2003 Mini Cooper: Road Test
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2003 Mini Cooper ▼
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- MSRP: $16,425 -$19,425
- Invoice: $14,867 -$17,567
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Our road test for the 2003 Mini Cooper includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mini Cooper from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mini Cooper, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mini Cooper help you decide if a 2003 Mini Cooper is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 5.9 |
No CVT version made available for test so far, but Mini says they're only slightly slower than manual-transmission models. Base Cooper models are peppy enough with manual to justify the car's sporty image--9.1 sec 0-60 mph in our test--but engine feels taxed in high-speed passing. Cooper S has no such shortfall and feels quite lively at 7.6 sec 0-60. No opportunity to sample Cooper Works kit, but Mini estimates 6.5 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.1 |
Test manual-transmission base Cooper averaged 24.5 mpg. Test S averaged 25.9, but 20.9 with gas-eating performance tests. Mini recommends premium fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 1 | 3.5 |
Choppy travel over all but glass-smooth surfaces. Base Cooper's 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, where even-stiffer suspension feels harsher still. With S's optional 17-inch run-flats, bumps are jolting intrusions. On the upside, Minis undisturbed by high-speed dips and rises.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 7.7 |
Turns on a dime, with outstanding steering response and feel. Reflexes sharpen with base model's 16-inch Sport Package. S takes handling to higher level yet. Still, stiffness of suspension and tires can compromise adhesion in bumpy turns. Passing trucks or battling crosswinds, Minis have road-holding stability of larger, heavier cars. Stopping power, brake-pedal feel first-rate, though sudden high-speed braking induced momentary right-rear wheel lock in one test car.
QUIETNESS
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., 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. Hatchback design and many hard plastic interior surfaces do little to muffle ambient noise.
CONTROLS
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Large speedometer mounted in center of dashboard pays homage to original Mini, but driver must divert eyes from the road to read it and incorporated fuel gauge and warning indicators. Tachometer is atop steering column and steering-wheel rim blocks its upper portion. Navigation system was unavailable for testing, but its screen displaces speedometer to steering column alongside tachometer. Power windows, locks, fog lamps governed by nostalgic toggle switches mounted low on dashboard. Audio and climate controls within easier reach, but suffer small markings, poor night lighting. Cabin blends retro cues, solid workmanship. But many plastic surfaces ring hollow and are hard to the touch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
Generous for car's exterior size. Plenty of seat travel, high ceiling, good shoulder room. Seats firm, supportive, but too low for best entry/exit. Large sunroof slides outside 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 Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.1 |
Width and head room sufficient for two adults, though seat comfort hurt by shortage of padding, poor contours. Front seats must be at least halfway forward to free up much knee space. Even then, shoebox-sized footwells restrict movement and thus comfort, and they're unusable if front cushions tilted too low to clear toes.
CARGO ROOM
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
Tight with seatback up. Seatback folds 50/50, but sections rest several inches above load floor. Large door map pockets, but cockpit storage otherwise tight, with no center console. Front cupholders limited to 12-ounce cans.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6.1 |
Don't look at the Mini as a subcompact "economy" car because it's really a sports coupe rendered in the smallest possible scale. The base model has no surplus of power, and any Mini's driving dynamics will be compromised by a ride that too easily becomes harsh on imperfect pavement. But this machine brims with character and is available with a dizzying array of personalizing accessories. Retail prices are attractive for the level of equipment, though some dealers tack on markups.
Total Score
| Cooper, man. | Cooper w/Prem., Sport Pkg., man. | Cooper S w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 52 | 50 | 52 | 47.3 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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