MINI Cooper Review
Published: 29th April 2004
MINI Cooper
How It Drove - Performance
The MINI Cooper is powered by a four-cylinder, 1.6 litre, 16-valve engine which produces 115 bhp, enabling the MINI Cooper to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 9.2 seconds and continue to a top speed of 124 mph.
As you would expect of BMW, the engine is exceptionally quiet and refined. Power delivery is smooth and precise and is controlled by 'throttle-by-wire' technology which replaces the traditional mechanical link between the accelerator and engine. The powertrain controller determines the ideal amount of fuel to supply to the engine resulting in maximum performance and minimum emissions.
The MINI Cooper is equally at home in rush hour traffic as it is on the motorway and around town it was a joy to drive. It has more than adequate power and is more than capable of giving driver's of larger and faster vehicles a few surprises.
The standard five-speed gearbox by Midland Gears at Longbridge is among the best I have tested offering seamless changes. The clutch is particularly well weighted for a car of this size and it was a joy to change up and down the gears, using the chunky, tactile gearstick although, reverse gear was a bit temperamental to get into.
From July 2004, a new five-speed 'Getrag' gearbox with modified gear ratios will feature in the MINI Cooper, this modification results in improved acceleration [ click here for more information ]How It Drove - Ride/Handling
The MINI Cooper has excellent handling characteristics, the overall ride is firm and combined with the MINI's chassis design and low centre of gravity you have an agile car with superb road holding ability. The 15" 8 spoke alloy wheels/tyres were a bit narrow for my liking, slightly inhibiting grip and limiting cornering speeds. I would recommend the wider tyre options available.
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