The big news at Mini for 2005 is what’s missing: the roof. It’s tough to restyle a retro design, and so BMW, Mini’s parent company, stirs up new interest by offering the little car in a convertible. Other 2005 changes include restyled headlights, backup lights integrated into the taillights, and minor interior tweaks.
Fixed-roof models still come in three lines: the Classic, Cooper and Cooper S. The convertible comes in Cooper and Cooper S.
All Minis use a 1.6-litre inline four-cylinder that makes 115 hp in the Classic and Cooper. The Cooper S adds a supercharger, which increases horsepower to 168. The Classic and Cooper come with a new Getrag five-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Cooper S comes with a six-speed manual.
On the convertible, a limited-slip differential and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual mode operated by traditional gearshift and wheel-mounted paddles are available on both the Cooper and Cooper S. The CVT is not available on the drop-top.
Features on the Cooper Classic include five-speed manual transmission, speed-sensitive steering, sport suspension, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, heated mirrors, speed-sensitive wipers with heated washer jets, power locks with self-charging remote, rear washer/wiper, leather-wrapped wheel, manual air conditioning, 50/50 folding rear seat, cloth or leatherette seats, and CD/MP3 player with six speakers.
The Cooper adds traction and stability control, xenon headlights with washers, manual seat height adjuster and green-stripe windshield. The Cooper S adds a six-speed manual, “sport suspension plus”, a hood scoop, chrome fuel filler door, rear roof spoiler, twin exhaust tips, sport seats and stainless steel pedals.
Features are the same on the convertible, except that the sport suspension is optional on the Cooper and standard on the Cooper S.
The new Mini is as much fun as the old one to drive; quite simply, it’s a blast. The steering is sharp, the handling is like a go-kart, and even the 115 hp models seem quick, given the diminutive size of the car, although one lap in the supercharged model immediately convinces drivers that forced-air is even better. With its wheels stuck out to the edges, the Mini has no body roll; corners can be taken quickly and confidently, and twisty roads just beg to be driven. On the coupe, the huge windows and small size make for great visibility all around.
The convertible ups the fun aspect. The soft top comes with a heated glass rear window and, of all things, a power sunroof. With the top down, rear visibility is poor, but then, when the top’s down, who cares?
The Mini has seating for four, but the best way to describe it is to call it a two-seater that’s most comfortable for one person. Two large people in the front seats will have plenty of leg room but will find shoulder room wanting. The front seats are comfortable, the hard back seats less so. Cargo space is limited, but the rear seats fold for extra space. Manual-equipped cars have a huge chrome shifter ball that looks great, but bring gloves in winter; until the interior heats up, it’s like you’re shifting a Sno-Cone.
The Mini is built in Oxford, England.
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