Mini Cooper 2001 test drive - 2006 hatchback

Trust the sensations!

It just so happened that the first mini in editorial trials was Cooper S The most powerful representative of the family. An enthusiastic impressions did not soon submit a modest in appearance to the car turned out to be a unique source of joy of movement (ZR, 2002, No. 6).
 
And what is just a mini cooper what is capable of? By the way, more recently, its updated version is presented at the Paris salon. On our test, a car with a 115-horsepower engine and an automatic transmission.
WHAT'S NEW?
Mini Cooper has changed only cosmetically, the differences are unlikely to be drawn to significant. If you never sat behind the wheel of this car, then you can hardly see them. And if you were sitting ... you still have to strain and remember.
Design differences are more new mechanical gearboxes on all models, a more powerful Cooper S, a modernized salon worked on doors and seats.
The tachometer that did not enter the standard equipment on the steering column has become mandatory. Here is a small display of the on -board computer. The clock moved onto the speedometer plate to the odometers of the general and daily run.
The car provided for the test was additionally distinguished by the front panel for wood, leather seats with heating, climatic installation, electric heating of windshield and xenon headlights, in the new version surrounded by eight with point light sources.
Pleasant in all respects
Of course, after mini Cooper S, the dynamics will simply seem modest. Our measurements showed not too impressive numbers. An unnecessary car with an impressive list of additional equipment was almost 100 kg heavier than the promised. In addition, instead of standard 15-inch, he will shower in heavier 16-inch wheels. The appearance, controllability and brakes won from this, lost the dispersal. However, sometimes calm real indicators do not coincide with vivid subjective impressions. Mini Cooper is just such a case.
Automatic transmission with the variator, as it turned out, is fully consistent with the nature of the machine. Of course, the variator provides a manual mode with virtual transmissions. Today, such a solution (albeit not ideal for saving fuel and acceleration time) has become mandatory in all cars for an active driver. The variator of the mini Cooper is extremely responsive in both standard and sports modes, and easily changes transmission at the first request of your right leg.
The minus lies in a delicate touch from the place even if you hold the car in place of the brake, the initial acceleration is very calm, even in sports mode. After the first 20 km/h the situation changes in the root: in the city stream, Mini Cooper feels like fish in water, adding energetic acceleration to other advantages of good visibility and enlarged external and internal mirrors.
On the suburban highway, Mini Cooper also does not graze. The cruising 130 km/h leave an impressive supply under the pedal. Knight also determines the noise portrait: the unexpectedly deep and bass voice of the engine makes the remarkable power, and the noise of the air around the unusually short, almost vertical front racks is much less expected.
The suspension is able to cope only with small waves on the asphalt, no more. The irregularities of the rude coating are freely passed to the seats, and it is recommended to move double the policemen twice as usual than usual. Say thank you low -profile, safe when punishing, tires with an enhanced sidewall and a hard short -flowing suspension.
But there are no compromises in terms of controllability. The mini cooper suspension is less stiff than that of Cooper S, and the rolls of the body in corners are clearly visible from the side. However, in the ability to easily and naturally change the direction of movement of this car has no equal among classmates. The steering wheel, from the stop to the stop of which is only 2.5 turns, and sometimes it seems not fast enough for such a sharp and responsive chassis! Although it is impeccably accurate and has a wonderful feedback. Without succumbing to the temptation of an electric power, the creators of the mini chose a combined circuit, where the electric pump is paired with a hydraulic wiper. As a result, and with a steering wheel, order and fuel are saved.
In the sliding of the mini kuper, we predict as in ordinary traffic modes, and, despite the hard pendants and tenacious tires, does not scare at all with typical errors in the bend.
Is it worth it?
The mini begins with planting a low seat, of course, can be lifted, but a feeling of unity with the machine goes away. The modest dimensions of the mini are not an obstacle to the solid complexion of the driver or front passenger. Full -sized riders can also accommodate without any problems. But in this case, the driver’s proprietary landing will have to be donated for the sake of their feet under the laid seat there is no place. However, they hardly buy mini to travel four
Road clearance 130 mm. With short, like mini, it is quite acceptable today, but the lowest part of the cupper of the front bumper lumber hangs another 20 mm lower. Verdict Parking on curbs is not allowed.
Does the modest motor mean economicality? Mini Cooper does not have a uniform movement at a speed of 90 km/h. In reality, it is hardly possible to expect a consumption of less than 10 l/100 km. This is a cool temperament of the driver
To say that a mini car is cult, nothing to say. The original appearance and outstanding running qualities distinguish it from the vast series of formal classmates. However, the price also stands out more than noticeable: in the standard configuration, the mini coop is drawn for almost 29 thousand dollars, and the car provided for the test cost nearly $ 35,000! It remains only to envy the Americans who can buy our mini cooper for $ 20,669 ...
Mini
The modern Rome of Austin-Mini 1959 was represented in 2001. Restyling in the fall of 2004 (2005 model year).
It is produced with the body of the hatchback and convertible (since 2004).
Benzine engines 1.6 liters, power 90200 liters. with. (Cooper Works). Turbodiesel 1.4 liters, 75 liters. with.
Gearboxes: mechanical 5- and 6-speed or variator.
Execution options: mini-uan, mini kuper, mini Cooper S. Price,
SUMMARY
Having weighed personal impressions and measurement results, I want to crumple records with characteristics and completely trust the sensations. Apparently, this is precisely the power of the mini.
+ Excellent handling, sensitive steering, convenient landing, stylish appearance
 

A source: The magazine "Driving"