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	6.4

Base versions lively around town--9.1 sec 0-60 mph with manual transmission 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. S with John Cooper Works Tuning Kit peppier still. No opportunity to test with CVT or automatic transmission.

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	5.5

Test base hatchback averaged 24.5 mpg. Test S hatchbacks averaged 24.7-25.9 overall, but 20.9 in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. Test base convertibles averaged 23.4-27.6 mpg. Test S convertible averaged a commendable 32.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with JCW Kit. Mini recommends premium-grade fuel for all versions.

Ride Quality

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man.	S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man.	S conv, man.	Class Average
3	2	1	3	3.9

Expect choppy travel over all but glass-smooth surfaces. Base models' 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

Minis turn on a dime. Outstanding steering response, feel. 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 the U.S., but are stable even in crosswinds. Stopping power first-rate, though sudden high-speed braking induced momentary right-rear wheel lock in one test car. Strong, confident braking with JCW Kit's uprated sport brakes.

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 smooth. Significant road roar with 16- and 17-inch tires. Loud wind buffeting on highway from open "sunroof" on convertible. S with JCW Package suffers from supercharger whistle at high rpms.

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	5.5

Not always successful balance of campy style, functionality. Large speedometer mounted in dashboard center forces driver to divert eyes from road. Tachometer is atop steering column, partially blocked from view. Navigation system unavailable for testing, but its screen replaces speedometer in dashboard and moves speedometer to steering column. Retro-style toggle switches mounted low on dashboard control power windows, locks, fog lamps. Audio and climate controls within easier reach, but poorly marked. Convertible top has fully automatic one-switch operation. Solid interior workmanship spoiled by many hard plastic surfaces. Intermittent electrical short impeded lowering the top on one test convertible.

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	5.2

Generous seat travel, high ceiling accommodate large occupants. Seats firm, supportive, but too low for best entry/exit. JCW Kit includes more-bolstered front sport seats. 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
7	7	7	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	6.6

Minis may look like economy cars, but they're actually sporty driving machines. The base model has no surplus of power, and every 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 sporty car pick.

Total Score

Base hatch, man.	Base hatch w/Sport Pkg., man.	S hatch w/Sport Pkg., man.	S conv, man.	Class Average
53	51	53	45	48.9

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		40
Average Score		48
High Score		58