2002 MINI Cooper Review

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It's an all-new car, yet a direct descendent of the old, which has been in production for more than 40 years. Although it has come a long way from the 35-horspower original that employed rubber cones for springs, the new Mini still bucks the mainstream with style.

Value was one of the original's most endearing qualities. In 1960, the Alec Issigonis-designed front-drive roller skate made its U.S. debut at a price of $1295, significantly less money than even a VW Beetle. Though production on the Mini continued through October 2000, for a stunning 41-year run, only 10,000 new cars were sold in the States. However, 12,000 reside here now due to the importation by dedicated enthusiasts.

While the classic car petered out at about 300 units per month, BMW officials forecast a heady 100,000 annual worldwide sales once production is in full swing, with 20,000 per year destined Stateside.

Although spokesmen refused to acknowledge any competition in North America, the car is unquestionably aimed at the same hip buyers who are grabbing up high-style, low-priced cars like VW's New Beetle, the award-winning Chrysler PT Cruiser, and even Ford's bicycle-bedecked Focus Kona.

Tech details are few pending a big unveiling at the 2001 Detroit auto show, but we do know that the new car is 18 inches longer and 14 inches wider than the 10x4x4-foot original. Still a diminutive coupe, its base European powerplant is a humble 1.4-liter with thrifty fuel economy reminiscent of the Suez energy crisis that helped inspire the original. More powerful configurations will have a staggered introduction overseas in 2001, but both the naturally aspirated 1.6-liter/125-horse four-cylinder Cooper and 160-plus-horse supercharged Cooper S will be available at launch in America, March 2002.

Although the Cooper may become the volume model, it is the performance-tuned Cooper S that most appeals to enthusiasts with its force-fed engine, tauter suspension, and more aggressive wheel/tire fitment. In a 2200-pound package, either Cooper powertrain is certain to deliver brisker acceleration than the output numbers suggest.

With a car this small, safety is an genuine concern. Knowing this, BMW has made a concerted effort to offer crumple zones, side-impact protection, rigid structure, and abundant passive safety features. Beyond front and side airbags, the Mini will come with head protection for front and rear passengers. Four-wheel discs with ABS are standard, with traction control and Xenon headlamps being optional. Other standard equipment includes CD-based sound system, height-adjustable driver's seat, remote entry, and basic power features. BMW typical options will include an automatic transmission, Harman Kardon speaker system, multifunction steering wheel, navigation system, rain sensor controlling the windscreen wipers, and obligatory leather upholstery.

A complete 14-hue palette will be available for the exterior, with several choices in contrasting roof colors. The factory is devising a series of personalized top patterns that will include the infamous Union Jack. It is the hope of BMW insiders that the aftermarket will embrace not only the car in general, but the tradition of custom tops. It is conceivable that school mascots, sports team logos, and other pop culture icons could embellish the roofs of these tiny British cars.

Credited for injecting sport into the original Mini and lending his name to the most famous model, John Cooper is already working on a special package with a reported 197 horsepower. An initiative is already in place to get the Mini to the next SEMA show to fuel the creative energies of the American aftermarket industry.

Described as an evolution, rather than a retro model, the Mini is expected to reach the baby boomers who have an affinity for the long-lived original. BMW also hopes to reach a young, affluent, trend-setting audience that will embrace the Mini as the latest cool car. To reach these dynamic customers, BMW has selected only 70 of its 345 U.S. dealerships. Each dealer will dedicate a special Mini showroom to capture the flavor of the distinct car and permit sales staff to focus on selling the affordable model, without being distracted by 7-Series commissions.

Price for the Mini Cooper is targeted at $18,000, with the Cooper S falling between $20,000 and $21,000. Completely outfitted, insiders say the Mini will only reach the mid $20s.

The original Mini was offered in 133 total configurations, including wagon and pickup body styles, making it a natural to explore such possibilities with the latest model. Insiders say there may be more variants offered overseas than in U.S., but BMW will consider what the market demands. Translation: look for cool concepts at auto shows in the future.

A legend has been reborn with the all-new Mini, certain to inspire a new "Austin Powers"-bred generation to proclaim, "Mini Me!"

This article is copyrighted and courtesy of Motor Trend Online.

Article Date: Aug 13, 2001
Car Accociations: NEW_MINI,
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