The car is a pleasure to pilot on the long autoroute, little squirts of gas zinging me by traffic and the taut chassis inspiring the confidence to push farther. When I encounter some tighter roads, though, it becomes clear that, on its optional 17-inch wheels, this is one stiffly sprung MINI. Like a modified car, certain bumps send shudders though the chassis and booming into the interior. It could be that the low profile run-flat tires aren't soaking up enough pavement variation-maybe a set of 16-inchers with a slightly higher profile would make a more compliant ride.
The steering is perfectly weighted and quite precise-I'm able to judge corners and turn the wheel without further adjustment through the arc. Despite inevitable front-wheel-drive torque steer, it really feels as though the wheels are working with you to get the car around each bend. The torque steer is nowhere near as bad as front-driven cars of yesteryear, but it is more prevalent with uneven road surfaces. Again, a slightly less hardcore wheel-and-tire set-up could be the cure.
I'm willing to keep driving after almost four hours. This speaks volumes about the car's character. It's not the most potent thing on the road, but there's an accessibility that invites the driver to play harder, to learn more. It's that user-friendliness that will make a Mini fast on public roads. The road still talks to you through the wheel, yet you're driving within an invisible safety net, cast by electronic gizmology.
2007 Mini Cooper SEstimated Price: $21,850 (base)EngineType: In-line four, aluminum block and head, turbocharged and intercooledValvetrain: DOHC, direct fuel injection, infinitely variable intake camshaftDisplacement: 1598ccBore x Stroke: 77.0mm x 85.8mmCompression Ratio: 10.5:1Claimed Crank Hp: 175bhp @ 5500rpmClaimed Crank Torque: 177lb-ft @ 1600-5000rpmRedline: 6500rpm
DrivetrainLayout: Transverse front engine, front-wheel driveTransmission Gear Ratios: 1: 3.308:12: 2.130:13: 1.483:14: 1.139:15: 0.949:16: 0.816:1Final drive:3.647:1Differential: Mechanical limited-slip (optional)
ChassisExterior dimensions Curb Weight: 2668 lbWeight Distribution F:R: 62:38Overall Length: 145.6 in.Wheelbase: 97.1 in.Overall Width: 66.3 in.Track F/R: 57.4 in./57.8 in.Height: 55.4 in.
Suspension Front: MacPherson strut, anti-roll barRear: Multi-link semi-trailing arm, anti-roll bar
BrakesFront: 11.6-in. vented discs, single piston floating caliperRear: 10.2-in. solid discs, single piston floating caliperElectronic driving aids/inhibitors: ABS, EBFD, CBC, ASC+T, DSC, Hill Assiststart-off
Wheels and TiresWheels: 16x6.5 aluminum (17-in. option)Tires: 195/55R16
13 Things that Make the New Mini NewABS, EBFD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Hill Assist now standard.
1.6-liter, 175bhp/177lb-ft twin-scroll turbocharged engine replaces previous supercharged engine.
New car is 2.36 inches longer, to accommodate larger engine and meet new safety requirements.
Mechanical LSD optional
Speed-sensitive electromechanical steering revised for 2007
Run-flat tires standard: 90 miles at 50mph before you have to get off your ass and fix it. Also, tire pressure monitoring system standard.
Wider rear fenders
Six airbags standard
15,000,000,000,000,000 unique possible interior/exterior combinations. You can even get optional 'heliport' markings on the roof.