2009 Mini Cooper: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The 2009 Mini Cooper convertible is redesigned, and new, high-performance models join this sporty car's lineup. The Mini Cooper comes in two hatchback and one convertible body styles. The Clubman is an extended-wheelbase version of the hatchback. The redesign of the 2009 Mini Cooper convertible brings its basic design and powertrain in line with the hatchback and Clubman. The Clubman has a rear-hinged half-door aft of the passenger-side front door and two rear "barn doors" instead of a lift-up hatch. All Coopers come in base and S models, all with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. Base hatchbacks, convertibles, and Clubmans have 118 hp. S versions of all body styles are turbocharged and have 172 hp. This engine replaces a 168-hp supercharged engine found in the previous convertible. All Coopers offer a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. Newly available is the John Cooper Works model, which use a 208-hp version of the turbocharged engine. It has a mandatory 6-speed manual transmission, high-performance brakes, a performance suspension, specific exhaust tuning, and 17-inch wheels. Available safety features on all models 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 along with a pop-up rear roll bar. Convertibles also have a power fabric top with a heated-glass rear window and a "sunroof" mode that opens the top above the front seats; in addition to the standard black, it's newly offered in brown and blue. A wireless cell-phone link is available on all models. 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, Mini Cooper, and Scion tC. Our Recommended picks are the Dodge Challenger, Ford Mustang, and Volkswagen GTI. New this year is a coupe version of the Pontiac Solstice, and the Nissan 350Z is scheduled for a makeover.