2005 Mini Cooper Reviews

Launched to an amazed world in 1959 the Mini became a huge success worldwide as well as in Australia, with it being built in Sydney for years. It faded from the 1980s onwards though some variants were still being made overseas till the year 2000. The British motor industry was in serious trouble for many years and

Despite sceptics having serious doubts about the new Mini when it was launched in the UK and Europe 2001, it has been a big success.

It's a testament to the ability of the new Mini's designers that its freshness hasn't diminished once the initial excitement of its launch faded. Doing a retro model is perhaps the most difficult of things to pull off, but the Mini men appear to have done it.The initial 2002 model paid proper homage to the much-loved original classic. The first new-age model was a fun-filled little car that revived memories of the original for anyone who was old enough to remember, but it also packed its own appeal for a younger generation.It was that generation that would determine the on-going popularity of the Mini, so keeping it fresh was critical if the Mini was to be  around for the long term. The R56 refreshed the Mini with a raft of changes from a new body to a turbocharged engine in the Cooper S, but importantly it remained true to the Mini model.While it remained true to form it didn't compromise on the things required of a car in today's demanding world. As a result the R56 had more power and economy, as well as increased space, comfort and refinement.The cabin of the new model was roomier, the view from inside was brilliantly clear and unobstructed, although there was some criticism of the huge, centrally mounted speedo. The base engine was a 1.6-litre BMW-developed four that had to be stirred along to get the most out of, but the pick of the engines was clearly the new turbocharged version in the Cooper S that adds extra grunt to increase the thrill of the drive.New six-speed gearboxes, manual and auto, also add to the fun. Central to the Mini theme is its chassis with the wheels placed at the corners to give as big a footprint as is possible with a smallish car. The footprint coupled with the tautness of the chassis makes the Mini agile and responsive - just plain fun to drive on a twisty road. The Cooper starts the range, then there's the turbocharged Cooper S, and on top of that each has an optional Chilli pack that boasts bigger alloy wheels, leather and cloth trimmed sports seats and 10 speaker sound.IN THE SHOPThere is nothing to suggest the Mini has any serious issues that should stop you buying one. It's generally well built and quite reliable.The issues that tend to be reported are more one-offs than widespread, and mostly relate to build quality issues. Relatively minor things like remote door locks, window winders etc. are the components most reported. Check for a service record before buying, and have a Mini specialist mechanic check it over.IN A CRASHSix airbags, together with stability control and cornering braking control as well as ABS braking and its associated systems give the Mini an impressive safety arsenal, enough to win five stars from ANCAP.AT THE PUMPMini's makers claimed the Cooper would average 5.8L/100km, the turbocharged Cooper S 6.9L/100km, but on test the Cooper averaged a real-life 8.4L/100km.AT A GLANCEPrice new: $31,100 to $43,500Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder; 88 kW/160 Nm 1.6-litre 4-cylinder turbo; 128 kW/240 NmTransmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed autoEconomy: 5.8 L/100 km (1.6), 6.9 L/100 km (1.6T) Body: 2-door hatch, 3-door wagon Variants: Cooper, Cooper Chilli, Cooper SSafety: 5-star ANCAP Green: 4-star (Cooper), 3.5-star (Cooper S)VERDICTGreat driving, great looking, fun-filled little car perfect for those who enjoy the drive.COMING UP Do you own or have you owned a Toyota Prado? Share your experience with other Carsguide readers by sending your comments via e-mail to grah.smith@bigpond.com or write to Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.

