2002 Mini Cooper: Road Test
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2002 Mini Cooper ▼
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- MSRP: $16,300 -$19,300
- Invoice: $14,790 -$17,490
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Our road test for the 2002 Mini Cooper includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Mini Cooper from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Mini Cooper, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Mini Cooper help you decide if a 2002 Mini Cooper is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 6 | 5.7 |
Mini estimates 60 percent of Cooper sales will be base models, with about 40 percent of those CVTs. Base Cooper is peppy enough to justify the car's sporty image--9.1 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission in our test--feeling taxed only during high-speed passing. We have not yet tested a CVT version, but Mini says they're only slightly slower. Mini pegs the Cooper S at 6.9 sec. We haven't timed one, but that figure seems optimistic based on preview test drives, which revealed a sag in power during initial acceleration from a stop. Both manual transmissions exhibit short, fairly smooth shifts and light clutch action.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
Test manual-transmission base Cooper averaged 24.5 mpg. No opportunity yet to measure other versions. Mini recommends premium fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 3.5 |
The shortest car sold in America, but its wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles) is relatively long, so base Cooper's ride no worse than other performance-oriented coupes. That means it's choppy, due in large measure to the taut suspension. The 15-inch tires soak up bumps reasonably well. But ride suffers with Sport Package's 16-inch run-flats. Those 16s are standard on S model, which also has a stiffer suspension that makes the ride harsher still. Add the S's optional 17-inch run flats and bumps become jolting intrusions. On the upside, Minis are undisturbed by high-speed dips and rises.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 7.4 |
The heart of the matter. All Minis turn on a dime, with outstanding steering response and feel. Base model's 16-inch Sport-Package tires pay dividends with still-sharper reflexes. S takes handling to an even-higher level. Most importantly, each Mini tested exhibited the road-holding stability of a larger, heavier car--even passing trucks or battling crosswinds. Severe high-speed braking induced momentary right-rear wheel lock in one test car, but stopping power, pedal feel otherwise first-rate.
QUIETNESS
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Engines lack BMW turbinelike smoothness, but aren't coarse even at high rpm. Both the 16- and 17-inch tires roar as speed rises, but only impediment to normal conversation is wind rush with sunroof open at 70 mph.
CONTROLS
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.5 |
Pays homage to the original Mini with large speedometer mounted in the center of the dashboard, but that requires the driver to divert eyes from the road to read it and the fuel gauge and warning indicators it incorporates. Tachometer is atop steering column, where the wheel rim cuts off its upper portion for some drivers. Navigation system was unavailable for testing, but its screen goes in the central dashboard, moving speedometer and tachometer to the steering column. Clear markings differentiate alike-shaped automatic climate controls, which, like those for the audio system, are within easy reach. Nostalgic dashboard toggles govern power windows, locks, fog lamps. Cabin blends retro cues, modern materials, solid workmanship, but upscale ambience compromised by visible mold seams on hollow plastic door-trim rails and by intentionally exposed screw heads.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Extraordinary seat travel, high ceiling accommodate large occupants. Seats firm, supportive, but too low for best entry/exit. Sunroof extends partly over rear seat and slides over roof to benefit head room, but tinted glass and perforated blind don't protect well against hot sun. Inside rearview mirror slightly undersized, but airy greenhouse means great outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 |
Sufficient head room and seat width for adults. Knee space no problem with front seats set less than halfway back. But confining footwells restrict movement and thus comfort, and they become unusable if the front cushions aren't tilted high enough to clear toes.
CARGO ROOM
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 2.9 |
Tight with rear seatback up. Seatback folds 50/50, but sections rest intrusively several inches above load floor. Cockpit storage adequate, though 12-ounce cans are the limit for the two front cupholders.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Brimming with character and available with a dizzying array of personalizing accessories, Mini's reborn Cooper is also an exceedingly well-mannered small car, with sophisticated driving dynamics spoiled only by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. Retail prices are attractive for the level of equipment, though some dealers may tack on steep markups.
Total Score
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport pkgs., man. | Cooper S w/ Sport pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 52 | 52 | 45.5 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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