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2008 Mini Cooper Full Review
Date Published: 7/19/08
2008 Mini Cooper Review
The 2008 Mini Cooper roster gains a new body style. The original 2-door hatchback was redesigned for 2007, and returns for '08 virtually unchanged. Mini Cooper convertibles continue for '08 using the 2002-2007-generation design. Introduced in the spring of '08 was the Clubman, an extended version of the hatchback that is 10 inches longer on a three-inch-longer wheelbase, adds a 3rd door on the passenger side, and has two rear "barn doors" instead of a hatchback. Coopers come in base and S models, all with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Base hatchbacks and Clubmans have 118 hp, base convertibles 115. S hatchbacks and Clubmans are turbocharged and have 172 horsepower, while S convertibles are supercharged and have 168; all S versions come with a hood scoop and sport suspension. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all but the base convertible, which has a 5-speed manual. A 6-speed automatic is optional on all but the base convertible, which offers a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Available safety features include ABS, traction control, and an antiskid system. Hatchbacks and Clubmans come with front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Convertibles have front side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Convertibles also have a power fabric top with heated glass rear window, plus standard rear obstacle detection and a "sunroof" mode that opens the top above the front seats. A wireless cell phone link is optional on hatchbacks and Clubmans. BMW owns Mini, and Coopers are sold at most major-market BMW dealers.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. The Sporty/Performance Car class consists of two-seat roadsters, 4-cylinder hatchbacks, and V8 muscle cars. Regardless of configuration, all have an emphasis on affordable performance.

Our Best Buys include the Mazda MX-5 and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper. New this year is the Mini Cooper Clubman.

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2008 Mini Cooper Road Test
Pros Cons
Steering/handling Ride
Fuel economy Rear-seat room (exc. Clubman)
Visibility (hatchback and Clubman) Rear-seat entry/exit
Cargo room (exc. Clubman)
Visibility (convertible)
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
4 7 5 6 6.6

Base hatchbacks and Clubmans with manual transmission are lively enough around town, but hills and highway passing demand a downshift--and some patience. We've had no opportunity to test a Base convertible with the CVT. Other Base models with automatic are a bit sleepy from a stop, but build power quickly for adequate acceleration, and the transmission kicks down promptly for more passing power. On S models, the turbocharged engine in hatchbacks and Clubmans suffers some lag at low speeds, but impressive power arrives quickly; Mini says 6.7 seconds 0-60 mph in a hatchback with manual transmission. S models with automatic transmission suffer jerky shifts and occasional harshness. Power delivery from the S convertible's supercharged engine is more linear, but it doesn't feel quite as strong.
Fuel Economy

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
8 8 8 8 5.3

A base convertible with manual transmission averaged 27.6 mpg; an S version averaged a commendable 32.3 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test S hatchbacks averaged 28.4-32.7 mpg.

Test automatic transmission Clubman S averaged 32.5 mpg in mostly highway driving. Mini recommends premium-grade gas for all engines.
Ride Quality

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
4 3 4 3 4.1

Base models ride better than S versions, and hatchbacks are slightly better than convertibles. Best is the Base Clubman, as its longer wheelbase and greater weight seem to iron out bumps better, but all other Minis suffer a firm, choppy ride over anything but glass-smooth pavement. However, only an S with optional 17-inch tires is really harsh over bumps.
Steering/Handling/Braking

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
8 9 8 8 8

Minis turn on a dime with outstanding steering response. Even base models corner with little body lean; S versions take handling to an even higher level, and with the optional 17-inch wheels, rank with the best sports cars. Minis are among the smallest cars in the U.S. but are stable even in crosswinds. They offer excellent maneuverability, especially with the electrically assisted steering in hatchbacks and Clubmans that offers light feel at low speeds and firms up as speed increases. Stopping control is first-rate, with fine pedal feel.
Quietness

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
4 3 2 3 3.2

Engines are smooth and fairly quiet at cruise, sing under full throttle. Wind and road noise grow intrusive at highway speeds, particularly with 16- and 17-inch tires. Utilizing the "sunroof" portion of the convertible's top results in loud wind buffeting on the highway.
Controls

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
4 4 3 4 5.6

Many dashboard gauges and controls sacrifice functionality for "retro" style. The large, center-mounted speedometer forces drivers to divert their eyes from the road, though hatchbacks and Clubmans offer a small, redundant digital speedometer in the tachometer face; the tachometer sits atop the steering column, partially blocked from view. No hatchbacks or Clubmans tested had the navigation system, but on convertibles, its screen replaces the speedometer in the dashboard and moves the speedometer to the steering column; on hatchbacks and Clubmans, it's mounted in the central speedometer face. Retro-style toggle switches controlling power windows, locks, and fog lamps are mounted inconveniently low on the dashboard. Audio and climate controls are within easier reach but poorly marked; temperature and fan settings are difficult to adjust on the hatchback and Clubman. The convertible's top has fully automatic one-switch operation.
Details

