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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| 2007 MINI Cooper (Photo: MINI) |
Brand new engines are now available for the street-legal go-karts, while all other major driveline and chassis components are newly developed for the car. Mini mentions having set a higher standard for themselves in terms of agility and driving character with the new model.
The new lineup includes the 120 horsepower Cooper, the 175 horsepower Cooper S, a back-to-the-basics Mini One (later introduction) and even a turbodiesel model for all around economy. The 1.6 litre engine is now fitted with a selection of advanced features which have the goal of increasing usable power and boosting efficiency.
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| 2007 MINI Cooper (Photo: MINI) |
A high-output turbocharged version of the powerplant is available for the Cooper S, with 175 horsepower and peak torque available at just 1600 RPM. The engines pass the strict Euro 4 emissions standards. Six gears are available on all models, in the owners choice of automatic or manual shift. The Cooper S is also available with a limited slip differential for enhanced traction and power delivery.
Helping make the best use of the new technology behind the Mini's driving experience are two available suspension configurations on each model. The standard configuration offers a comfortable and compliant ride, while the sports suspension has stiffer springs and other upgrades to increase handling and dynamic response. The power steering is even variable alongside the throttle response via a driver selectable "sport mode".
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| 2007 MINI Cooper (Photo: MINI) |
Subtly increased in size, the Mini meets the tradeoff of appearing nostalgic while satisfying ever more demanding safety standards. The sheet-metal is updated where needed, but changes are more evolutionary than extreme- and the overall look is still very satisfying to Mini fans. The interior, also updated, includes a variety of materials and colors allowing buyers to customize their very own atmosphere within. There are even as many as 16 chrome trim pieces which can be installed as an accent. A navigation system is available, and the engine can be started by a push-button system once the transmitter key is inserted within an opening next to the steering wheel.
As the BMW group suggests, this is literally Mini at its best- in terms of design and handling.
