2003 Mini Cooper

It is said good things come in small packages. If this is true, the Mini-- the United Kingdom's ultra-hip small box on wheels--has exemplified this sentiment for more than 40 years. While the Beatles, The Who and the Rolling Stones ushered in the British invasion, the Mini launched into a foray of its own, quickly gaining popularity within as well as outside the automotive community. Truly, a star was born. Like the Beatles, the Mini soon established its place in the world of pop culture.

Today, the Mini, which has remained essentially the same throughout its entire production, gets a new lease on life with the introduction of an all-new model.

After finding a new home with BMW (as part of the 1994 Rover Group acquisition), production of the original Mini finally ceased at its Longbride, England factory in October 2000, where some 5,387,862 units were built--a record in continuous production at a single factory for the longest period of time.

With that said, creating a better, more popular car would be considerably challenging.

BMW engineers had their work cut out for them, but after numerous refinements, brought to the table a viable new car, worthy of its famous nameplate and model heritage.

Making its debut at the Paris Auto Show in September 2000 (see SCC, January 2001) the new Mini Cooper stole the show, creating a frenzy of excitement within the international press corps.

Anxious to get behind the wheel of a full-blown production car, I accepted the offer from Mini USA to attend the international launch in Perugia, Italy. "The Mini Cooper is not a retro design car, but an evolution of the original," said head designer Frank Stephenson. "It has the genes and many of the key characteristics of its predecessor, but is larger, more powerful, more muscular and more exciting."

With the keys and map book in hand, my co-driver and I embarked on a wondrous adventure, taking in roughly 200 miles of scenic, twisting back roads along Italy's gorgeous countryside--drawing the attention of local farmers and townspeople along the way. "Che bello" shouted a young boy, voicing his approval. We found this type of enthusiasm typical throughout our two days of uncompromised seat time.

At first glance, it is obvious this is not your average econo-car. Its body lines are well polished with excellent fit and finish, and the new Mini somehow manages to retain the theme of the original.

There was never a case of mistaking the old Mini for that of another import compact. The new Mini brilliantly embodies this same boldness in character, retaining the jutting, stubby hood, the distinctive bumper-to-bumper wheelbase and chopped-off hatch.

Left badgeless, I doubt anyone would have trouble identifying it as anything but a Mini. Nearly every part of the Mini Cooper we drove was strangely familiar to us, including its replicated chrome grille, round headlights, and traditional two-tone white roof.

Though appearing little more than a box with a hatch, the simple, yet extremely effective design, penned by Sir Alec Issigonis utilizes the maximum amount of space with the minimum of overall dimensions--another fine characteristic that has been beautifully carried over.

Inside, the Mini is surprisingly spacious for its size, with ample head and legroom--even for my 6-foot plus body, thanks in part, to the car's multi-adjustable seating. Did I mention the stylish and ergonomically engineered seats were also comfortable?

The rear bench is slightly compromised in these areas, yet can still accommodate two average-sized adults. As well, our photo equipment and miscellaneous gear was easily stowed in the rear hatch. Expanded storage is obtained by folding the 50/50-split rear seat.

The interior is remarkably designed and quite a fashion statement on its own. The mock aluminum finishes and expensive-looking textured plastics offer an over-the-top appearance. A blend of contemporary and retro-inspired styling cues creates a wonderful, well-balanced look. The sleek dash features a series of different-sized circular gauges, dials and vents, including a pod-like tachometer (located on the steering column) and a large central-dash-mounted speedometer. I especially enjoyed the '60s-oriented toggle switches, which, located on the lower portion of the center console, are uniquely designed to revert to their original position after operation.

Also located within the center console is a Harmann Kardon AM/FM/CD system, offering premium audio throughout the cabin.

As you may have guessed, BMW also incorporated its high safety standards like an Advanced Head Protection System (HPSII) that shields the driver and passenger from front and side impacts.

