After the reintroduction of the Mini back in 2001 by BMW, the classic vehicle has undergone transformations that boggle the minds of Mini fans while still maintaining its status as a cult icon - the happiness evoked by the iconic front grille and headlamps is unchanged but under the hood, the newly revamped Mini is packing a much greater punch with 200 horsepower replacing the 1960s original 34 horsepower engine of the first Mini Cooper.
Most people can spot one on sight, in large part due to its "cutest car ever" status. Its classification as a compact doesn't seem to hold the same vomit-inducing powers as the Toyota Prius.
The "new" Mini - Not Just a Pretty Face
However, this car is not just a pretty face - the German brand BMW has ensured that the tiny little vehicle can hold its own in its original arena as a racing car. They marketed the br and "new" Mini Cooper as a compact car that drives similar to a go-kart. And they weren't messing around - the S model is a car that driving enthusiasts and road devils would be proud to have in their "cars that go zoom" arsenal.
If you don't own or have access to a Mini, some car clubs offer non-owners the opportunity to ride along with them during their driving events so they can see first-hand how the car handles and talk all about the fun-size road monster.
This vehicle's fan base is probably one of the most quirky and interesting groups out there - they aren't shy about proclaiming their love for the tiny terror and some have even taken it as far as compiling lists of their favorite things about the Mini Cooper!
Reason # 1: Face it - cuteness is, and forever will be, the deciding factor
The Mini is cute without looking like a chick car. Sure, the female fan base is out there too - but men don't look less manly behind the wheel of this teeny-tiny compact. If cars could be classified as urbane and metrosexual (ie looks good but is straight) then the Mini Cooper would win hands down.
On a side note, the car's "cute" facade is hiding some powerful surprises. The famous "happy" grille is topped by a hood scoop that inhales refreshing air for the hyped-up engine. If you think it lacks junk in the trunk - the dual exhaust pipes would prove you wrong. And forget about having to purchase aftermarket wheels - the 17-inch alloy tires are so integrated in the Mini's design that handling the Mini Cooper at breakneck speeds and harrowing hairpin curves has never been so easy!
Reason # 2: The Mini Cooper is beautiful inside and out!
Most cars feature a dashboard with a speedometer, mileage and fuel gauge behind the wheel, leaving the center dashboard free for the GPS, A/C controls and entertainment system. The Mini Cooper, on the other hand, features a huge (some would say oversi zed) centrally-located circular speedometer (with some designs featuring a GPS in the center).
And talk about owner customization! The Mini Cooper actually has mood lighting installed that you can switch on and change at the push of a button. Forget about two-tone interiors and seat covers - you can have all that with the Mini, of course, but the things that set it apart from others - that's what makes the Mini Cooper one of the best choices for the car owner looking for something unique and fun.
Reason # 3: The advertising campaign may read as the "New" Mini Cooper - but it's still true to its roots!
So many "classic" cars have tried and failed to reinvent themselves. Either the manufacturer failed to innovate and appeal to the new market or strayed too far away from the original design and alienated the existing fan base.
The "new" Mini Cooper has stayed true to its racing roots but has also been able to gather a big cult following due to its mass market appeal. The racing car roots may not be for everyone but the Mini Cooper's sleek curves and old-school-meets-new-school design set it apart from others in the racing world. You also still get the "vintage" street legal vehicle without compromising on engine power and actual running parts.
Reason # 4: Whether You're Driving Around the City or Down a Deserted Highway - the Mini will take you where you want to go!
The Mini Cooper was built for practicality - you can go for about 400-plus miles on a single tank of gas - which, by the way, won't require you sacrificing your first-born since the tank can hold about 13.2 gallons.
Of course, It wouldn't be fair to not mention some downsides to driving the Mini Cooper - the trunk, for example, won't hold much if you pack like you've been evicted. But if you pack light and want to go on an extended road trip - there aren't many compacts that will feel as comfortable transitioni ng from city to highway driving.
The Mini Cooper unibody and chassis design also holds up pretty well in case of accidents due to its torsional rigidity. The same asset that helps lessen unpleasant "settling" car sounds like creaking and rattling of parts also helps protect drivers from the brunt of impacts.
This doesn't give owners a license to drive recklessly - but its just impressive to see something that tiny able to face an F150 and say "you should see the other guy".
Reason # 5: You can go really, really fast
The newer models of Mini Cooper S with the John Cooper Works (JCW) package can take us up to speeds of 200 mph - not that anyone would actually use this for driving to the office or in hopes of beating rush hour - but it's nice to know you have that option.
The engine has been upgraded on the Mini Cooper to a 1.6 liter, 172 horsepower engine that allows for 177 pounds per foot of torque at 1,600 rpm. Not bad for a ti ny little compact. The Mini packs all that power and yet also manages to fit into the tiniest parking spaces. No more cussing out insensitive fools who can't park to save their life.
Also - remember BMW's claim that the Mini Cooper drives like a go-kart? All true. It's tiny enough that you feel like you're in a makeshift box car fashioned in your father's garage and the little speed demon in you will revel in karting around the "obstacle course" of the streets of whatever town or city you find yourself in.
Oh, by the way, if you're the proud owner of a new Mini Cooper, take a gander at the stick shift. There's a tiny little button there marked "sport" that you might want to engage when you need help maneuvering those hairpin curves. Come on, you know you want to!
Be mindful, however, of the Mini's less-than-stellar steering wheel "torque steer". If you're in a high-speed situation, you need to remember that the steering wheel can jerk suddenly and affect yo ur driving performance.
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→5 Reasons to Love the New Mini Cooper
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