The new Mini, now owned by BMW, has been a huge success since its launch in Australia in March 2002.Partly because it’s a competent vehicle, but principally due to the fact that geniuses in the marketing have positioned it as a fashion item, not simply a car.As a result of Mini magazines, Facebook pages and numerous owners’ clubs, Minis have been customised in an extraordinary number of fascinating ways. Some of the prices paid are staggering, with the most expensive new Mini in Australia to date topping $100,000.Driving enjoyment is another factor in the car’s success. As a dynamic automotive for the keen driver the BMW Mini is close to perfect. The new Mini has steering that's almost kart-like in its response, in fact it’s almost too quick and first time drivers can get taken by surprise at times.The suspension assists the tyres to grip the road like grim death and the big disc brakes stop hard and straight.On the downside, the ride is fairly harsh and may prove too much for some occupants when it’s cruising on rough Aussie bush roads. The two top versions of the Mini are sold in Australia – the lower cost model, the Mini One, isn’t imported.The Cooper S is the hotshot, having its 1.6-litre engine supercharged prior to the introduction of the new model in March 2007, and turbocharged from then onwards.We really like the supercharged engine, because its torque comes in virtually instantly, whereas the turbo unit inevitably has a slight lag before delivering its all.The supercharged engine has a glorious shriek when you get stuck into it, a sound that’s loved by keen drivers with memories of supercharged racing cars. Externally, you can pick the Cooper S by the bonnet slot for the turbocharger’s intercooler, its chromed side grilles and fuel-filler cap, a small wing protruding from the rear of the roof, twin exhausts and larger (16-inch) alloy wheels.Sports seats have the option of full-leather or cloth/leather, the latter probably the better bet for hot Australian conditions. The steering wheel and gear lever knob are finished in leather and there are aluminium door sill plates carrying Mini Cooper S logos.A Mini cabriolet was launched late in 2004 and has an excellent opening roof system. Not only can it be used to make the Mini an open convertible, but also as a closed car with an open sunroof. The new cabriolet didn’t arrive in Australia until March 2009, two years after the launch of the Mark 2 coupe and it seems likely the two bodies will continue to be out of chronological order from now on.Topping out the Mini range is the Cooper S with the works – the John Cooper Works that is. The Cooper company specialises in improving Minis, both the original models and the new 21st century machines.Engine work on the new Mini is extensive and includes an Eaton supercharger in place of the Rootes unit fitted to the standard Mini Cooper S. Turbo engines in the later JCW’s rely on extra boost, with overboost on offer if you want to get really serious.Early in 2012 a coupe and roadster were added to the Mini range, it’s too early to comment on these as used cars. The new Mini network is well established in Australia. Almost all dealers are in suburban areas, which could lead to hassles if you’re unlucky enough to strike a problem in remote country.Being part of the BMW organisation gives the Mini major advantages in technical backup. Spare parts and servicing charges aren't unreasonable for a car in this class, meaning they are higher than for a typical small car. While it’s possible to do some of your own routine servicing, we suggest you stick with the professionals for all but the most minor tasks, and don’t even think of touching areas that can compromise safety.Most new Minis belong to doting owners and are serviced by the book. You will probably be happy to pay the extra asked for one of these pampered cars – it’s money well spent. Insurance costs are quite high, even more so for one of the ‘charged’ engines. Shop around for insurance, especially if you are young and/or inexperienced.But be sure to make direct comparisons between insurance companies and understand what you're getting – or not getting for your premium dollar.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck for crash damage, or previous smash repairs. Mismatched paint colours from one panel to another are a good clue – do the inspection in strong light. Also look for ripples in the panels, most easily seen when viewed end on. Tiny drops of paint in unpainted areas like lights, windows and badges are another clue to a respray.Be very wary of a Mini that has been fanged during track days or at a drag strip. Look for a roll cage, lowered suspension and additional instruments. Keep in mind they may have been put back to standard before going on sale.Look over the interior for signs of damage or wear and tear. Don’t forget to check the boot.Check for signs of water stains in a cabriolet, ask to have the carpets removed to check the floor under them. Dry carpets may be new units, so don’t necessarily mean the car hasn't been caught in the rain...Make sure the engine starts easily and idles smoothly. Watch for a puff of smoke from the exhaust when it first kicks over and again when it’s accelerated hard during your road test. Make sure all gear changes are light, easy and quiet. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) fitted on early automatics has unusual sounds during its operation (engine sound, that is, the transmission should be quiet) if you haven’t driven one of these before it’s smart to call in an expert.CAR BUYING TIPWhen looking at any sporting car be sure to avoid one that’s been thrashed. A professional inspector is invaluable in providing advice.