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
6 6 6 6 4.8

Interior decor is a distinctive, complex blend of colors, shapes, and textures, all with solid workmanship. One test Clubman suffered an isolated squeak from somewhere in the cargo area.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
6 6 5 6 5.4

Generous seat travel and a high ceiling accommodate even large occupants. The convertible's wide center console restricts knee space for taller drivers; the narrower console in the hatchback and Clubman provides more space. Seats are firm and supportive but mounted too low for easy entry and exit. Both seats have height adjustment. Hatchback and Clubman visibility is great in all directions, though the Clubman's twin cargo doors leave a vertical spine through the middle of the back window; thankfully, dual wipers clear both halves. Top down, the convertible's rear visibility is hindered by the top stack, rear headrests, and roll bar. Top up, it's severely restricted--a deficit only partly offset at low speed by the standard rear-obstacle-detection system.
Room/Comfort (rear)

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
2 2 2 3 1.4

In the hatchback and convertible, there's sufficient headroom and seat width for two adults, but knee space is tight even with front seats set back partially; it disappears with them fully rearward. And small footwells that restrict movement and comfort become unusable if the front cushions aren't raised high enough to clear toes. Furthermore, ingress and egress are crouch-and-crawl affairs. Some of these complaints have been at least partially addressed by the Clubman. Knee clearance is much better; an average-size adult can easily sit behind another average-size adult. The rear-hinged third door on the passenger's side opens a larger portal to the rear seat, though it can't be opened without opening the front door first, and, of course, doesn't help loading from the driver's side. On all models, outside armrests are awkwardly shaped, restricting elbowroom.
Cargo Room

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
5 5 2 6 2.9

Hatchbacks have a small but useful space behind the rear seat. That area is slightly larger on the Clubman, as is the space opened up when the rear seatbacks are folded. The Clubman also adds handy underfloor storage bins. Convertibles have a small trunk with a tailgate-type slot of an opening. On all, the rear seatback folds 50/50, but the sections don't lie flat. Aside from large map pockets in the doors and a two-tier glovebox, interior storage is meager, and the console cupholders are too small to hold large cups.
Value within Class

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
7 7 7 8 6

Minis may look like economy cars, but these Recommended picks are actually sporty driving machines. The base models have no surplus of power, but S versions are quick, and all handle with the agility of a sports car. Ride is a sore point on most models, as is rear-seat room on all but the Clubman; on convertibles, add to that terrible top-up visibility and limited cargo space. But Minis are reasonably priced, brim with character, and are available with a dizzying array of personalizing accessories.
Total Score

