2007 MINI Cooper
by Jim Prueter -04/2007
All New MINI: It’s All Good
For 2007, parent company BMW completely redesigned the cool looking retro-styled MINI Cooper that first debuted as a 2002 model. Fact is, however, that unless you’re a die-hard Mini aficionado you couldn’t spot the difference without parking both vehicles side by side.
That’s a good thing, given Mini loyalists who feared their smile maker might change beyond recognition. Changes were needed to meet tough new European pedestrian-safety laws, along with environmental and mileage requirements.
Everything has been changed, yet everything we love about the Mini continues for the better. The new MINI is almost three inches longer, with a higher hood and redesigned rear end. For now, only the coupe models have been redesigned with the convertible versions expected to follow suit for the 2008 model year.
There are changes to the headlamps and turn signals, a new mesh grille on the Cooper S and new LED tail lamps with round turn-signal indicators. But it’s inside where the most noticeable changes have taken place.
MINI always had the large center dash speedometer, but it is now the size of a serving plate and houses the radio controls and gas gauge along with other functions. It’s also where the optional navigation system screen resides. The entire center stack has been trimmed down, yet all controls and toggle switches are better laid out and easier to use. (Yes, they’re still there. In fact, more have been added just above the inside rear view mirror.) While I noticed marked improvement in overall interior fit, finish and material quality, some of the plastic control knobs look and feel cheesy.
There’s a new push-button starter, and the steering wheel now both tilts and telescopes, with the column mounted tachometer moving with the adjustment. An indirect cabin-lighting package allows you to select from five different colors to illuminate the center stack and console.
What does remain is Mini’s incredible front-seat legroom. It’s hard to believe, but it is one of the roomiest vehicles I’ve driven, even at my height of 6-feet-6-inches. Of course, the back of my seat is right up against the rear seat, so you can forget about getting anyone back there.
As before, there are two versions of the three-door hatchback coupe: base and higher-performance S. There are plans to introduce a lower-priced model, called Mini One, this spring.
Gone is the previous Chrysler-derived engine, replaced by a new base 1.6-liter engine with a modest increase in horsepower to 118 and 16 percent better fuel economy, according to the manufacturer.
Mini Cooper S is now powered by a turbocharged version of the base engine and generates 172 horsepower. The big change here is that the Cooper S is turbocharged rather than supercharged. Mini claims an 18 percent improvement in gas mileage.
Gone too is the previous generation’s five-speed manual shifter, replaced by a new six-speed. A six-speed automatic transmission is now optional, instead of the previous continuously variable transmission (CVT). This is welcome news. The new automatic can be shifted manually with steering-wheel-mounted paddles and has a sport mode for more aggressive shifting.
Mini remains a blast to drive with a surprising amount of acceleration from the turbocharged S. We estimated a zero to 60 mph time of less than seven seconds and, thankfully, no turbo lag or torque steer. Shifts are smooth and click from gear to gear with precision. Handling is incredible, road noise minimal and the brakes are excellent.
To no one’s surprise, I’m often asked about safety in such a small car. Mini surrounds occupants with standard dual-front, side and side-curtain airbags. There’s even cornering control, hill assist, brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution. Stability control is optional.
The previous generation MINI earned a four-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. It received the highest rating of “Good” from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in front crash tests, and the second-highest “Average” rating for side-impact crashes.
I have had Mini near the top of my list of favorite cars since it was introduced as a 2002 model, and am very impressed with the revamp for 2007. It’s still available in a host of fun color combinations and distinctive personalization options like stripes, British flag, checkerboard roof scheme and more. And, it’s a blast to drive. Now that’s a hard combination to beat.
