Its high-speed stability is exceptional considering the short wheelbase, while emergency lane changes can be performed with F1 precision. With optional 17" wheels the ride is compromised when the road gets choppy, but on a smooth highway it's quite comfortable. The base Cooper's more moderate rims improve the ride while not giving away too much grip under normal driving conditions.
The Cooper and Cooper S are the only two models available in Canada. The base car comes very well equipped at $24,950. Still, options such as leather seats, navigation system, trip computer and park distance control can be ordered. BTW, if you need a $450 beeper to help you park this tiny car, you might consider allowing someone else to drive. The Mini's options list is much longer than I have shown, and can reach over $42,000 for a fully-equipped Cooper S. My test car seemed to have more than I needed for a much more reasonable $33,490.
While lots of cars come equipped with equivalent options, the Mini stands out for its high quality workmanship both inside and out. The leather-wrapped steering wheel - part of the Sport Package - feels substantial, while a big, fat tachometer rests atop the column. The speedometer is off to the right side of the driver's eye, dead center on the dash. The speedo joins the tach over the steering wheel when a navigation system is ordered, which takes the center dash position. Just below, the optional Harmon Kardon audio system, climate control system - made up of a center dial and surrounding buttons styled to resemble the Mini's winged emblem - and row of chrome toggle switches actuating power windows, locks, traction control and fog lamps rest between tall, metallic oval columns. The same industrial metal bar theme highlights the door trim. A massive panoramic glass sunroof, also optional, slides up over the top of the roof, so as not to impede headroom - exceptional for both front and back occupants. Rear passengers get a glass sunroof of their own, giving the tight hindquarters an airy feel. That said, both sunroof and rear windows are fixed.
The Cooper and Cooper S are the only two models available in Canada. The base car comes very well equipped at $24,950. Still, options such as leather seats, navigation system, trip computer and park distance control can be ordered. BTW, if you need a $450 beeper to help you park this tiny car, you might consider allowing someone else to drive. The Mini's options list is much longer than I have shown, and can reach over $42,000 for a fully-equipped Cooper S. My test car seemed to have more than I needed for a much more reasonable $33,490.
While lots of cars come equipped with equivalent options, the Mini stands out for its high quality workmanship both inside and out. The leather-wrapped steering wheel - part of the Sport Package - feels substantial, while a big, fat tachometer rests atop the column. The speedometer is off to the right side of the driver's eye, dead center on the dash. The speedo joins the tach over the steering wheel when a navigation system is ordered, which takes the center dash position. Just below, the optional Harmon Kardon audio system, climate control system - made up of a center dial and surrounding buttons styled to resemble the Mini's winged emblem - and row of chrome toggle switches actuating power windows, locks, traction control and fog lamps rest between tall, metallic oval columns. The same industrial metal bar theme highlights the door trim. A massive panoramic glass sunroof, also optional, slides up over the top of the roof, so as not to impede headroom - exceptional for both front and back occupants. Rear passengers get a glass sunroof of their own, giving the tight hindquarters an airy feel. That said, both sunroof and rear windows are fixed.