2002-2006 Mini Cooper: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

All-new in 2002, this two-door hatchback had the looks and spirit of Britain's iconic 1959-2000 Mini. Yet, it was chiefly a BMW design built at the German company's plant in England. The front-wheel-drive Mini was positioned as a sporty coupe rather than an economy subcompact. Seating four within a boxy, retro-style body, it was among the smallest cars sold in the U.S. Specifically, the Mini was some 18 inches shorter and 400 pounds lighter (but 8 inches wider) than a Volkswagen New Beetle. Two models were offered, both with a BMW-developed 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. The base Mini Cooper got a 115-horsepower engine, while a supercharged version in the Cooper S developed 163 horsepower. A manual transmission was standard--a five-speed for the Cooper and a six-speed for the Cooper S. The base Cooper could be equipped with an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), with a manual mode providing six separate virtual "gear ratios." Standard equipment included antilock four-wheel disc brakes, front torso side airbags and front/rear head-protecting side airbags, a tire-pressure monitor, and remote keyless entry. Air conditioning, power windows, a CD player, and a 50/50 split-fold rear seat also were standard. The Cooper S got a functional hood scoop and sport suspension, with 16-inch run-flat tires versus 15s (17-inch wheels were an S option). The S suspension and wheels were available for the regular Cooper, as was a less-aggressive sport suspension. Options for both included antiskid control, Xenon headlamps, navigation and rear-obstacle warning systems, a sunroof, wood-and-leather interior trim, and heated seats.