2005 MINI Cooper Review (continued)
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Summary

The Mini Cooper is a well-executed piece by every measure. It's the total package that makes it an excellent value: appealing appearance inside and out, excellent performance, notable engineering, numerous safety devices and the simple delight of being in and around it. It gets excellent gas mileage and it will make your garage seem enormous.

The convertible makes no compromises for its ability to open its passengers fully to a beautiful day. And close them up again during a stoplight pause. Ain't buttons a gas?

About 10,000 Mini Coopers were sold in the United States from 1960-67. The 2002 Mini passed that mark within six months of going on sale it was on sale, and 36,010 were sold during calendar year 2003. It's easy to understand why. We'd be delighted to own one. And with the new convertible now in the line-up look out for the one-of-each family.

New Car Test Drive correspondent Denise McCluggage reported from Minneapolis with Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles and New York and Sam Moses reporting from Ireland.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Mini Cooper ($16,449); S ($19,899); Convertible ($20,950); Convertible S ($24,400)
Engines:	1.6-liter sohc inline-4
Transmissions:	5-speed manual
Saftey Equipment (standard):	ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Corner Brake Control, Electronic Traction Control; dual frontal and side-impact airbags; front and rear head-protection airbags
Saftey Equipment (optional):	Dynamic Stability Control; run-flat tires
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	Mini Cooper Convertible ($20,950)

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Mini Cooper Convertible ($20,950)
Standard Equipment:	air conditioning w pollen microfilter & air recirculation; convertible top, automatic cloth sunroof; AM/FM/CD w six speakers; power windows with auto-down, power locks, remote keyless entry, rear wiper, leatherette, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/tilt
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Sport package ($1350) includes Dynamic Stability Control, sport seats, 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 run-flat tires, front fog lamps; Premium package ($1350) includes automatic air conditioning, Harman Kardon sound system, multifunction steering wheel, chrome line interior, on-board computer
Destination Charge:	550
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	24200
Layout:	front-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	115 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	110 @ 4500
Transmission:	5-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	28/37
Wheelbase:	97.1
Length/width/height:	142.8/75.8/55.9
Track, f/r:	57.4/57.7
Turning circle:	34.9
Seating capacity:	4
Head/hip/leg room, f:	38.8/NA/41.3
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.6/NA/31.3
Cargo volume:	21.3
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	McPherson strut
Suspension, r:	multi-link
Ground clearance:	4.5
Curb weight:	2524
Tires:	195/55R16
Brakes, f/r:	disc/disc w ABS, EBD, CBC, Traction Control
Fuel capacity:	13.2