreciate the man and what he achieved, one has to understand the story behind the man.
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2008 MINI Cooper Clubman Review
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Ok, cue the Elgar, and with the sound of Land of Hope and Glory ringing in my ears, I shall now proudly declare to the world that I'm a proud British subject, and that I absolutely adore the new Mini Clubman. Never mind the fact that the Mini brand is now owned by BMW, a German company, or the fact that I'm actually a dual Canadian/British citizen nowadays. None of that matters to me, because if I want to wave my automotive team flag, I don't really have much choice.
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New York Auto Show: MINI
Thursday, March 20, 2008
The JCW package will be offered on Cooper and Cooper Clubman models, and Canadian dealers will start receiving them this summer. MINI said earlier this year John Cooper Works would become a sub-brand of the make, instead of being a separate entity. For the consumer, it doesn't mean much, since you'll be able to purchase a JCW Cooper directly off the showroom floor, just like before.
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2008 MINI Cooper Clubman First Impressions
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Monterey, California. At last, we had the opportunity to test-drive the new MINI Cooper Clubman and Cooper S Clubman which made their Canadian debut at the recent Montreal International Auto Show. This larger, 4-door model retains all the assets of the regular Cooper while actually offering room for four passengers -- finally! The road conditions in Monterey were similar to ours, be it on highways, in the city or on backcountry roads.
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Detroit 2008: New Mini Cooper Clubman on display (video)
Monday, January 14, 2008
BMW CEO Lindsay Duffield jokingly commented at a recent conference that although BMW group doesn't build pickup-trucks, the new Mini Clubman was readying for launch as a 2008 model. His joke stems from a common complaint about the current 3-door Mini model: its size. To solve the problem and aim the Mini brand at a new selection of customers, Mini has created the Mini Cooper Clubman and Mini Cooper S Clubman. The pair were on display from today onwards at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.
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JCW tuning kit dials up the thrills for Mini Cooper S
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Mini's award-winning Cooper S model is now available with a John Cooper Works (JCW) tuning kit for increased driving excitement. Designed exclusively for the next-generation Cooper S with six-speed manual, the JCW kit bumps horsepower from 172 to 189, while raising torque output to as high as 200 foot pounds. Mini says the increase is good for a 1.3 second reduction in the car's 80-120kmh acceleration figures in 6th gear.
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Three new coupes and a four-door MINI take BMW's stand at Montreal Auto Show
Sunday, December 30, 2007
German automaker BMW has announced that they will premiere several hot new models at the Montreal Auto Show press day on January 17th 2008. Taking the stand are the 1-Series coupe, X6 Sports Activity Coupe and the new V8-powered M3 coupe. The Cooper Clubman model from the groups Mini brand will also be presented. Clubman is a stretched Mini, offering more passenger and cargo volume than the standard model, while featuring the same inspired driving experience and technologies that have made the smaller models a hit.
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Mini Cooper Clubman Pricing Announced
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Bringing an extra set of doors and added space to the Mini lineup is the job of the new Mini Cooper Clubman. Mini recently announced pricing would start at $26,400 for the standard Mini Cooper Clubman model, and $31,500 for the turbocharged and performance enhanced Mini Cooper S Clubman.
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2008 MINI Cooper S Road Test
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Being born in London, England at the start of the swinging sixties had one or two distinct advantages for me. First off, when I held onto my aunt by her legs, my face was not smothered by yards of flowing fabric, because her skirt was situated substantially higher than my head (I wonder if that's why I've always had a thing for mini skirts!).
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2007 MINI Cooper S Cabriolet Sidewalk Review
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
When I want to spoil my son, I buy him a Hot Wheels® car. For $1.25, I make him happy and it's such a pleasure to see the contentment in his eyes. For that small sum, I can afford rewarding him when he deserves it. I must have the same reaction when BMW lends me a MINI Cooper for a week.
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2008 Mini Cooper Clubman Preview
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Get ready for a less skinny Mini. Lengthened by 24 cm over the regular 3.7 meter long Mini Cooper, the unique new Mini Cooper Clubman gains more doors, more space, and more weight. The length increase results in 8 cm more rear legroom along with a minor bump in headroom. There is also a swell of cargo capacities to 260 L with the seats up (up 100 L), and 930 L with the seats down (up 250 L).
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New 5-door Mini Cooper Clubman for 2008!
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
BMW CEO Lindsay Duffield jokingly commented at a recent conference that although BMW group doesn't build pickup-trucks, the new Mini Clubman was readying for launch as a 2008 model. His joke no doubt stems from a common complaint about the current 3-door Mini model: its dismal storage space for occupants or cargo.
