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2009 Mini Cooper Full Review
Date Published: 8/26/08
Also in the 2009 Mini Cooper Review:
5.
6.
Mini Cooper Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2009 Mini Cooper
Sneak Peek
The 2009 Mini Cooper adds a new high-performance model to its roster, the John Cooper Works edition. Introduced in the spring of '08 was the Clubman, an extended version of the hatchback that has three doors and two rear "barn doors" instead of a hatchback. All 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 hp, 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). Also offered are special John Cooper Works models, which use a 208-hp turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. They have a mandatory 6-speed manual and are available only in the hardtop hatchback and and Clubman bodystyles. They also feature high-performance brakes, a performance suspension, specific exhaust tuning, and 17-inch wheels. 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 a 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. This report is based on evaluations of the 2008 Mini Cooper.
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2009 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 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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 6.7 |
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
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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 5.1 |
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 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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4.3 |
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
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.
| 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
Engines are smooth and fairly quiet at cruise, and 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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3.4 |
Engines are smooth and fairly quiet at cruise, and 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
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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5.2 |
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
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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.7 |
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)
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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.9 |
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)
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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
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
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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 3.2 |
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
Minis may look like economy cars, but these 2008 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.
| Base hatch, automatic | S hatch, manual | Base convertible, manual | S Clubman, automatic | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.2 |
Minis may look like economy cars, but these 2008 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 | 54.7 |
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 42 | |
| Average Score | 54 | |
| High Score | 70 |
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2009 Mini Cooper Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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
Optional Equipment
No factory options.
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2009 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 | 39.0 | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.4 | 41.4 | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.6 | 37.7 | 38.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 29.9 | 32.3 | 27.7 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4 | Turbocharged dohc I4 | dohc I4 | Supercharged dohc I4 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.6 /98 | 1.6 /98 | 1.6 /98 | 1.6 /98 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 118 @ 6000 | 172 @ 5500 | 115 @ 6000 | 168 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 114 @ 4250 | 177 @ 1600 | 111 @ 4500 | 162 @ 4000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||||
| 5-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 27/35 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | 28/37 | 26/34 | --/-- | 21/29 |
| 6-speed automatic | 30/37 | 23/32 | --/-- | 19/29 |
| CVT automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 26/33 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mini Cooper 2-door hatchback | Mini Cooper 3-door hatchback | Mini Cooper 2-door convertible |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 | 4 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 | 4 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
England
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
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Also in the 2009 Mini Cooper Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mini Cooper Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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