2005 Mini Cooper: Road Test
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2005 Mini Cooper ▼
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- MSRP: $16,950 -$24,900
- Invoice: $15,255 -$22,410
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Our road test for the 2005 Mini Cooper includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mini Cooper from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mini Cooper, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mini Cooper help you decide if a 2005 Mini Cooper is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Manual-transmission models only Coopers made available for test so far. Base versions lively around town--9.1 sec 0-60 mph in our test--but feel taxed during high-speed passing. S model has no such shortfall, feels quite lively at 7.6 sec 0-60 in our test. No opportunity to test with either automatic.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Test manual-transmission base hatchback averaged 24.5 mpg. Test S hatchback averaged 24.7-25.9 in mixed city/highway travel, 20.9 including gas-eating performance tests. Test base convertibles with manual transmission averaged 23.4-27.6 mpg, test S convertible averaged a commendable 32.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Mini recommends premium-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
Expect choppy travel over all but glass-smooth surfaces. Base's 15-inch tires soak up bumps reasonably well, but ride suffers with Sport Package's 16s. Those 16s are standard on S, where an even stiffer suspension feels harsher still. Add the S's optional 17-inch tires, and bumps are jolting intrusions. Convertibles have a slightly softer ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 9 | 8.1 |
Minis turn on a dime. Outstanding steering response, feel. Reflexes sharpen with base's 16-inch Sport Package. S takes handling to even higher level. Still, stiff suspension and low-profile 17-inch tires can upset adhesion in bumpy turns. Minis are among the smallest cars in U.S., but roadholding stable, even in crosswinds. Stopping power first-rate, though sudden high-speed braking induced momentary right-rear wheel lock in one test car.
QUIETNESS
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3.2 |
Engines not coarse even at high rpm. Both 16- and 17-inch tires roar on highway. Open cabin design and hard plastic interior surfaces do poor job of muffling ambient noise. Loud wind buffeting on highway from open "sunroof" on convertible.
CONTROLS
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Large speedometer mounted in dashboard center causes driver to divert eyes from the road to read it. Tachometer is atop steering column, where steering-wheel rim blocks its upper portion. Navigation system unavailable for testing, but its screen goes in the central dashboard, moving speedometer to steering column. Power windows, locks, fog lamps governed by nostalgic toggle switches mounted too low on dashboard. Audio and climate controls within easier reach, but suffer small markings. Convertible top has fully automatic one-switch operation. Solid interior workmanship spoiled by too many hard plastic surfaces. Note that one test convertible suffered an intermittent short that impeded lowering the power top.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
Generous seat travel, high ceiling accommodate large occupants. Seats firm, supportive, but too low for best entry/exit. Inside rearview mirror slightly undersized, but hatchback's airy greenhouse means great outward visibility. Top down, convertible's rear visibility hindered by rear headrests, roll bar. Top up, it's dangerously restricted--a deficit partly offset at low speed by standard rear-obstacle-detection system.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.4 |
Sufficient head room and seat width for adults, though seat poorly contoured, thinly padded. Knee space OK in hatchback only if front seats set more than halfway forward, tighter still in ragtop. Shoebox-sized footwells restrict movement, comfort, are unusable if front cushions aren't tilted high enough to clear toes.
CARGO ROOM
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 3.2 |
Tight in hatchback, minuscule in convertible. Rear seatback folds 50/50 on both, but sections rest several inches above load floor. Large door map pockets, but cockpit storage otherwise tight. Center console cupholders limited to 12-ounce cans.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Minis may look like "economy" cars, but they're actually rewarding-to-drive machines. The base model has no surplus of power, and any model's driving dynamics are compromised by a harsh ride on imperfect pavement. But these hatchbacks and convertibles are reasonably priced, brim with character, and are available with a dizzying array of personalizing accessories. Any version is a Recommended pick.
Total Score
| Base hatch, man. | Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man. | S conv, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 53 | 50 | 52 | 45 | 49.9 |
Total Score: 50
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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