Test Drive

2002 Mini Cooper
www.mini.com

Base Price $16,300
Price As Tested $19,220
Engine Type 1.6L I-4
Transmission Tested five-speed manual
Drive Type front wheel
Curb Weight 2,524 pounds
Horsepower hp @ rpm 115 @ 6,000
Torque lb-ft @ rpm 110 @ 4,500
Redline 6,500 rpm
Top Speed 124 mph
0–60 mph 8.5 sec
1/4-mile 16.5 sec
EPA mpg city/hwy 28/37

Test Drive

MICHAEL SHARTSIS
If you can get past the dismal performance of the 1.6L inline four-cylinder engine you’ll love the Mini. I did, and I’m 6’3”! However, I did drive it like it was a rental car, keeping the tach needle in the red in every gear. Simply put, this car requires throttle abuse to get out and stay out of it’s own way. But once you get her humming things are good—especially in the twisties. If you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative when buying European, then this is the car for you. You might want to get your name on the waiting lists and buy the Cooper S model.

PHILIP ROYLE
BMW’s new Mini isn’t cute in the New Beetle kind of way. It doesn’t even convey the girlie image that the bubbly Beetle does. Despite that—and despite the trendy interior, great creature comforts, and excellent build-quality—the Cooper has the power of a cute girl’s car. It’s frustrating knowing that the 63/37 weight distribution and stiff dampers can handle anything you can throw at the car, yet the 115 hp motor won’t allow you to reach the turns at a high enough speed to enjoy them. In my book, the underpowered engine is the only weak link in the Mini. Thank goodness for the S.

JASON JACKMAN
With my short experience driving the Mini, I’ve come up with a few likes and dislikes. Let me start with the good stuff. The car felt very planted through canyon roads (oops, I mean closed road courses). It has a stiff suspension from the factory, yet it isn’t too rough to drive every day, and it feels like you could push the car far beyond what the motor will allow. My only real complaints are about the lack of power, oddly shaped rearview mirror, and the bolsters on the seats aren’t large enough. With some more power this car would be a blast. I think if I were to ever buy one, I would have to pay the extra cash and pick up the S.