Base hatch, automatic S hatch, manual Base convertible, manual S Clubman, automatic Class Average
58 60 52 61 53.3
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score
42
Average Score
53
High Score
70
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2008 Mini Cooper Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
Base 2-door convertible $21,950 $19,755 $650
S 2-door convertible $25,400 $22,850 $650
Base 2-door regular-length hatchback $18,050 $16,245 $650
Base Clubman 3-door extended hatchback $19,550 $17,955 $650
S 2-door regular-length hatchback $21,200 $19,080 $650
S Clubman extended 3-door hatchback $23,450 $21,105 $650
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base convertible
Powertrain
1.6-liter 4-cylinder 115-horsepower engine, 5-speed manual transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, roll bars.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, height-adjustable front bucket seats, split folding rear seat, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, cooled glovebox, illuminated visor mirrors, power convertible top, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, 175/65R15 tires, alloy wheels.
S convertible adds to Base convertible:
Powertrain
1.6-liter 4-cylinder supercharged 168-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Sport seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 195/55R16 tires.
Base hatchback adds to Base convertible:
Powertrain
1.6-liter 4-cylinder 118-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Antiskid system (Clubman), side head-protection airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tilt/telescopic steering wheel, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, rear wiper/washer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: rear-obstacle-detection system, roll bars, power convertible top.
S hatchback adds to Base hatchback:
Powertrain
1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder 172-horsepower engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Sport seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Front fog lights, rear spoiler, sport suspension, 195/55R16 tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
hatchback
$1,500
$1,350
Automatic climate control, upgraded sound system, power sunroof.
Launch Pkg.
Clubman
$0
$0
Heated front seats, heated power-folding mirrors, heated washer jets. Available only on launch vehicles.
Sport Pkg.
S
$1,500
$1,350
Antiskid system, xenon headlights w/washers, front fog lights (convertible), 205/45R17 tires.
Sidewalk Pkg.
convertible
$4,000
$3,600
Traction control (Base), antiskid system, automatic climate control, cruise control, leather upholstery, sport seats, harman/kardon sound system, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, unique interior and exterior trim, fog lights, performance tires, special 16-inch alloy wheels.
Convenience Pkg.
hatchback
$1,500
$1,350
Universal garage door opener, keyless access and starting, steering wheel radio controls, center armrest, wireless cell phone link, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.
JCW Tuning Kit
S convertible
$6,000
$5,400
1.6-liter supercharged 207-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, limited-slip differential, uprated brakes. Requires Sport Pkg. NA w/6-speed automatic transmission.
Cold Weather Pkg.
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$500
$450
Heated front seats, heated washer jets, heated and power-folding mirrors.
Powertrain
Continuously variable automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (CVT)
Base convertible
$1,250
$1,125
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
Base hatchback, S
$1,250
$1,125
Limited-slip differential
S
$500
$450
NA w/6-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Antiskid system
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$500
$450
Convertible includes traction control. Std. Clubman.
Rear-obstacle-detection system
hatchback
$500
$450
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$2,000
$1,800
Convertible includes trip computer. Hatchback includes voice recognition, traffic information. Hatchback requires automatic climate control, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Trip computer
convertible
$250
$225
Includes outside-temperature indicator.
Cockpit Chrono Pack
convertible
$250
$225
Includes coolant /oil pressure/oil temperature gauges, trip computer. NA w/navigation system.
harman/kardon sound system
convertible
$550
$495
Upgraded sound system
hatchback
$500
$450
High-definition radio
hatchback
$500
$450
Satellite radio
hatchback
$1,000
$900
Includes lifetime subscription.
Steering wheel radio controls
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$250
$225
Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$500
$450
Includes radio controls.
Wireless cell phone link
hatchback
$500
$450
Comfort wireless cell phone link
hatchback
$1,000
$900
Includes phone cradle, steering wheel controls.
Power sunroof
hatchback
$1,000
$900
Automatic climate control
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$500
$450
Keyless access and starting
hatchback
$500
$450
Rain-sensing wipers
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$250
$225
Includes automatic headlights.
Universal garage door opener
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$250
$225
Hatchback requires automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$250
$
Heated power-folding mirrors
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$500
$450
Includes heated windshield washers.
Sport seats
Base
$250
$225
Cloth upholstery
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$0
$0
Base hatchback requires sport seats.
Cloth/leather upholstery
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$1,000
$900
Base requires sport seats.
Leather upholstery
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$1,500
$1,350
Base requires sport seats.
Leather upholstery w/piping
hatchback
$2,000
$1,800
Base requires sport seats.
Wood or alloy interior trim
hatchback
$250
$225
Heated front seats
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$500
$450
Center armrest
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$250
$225
Chrome line interior trim
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$250
$225
Unique interior trim
hatchback
$250
$225
Unique headliner
hatchback
$250
$225
Body-colored interior trim
convertible
$250
$225
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Body cladding
hatchback
$1,250
$1,125
Alarm
hatchback
$500
$450
Rear spoiler
Base hatchback
$250
$225
Hood stripes
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$100
$80
White or black roof and mirrors
hatchback
$0
$0
White turn signal lenses
hatchback
$100
$90
Xenon headlights w/washers
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$500
$450
Front fog lights
convertible, Base hatchback
$250
$225
Rear fog light
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$100
$90
Chrome line exterior trim
Base convertible, hatchback
$250
$225
S convertible
$200
$180
Includes chrome mirrors.
Chrome mirrors
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$100
$90
Special paint
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$500
$450
Sport suspension
Base convertible, hatchback
$500
$450
White-painted alloy wheels
Base convertible, Base hatchback, S convertible, S hatchback
$0
$0
Hatchback requires white or black roof and mirrors.
195/55R16 tires
Base
$750
$675
205/45R17 tires
S
$750
$675
Web-spoke alloy wheels
S
$1,250
$1,125
S w/Sport Pkg.
$500
$450
Includes 17-inch wheels w/run-flat tires.
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2008 Mini Cooper Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Mini Cooper 2-door hatchback Mini Cooper 3-door hatchback Mini Cooper 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 97.1 100.3 97.1
Overall Length, in. 145.6 155.8 143.1
Overall Width, in. 66.3 66.3 66.5
Overall Height, in. 55.4 56.4 55.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 2546 2723 2700
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 24.0 30.3 4.2
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 10.6 13.2 13.2
Seating Capacity 4 4 4
Front Head Room, in. 38.8 -- 38.4
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.4 -- 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 37.6