As mentioned above, my test MINI came with the Sport Package which, besides the wheels and tires, included a rear spoiler,
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| For an extra $795 you can upgrade the Cooper's standard sound system to a premium Harmon Kardon HiFi unit. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
sportier seats and foglights, for an additional $1,800. A few of the options featured on my test car were part of the Premium Package ($1,950) that includes the multi-function steering wheel, glass sunroof and heated front seats. But that's not all. The standard AM/FM/CD sound system with MP3 capability was upgraded to the premium Harmon Kardon HiFi system for an extra $795. I am usually pleased with high-end audio system upgrades but this time I wasn't. For the last few days of my test drive, the driver door speaker began to rattle. When bass kicked in on
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| There may be a lot of MINIs now on the road, but that doesn't stop people from smiling as you drive by. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
any song, whether hip hop or soft rock, something started to shake and it was really irritating. The rattling was not due to excessive volume, but perhaps a part coming loose in the speaker case. In any case, the rattling has not been a typical observation in the last few MINIs I've driven with the same stereo. The MINI is a premium brand, as one would expect coming from BMW, and it offers its driver a long list of standard features including power windows and locks, keyless entry, leatherette interior trim with front sport seats, cupholders, tilt steering, air conditioning, cruise control, silver trim high-gloss instrument rings, 50/50 split folding rear seats and many more.