The engine is entirely new. Built through a combined effort with Chrysler in Brazil, the engine features varied engine specs for each of three trim levels and their specific markets. The Mini One, with 90 hp, is only offered in Europe, while the Mini Cooper, boasting 115 hp and the soon-to-arrive Cooper S (supercharged) with a more respectable 165 hp, will both be available for North America.

All based on the 1.6-liter four, the engine is practical and efficient by any standard. In addition to being a superb platform for the line, the new engine offers state-of-the-art emission controls, meeting the EU4 emissions requirements. Another important element is the Siemens control unit, an electronic throttle actuation, replacing the direct mechanical link between pedal and engine.

A five-speed manual transmission will be standard with an automatic as an option for the front driver. Also listed as an option is steering wheel-mounted gear selection.

Another redeeming characteristic is the car's brilliant suspension, which includes MacPherson strut-type units up front. More impressive is the multi-link rear set-up borrowed from the BMW E46. In addition to its sportier suspension, the Cooper also is fitted with front and rear stabilizer bars. As if not rigid enough, BWM says the body is two to three times stiffer than its rivals. This stiffness is useful when it comes to tuning handling and ride, but also in terms of improved crash protection.

Disc brakes with ABS are found at all corners, as are standard 15-inch wheels. While sounding large in comparison to the tiny doughnuts found on the former Mini, the new Cooper's fenders will accept wheels as large as 17 inches, which are also offered as a factory option in either basic white, or a more refined silver.

Overall, we were quite pleased with the Cooper, inside and out. In design, it's more than just a fashion statement; the car is practical and uniquely utilitarian--a quality which could be disputed among other retro-inspired models such as the New Beetle.

Driving along the Italy's scenic country roads was fun and exhilarating. The car handled each and every twist of the road with great agility and finesse. While it begs to be driven hard in corners and at higher rpm, some understeer (common to front drivers) is evident. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, which counters skids, is an option. Otherwise, the steering is nicely weighted and balanced, offering a good sense of the road. The four-wheel discs and ABS (standard equipment) allow for positive brake feel. Well-placed pedals and a slick five-speed shifter add to the experience.

We did expect a bit more grunt from the engine, given the original Cooper's performance heritage, but this is a much larger and heavier car, demanding more from its 115-hp powerplant.

Sources say tuners such as John Cooper Garages and Alpina are each testing 200-hp versions of the car--an additional 40 hp more than the planned S. Regardless of its output, pick-up and delivery was satisfactory and somewhat exuberant, especially above the 4000-rpm range. At speed, we noticed a slight wind noise, especially with the optional sunroof open, but overall the car delivers a relaxing ride.

Also of note are the well-bolstered seats, which proved exceptionally comfortable for a small car. The stepped reclining mechanism, however, did take some fiddling to get them to fold in either direction.

The list of options is massive. Essentially, you can have a Mini built to suit your individual needs, however unusual or elaborate. There's even talk you will be able to design your own roof decals--the type of personalization made popular among early Mini enthusiasts.

In addition to various exterior color combinations and interior trim selections, the option list includes a navigational system, which fits into the central speedo mounting, premium hi-fi audio, climate control, larger 16- or 17-inch wheels, trip computer, rain sensor, panoramic sliding sunroof and the list goes on.

The car will be sold at select BMW dealerships throughout the country. At least 70 of its 345 U.S. dealers will house a dedicated showroom and sales staff in full support of the car. Expect to see doors open by spring of next year. Visit www.miniusa.com for more ordering information and a dealer nearest you.

BMW has clearly re-invented the Mini Cooper through remarkable styling, fundamental principles and refined excitement. It has produced a car that is immediately identifiable. Overflowing with charming character, the car is striking at every angle and even appears larger than it really is.

All brilliantly packaged, we feel the new Mini Cooper is an excellent car with class leading quality, design and desirability. Easily, a great value for the money.

As one Mini USA representative stated "Clearly, the legend that is Mini lives on."