2004 MINI Test Drive

2004 MINI

The MINI was essentially unchanged for 2004. Two trim levels are sold here in North America – the Cooper and the Cooper S. Both are also available in convertible versions. Like the original, this new MINI is the almost-perfect city car – easy to maneuver in tight spaces and relatively inexpensive to operate. Both are quick but the Cooper S is a rocketship with a far harsher ride. Price: Cooper $16,999; Cooper S: $20,449; Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles.

First Glance

The introduction of the 2002 MINI was the UK's biggest automotive success story since... well, since the introduction of the original Mini back in '59. But only its name and the styling of certain exterior panels suggest Great Britain as the new MINI's place of birth. The quality and almost everything else about it says Bavaria; okay, the toggle switches and humongous center-mounted speedo are pure '50s British as well. This car is a lot bigger than the original. When you see the two side by side, the new one looks like an SUV. Like the original, the new MINI’s wheels are set as far out on the four corners as possible, which gives it the appearance of a bulldog or of an Earl Campbell in a 4-point stance. The immense optional sunroof makes the interior seem even more commodious than it already is. The sunroof’s neat design makes you feel as though the entire roof has been opened. With this, even back-seat passengers can enjoy al-fresco driving. While the standard seats are perfectly adequate, I'd recommend the optional sport seats. They are among the most comfortable and supportive car seats available. With driver's side height adjustment, they’re well worth their $500 extra cost.

In the Driver's Seat

While the interior of the MINI is compact, in no way does it feel cramped. There is plenty of room for two American-sized people in the front seats. And if the front-seat occupants are prepared to compromise just the tiniest bit, there's room for two more adults in the back. The fittings and interior of the new MINI are of very high quality. The interior trim features a glossy, silver-grey plastic material, which somewhat resembles brushed aluminum in appearance and is quite attractive. This material is found in and around the centre instrument cluster and, most noticeably, on the high tech interior door panels, the design of which, incidentally, has been copied in DaimlerChrysler’s new Crossfire. Clutter-free, the new MINI's interior is very easy to keep clean. The head of the vacuum cleaner easily slides under the front seats to pick up crumbs and other litter. While the cabin is exceptionally roomy for such a small vehicle, the smallish trunk restricts the amount of baggage four occupants can carry. Two people, on the other hand, can bring along almost all their stuff. The rear seatbacks fold forward for additional space but the tiny rear hatch opening restricts the size of the cargo.

On the Road

Reviewers and buyers alike agree the 2500 lb MINI is a hoot to drive. It delivers what people of all ages who love automobiles yearn for – fun, fun, fun. The Cooper S is a little rocketship and is even more fun to kick around than the regular Cooper. The Cooper has a firm but comfortable ride. The Cooper S has a just-plain-firm ride. The fabled "go-kart" like handling of the original Mini has been retained through an ultra-rigid body and exceptionally quick steering - about 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. The inherent understeer of the MINI's FWD is mitigated not only by its quick steering but also by the exceptionally large wheels (15" standard, 16" optional), the relatively wide, low-aspect tires, which are set at the extreme edge of the four corners and the aggressive suspension tuning, which is standard even on the base Cooper. You have to push this one very hard indeed before it begins to even think about front-end plow. Very quick 0 – 60mph times (8.5 sec for the Cooper and 6.8 sec for the Cooper S) set the MINI apart from econo-boxes. ABS and traction control (TCS) are standard. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is optional. You’ll definitely want it on your Cooper S.

Journey's End

The MINI is much more than a lower cost BMW ("cheap" just doesn’t fit here). It has the ultra rigid body and multi-link rear suspension found typically only on higher-end automobiles. Advanced safety equipment comes standard, including six air bags and height-adjustable seat belts with auto pre-tensioners. The more aggressive-looking Cooper S comes with a supercharged, DOHC 1.6 liter with 168 hp (162 lb-ft torque) inline-4. The base Cooper has a normally aspirated DOHC 1.6 four putting out 115 hp and 110 lb-ft torque. But not only are you likely to find the tech-heavy S-model's extra 52 hp (and extra several grand cost) redundant but you'll also have put up with considerably reduced ride quality on city streets. The base MINI-Cooper would seem therefore to represent the best compromise between a comfortable ride and sports handling. The Cooper comes standard with a 5-speed manual; the Cooper S has a 6-speed manual. North American reviewers seem to prefer a 5-speed to a 6-speed for normal driving. A CVT (continuous variable transmission) is also available as an option on the base Cooper but not the Cooper S. A 1.4L common rail diesel (from Toyota France) is the engine of choice in Europe. It’s not available here, alas.