Attempting to reinvent the past is fraught with danger; the motoring graveyard is full of brave, but misguided attempts to breathe new life into past glories.  It's hard to recapture the essence of an older model, to take the thing that made it the runaway success it was and mould it into something as meaningful to today's car buyer.Of all the re-born classics carmakers have tried to pass off on the motoring public in recent times the Mini has clearly been the best and most successful.  The new age Mini not only looked passably like the old one, it had the feel of the old classic as well.MODEL WATCHIt's fair to say that the original Mini was an accidental classic.  It's designer, Sir Alec Issigonis, set out to make an efficient, affordable family car for a country still suffering the ravages of a debilitating war.The efficiency was delivered through a clever packaging approach that employed a boxy body, a wheel planted at each corner, and with the engine swung through 90 degrees from tradition to create a tiny car with a roomy cabin.With a modest engine, manual gearbox and few frills Issigonis's Mini achieved exactly what its designer intended.  Cute looks added to its appeal and the Mini became an instant hit   with car buyers all over the world.But it was to become much more than a cheap and cheerful means of family transport when revheads of the time discovered its stable   chassis could easily handle much more power than it had in its standard form.Grand Prix car designer, John Cooper, was employed to develop a special Mini, one with high performance and nimble handling that was   heaps of fun to drive.  The hot Mini Cooper was the first of Cooper's creations, the next was the even hotter Mini Cooper S that followed, both of which are much-loved classics today.The popularity of the little car was boosted enormously when London's trendy "in" crowd adopted it as their favoured means of transport.   Appearing in movies such as 'The Italian Job' also helped massage the Mini legend.With such a history BMW was under close scrutiny when it set about recreating the Mini in the early-2000's.  Fail and they would have been the laughing stock of the motoring world, but if they got it right they would have a winner on their hands.Fortunately for the German automaker they got it pretty much right, and its new-age Mini was greeted with enthusiasm.  The new Mini was much larger than the original car, but BMW managed to capture the cute looks and proportions that made the original so popular with the result that the new car doesn't look nearly as large as it is in reality.Like the original there was a wheel at each corner, which along with its well-tuned suspension produced a nimble chassis that was thrilling to drive.  One of the few criticisms of the BMW Mini was of the ride, which was thought to be a little too firm for most modern day rear-ends.Initially BMW launched the Mini Cooper with a 1.6-litre single overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine boasting 85 kW and 149 Nm, but   followed up with the Mini Cooper S that had a supercharged version of the engine producing 120 kW and 210 Nm.In standard Cooper guise buyers could choose between a five-speed manual gearbox and a five-speed CVT auto, while the Cooper S only   came with a six-speed manual.An update in 2003 saw the five-speed CVT replaced by a six-speed CVT auto.  Being upmarket models the Cooper and Cooper S had heaps of standard features.Externally there was the retro paint style with a white roof, alloy wheels, lashings of chrome on things like the door handles, grille and exhaust tip.  On the inside there was cloth trim, a leather steering wheel, a split-folding rear seat, air conditioning, CD sound, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking and a trio of cup holders.When it followed the Cooper S had leather trim, sports seats, larger alloys and sports suspension.IN THE SHOPThe Mini is generally a solid performer, but there are a couple of known problems areas. The power steering is noisy, and there are reports of the failure of  the power steering pump.The CVT transmission could be troublesome and should be carefully checked by someone experienced with this type of transmission. The   manual gearbox is the best choice for a fun drive.  Run-flat tyres are expensive and contribute to a firm ride some find uncomfortable.IN A CRASHThe Mini's underlying strength is its stable platform and nimble handling, with predictable power steering and power ABS anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control.In Cooper S guise it also boasted electronic stability control for even more active safety.  Overlaying the active safety was a comprehensive passive safety package of front, side and head airbags.  ANCAP rated the new Mini at four stars.AT THE PUMPMini owner Frank Bradley says he gets 8.9 L/100 km on around town, and 5.7 L/100 km cruising at 100 km/h on long trips.  Those figures closely match the official BMW numbers of 8.5 L/100 km in city driving and 5.6 L/100 km on the highway, but road testers reported fuel consumption of around 10 L/100 km from cars they tested.OWNERS SAYFrank Bradley bought his manual Mini in 2002 when they were first launched and says he would buy another one if and when he was to sell it. He uses it as his daily driver, but it's also become his hobby car since he joined the Victorian Mini Club. His likes include the unique styling, the precise handling, the drivability, incredible brakes and the build quality, while his list of dislikes include the front seat comfort and the noisy power steering pump.Glenys Tidd and her husband have two Minis and says that they would have more room if they had the room. He uses his 2002 Cooper S for longer trips to the city from their country home when he likes the performance; she drives a 2008 Mini Clubman wagon for the room and   the economy. They both have a lot of fun driving their Minis and say anyone with a complaint is not really a Mini person.LOOK FOR. Cute classic looks. Agile chassis. Fun-filled driveALSO CHECK THESE. VW GTi - 2005-2007The VW Golf is the real successor to the original Mini, the GTi the successor to the Mini Cooper and Cooper S, using the same formula of   brilliant packaging and sizzling performance. The GTi sets the hot hatch benchmark. Pay $25,000-$30,000.. FORD FOCUS XR5-T - 2006-2007Like the rest of the auto world Ford took up the Mini philosophy and built on it with cars like the Focus XR5, the hot sports hatch in the   Focus range. Terrific performance, great handling, an excellent all-rounder. Pay $25,000-$27,000.. PEUGEOT 206 GTi 180 - 2004-2007Peugeot and VW were constant contenders for the hot hatch title after the departure of the original Mini. The 206 GTi 180 delivered a   genuinely sporty ride with a punchy engine and excellent chassis. Pay $16,000-$22,000.THE BOTTOM LINEFun-filled driver that successfully recalls the past.

