MINI Cooper Review
Published: 29th April 2004
MINI Cooper
Comfort and Refinement
According to MINI's press literature 'Once seated in the MINI, it feels instantly right' and we couldn't agree more.
The four seater MINI's cabin is deceptively spacious with more than adequate head and leg room in the front. Rear leg room is adequate but more suited to pre-teenage children rather than adults. The standard seats are firm but comfortable but ultimately lack good lateral support - sports seats are available as an option on the MINI Cooper. Our test car featured both driver and passenger seat height adjustment (passenger height adjustment an option) and the MINI's steering wheel is height adjustable to enable you to find the perfect driving position.
All models are fitted with electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering (EHPAS) which only needs to be turned 2.5 times lock to lock - making light work of parking.
The MINI Cooper's level of refinement is high and includes air conditioning, electric windows, remote central locking, cup holders front & rear, electric door mirrors, footwell lamps and cigarette lighter.
How It Looks - Exterior
The designers of the new MINI aimed 'To capture the original MINI's heart and soul' and this has certainly been achieved. From the 'Classic wheel-at-each-corner design, to the white or black contrasting roof and door mirrors the new design is instantly recognisable as a MINI.
The MINI is undoubtedly cute and is widely regarded as a design classic. The characteristic large round headlamps enhance the all-in-one clamshell bonnet and from July 2004 all MINI models receive new clear glass headlights that provide brighter illumination.
The rear of the MINI features strong rear light clusters which accentuate its chunky, compact looks. The centrally placed single reversing light is a bit low-down to be practical but I assume this is down to design constraints. MINI has now addressed this issue and from July 2004 the reversing lights will be integrated into the newly designed rear light clusters.
To avoid any confusion on the road the MINI model range can be distinguished by their radiator grille's the MINI One has four horizontal black fins, the Cooper has chrome strips and the Cooper S can be defined by its six body coloured bars.
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