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2007 MINI Cooper S Road Test
Sunday, July 15, 2007
On one hand, when introduced in 2002, the new MINI brought premium features and the cachet of BMW parentage to the subcompact class. On the other, its dynamic on-road capabilities could embarrass sports cars costing twice as much. Okay, yes, the first few model years' build quality was suspect. The mandatory run-flat tires gave it the ride of a donkey cart and its engine was considered gruff at best. Those up front were treated royally, but a severe lack of rear leg and cargo space meant the MINI stopped being a real car aft of the B-pillars. And with a few options checked off, it was all-too-easy to find yourself staring at a $40,000 bill for a front-drive, 2+2 subcompact hatchback.
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2007 MINI Cooper Road Test
Monday, July 16, 2007
I don't have to tell you that the MINI Cooper, revived by BMW in 2002, is a sales success. Despite its $25,000 base price, nostalgic people as well as those who just have to buy the latest trend ran into showrooms to get themselves one.
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2007 MINI Cooper S Road Test
Saturday, July 21, 2007
The word Toy has nine definitions in the dictionary. Four of them are incredibly relevant to the MINI. Read them carefully: 1. An object, often a small representation of something familiar, as an animal or person, for children or others to play with; plaything. 2. Something that serves for or as if for diversion, rather than for serious practical use. 3. A small article of little value but prized as a souvenir or for some other special reason; trinket; knickknack; bauble. 4. Something diminutive, esp. in comparison with like objects.
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2007 MINI Cooper S First Impressions
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Barcelona, Spain - "Don't mess with success." In some respects, the braintrust at BMW has stuck to this credo with respect to the 2007 MINI Cooper S, the second generation of this modern automotive icon. In other ways, though, the new car is surprisingly different from the "old new MINI".
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2007 Mini Cooper Preview
Friday, October 13, 2006
It's the new version of the best selling small car in the premium segment. The new Mini Cooper, now in its second generation, will carry a reworked interior as well as a pair of new and more efficient engines under the hood. The styling of the exterior has been updated as well, with turn signals now integrated in the headlamps, and a more distinctive hood and scoop for the "S" designated model. A new grille up front and more muscular rear complete the exterior styling upgrades.
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Mini Cooper: Freshened up and Ready to Fly
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Some 800,000 units later, the Mini Cooper is set to enter the market once again with an improved design and features. A well liked vehicle by journalists and owners alike, BMW has carefully and thoughtfully updated the second-generation modern Mini, making appropriate changes but leaving the underlying personality traits largely unchanged.
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2006 MINI Cooper S Convertible Road Test
Friday, July 07, 2006
I spot her for the first time... and as I approach, I can't resist wanting to get to know her better. She's sexy, athletic, and just begs for attention. She's the one you're dying to bring to a gathering of friends, or a public venue, and make everyone jealous. And, whenever you want, she'll take off her top for you. Oh my god... I'm in love!
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2006 MINI Cooper S Checkmate Road Test
Sunday, March 12, 2006
A few of my more recent road tests (New Beetle Convertible, Honda Civic Coupe DX-G and this week's MINI Cooper S Checkmate) have focused on small cars packing big fun factors. In its own unique way each car is entertaining, purposeful and full of character. In which car I'd prefer to greet a sunny day would depend on my mood at the time and the nature of the road that lies ahead; one thing for certain, neither ride would disappoint- especially when the MINI is a Cooper S Checkmate. The Checkmate MINI was introduced at the ...
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2006 MINI Cooper S Checkmate Road Test
Monday, February 13, 2006
The MINI Cooper S is a car that's loved by nearly everyone. It's cute, it's zippy, it's fun to drive and has bags upon bags of character. It's an excellent automobile that captured the heart and soul of British motoring at its best. But now that it's been out on the market for three years, with a midlife update in between, it seems as if even the most unique MINIs are becoming a common place. In order to help the latest batch of Oxford-built ...
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Mini adds two appearance packages for 2006
Monday, August 22, 2005
Checkmate and Quicksilver packages for the hatchback model highlight Mini lineup news for 2006, followed closely by a new factory-installed John Cooper Works package.
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2005 MINI Cooper S Convertible Road Test
Monday, August 15, 2005
Climbing into the MINI Cooper is much like climbing into the Audi TT; there's no centre armrest to brace oneself against. Vehicles without this much anticipated ingress aid ought to be clearly marked with a warning sticker big enough to be viewed from across the street. I jest of course, but the absence of a centre armrest sticks in my craw like nylon to Velcro, especially when the offending vehicle is a pricey import.
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News & Events Multimedia
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Gone is the dash-mounted flower vase in the latest version of Volkswagen's Bug. Gone too is much of its cutesiness, replaced by a notable degree of sportiness intended to broaden the Beetle's target market by attracting male attention.
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