It is a car with charisma. A car that makes the occupants feel like they are the centre of motoring attention.Unfortunately, however, other motorists weren't the only ones paying attention.The scumbag with the knife did more than look – he (or she) decided to enact every soft-top owner's nightmare and cut the roof open. Not that it was worth their while ... the only thing in the car was the owner's manual, which they elected not to steal.But the sheer embarrassment of having to return a damaged car slightly dampened the enthusiasm I felt towards the zippy black Mini. (The price tag may have been the only other subduing element.)Earlier in the week – along with a couple of girlfriends – I discovered a few important points of the Mini on a trip to the Barossa Valley.The weather was perfect, the leather upholstery divine and the stereo pumping.The first issue which became apparent was the squeezy leg room in the back seat. The front-seat passengers have ample leg and head room, but I would recommend only short-legged passengers such as small children attempt to spend too much time in the back.With the roof rolled back, the modern Mini showed it was comfortable on the road – and as we passed an example of the vintage original, it became apparent how much larger and chunkier the new version really is.The emphasis on visual design is evident throughout the interior and the Mini's boot proved to be ideally sized for holding two cases of wine, although with depth and limited access to the area it was a bit tricky to get them out again. The Mini also comes with a rear sensor which goes beep if the driver should be about to reverse into an object – kind of like the noise trucks make.When details of this device were explained to me, I thought it was very fancy but, with the roof up, discovered it was, in fact, essential. Rear vision in this cutie is not good. Coming out of an angle park, cyclists beware.However, overall the feel-good factor of this car is hard to deny. So, the final advice would be pack light, park securely, only go forward and enjoy ... actually that could be a motto for life, not just a Mini.

Welcome to the world of superchargers.Any thoughts that the iconic, born-again Mini is starting to show its age are blown into the roadside weeds a split second after you floor the accelerator.The updated version of the John Cooper Works Mini S doesn't immediately leap away from a standing start but once the revs are lit, it flies, hitting 100km/h in a claimed 6.6 seconds. And it's usable performance, with fourth gear propelling the Mini from 80km/h to 120km/h in a claimed 5.4 seconds, or 6.7 seconds in fifth gear.This power delivery and its aural accompaniment are totally addictive. It's also affordable, with the factory-approved John Cooper Works Tuning Kit costing less than $10,000, including fitting. If you are thinking of buying any of the Mini Cooper S models, I urge you to consider it. Your life won't be the same again.Supercharging a motor to get cheap performance is one of the oldest tricks in the book. It even predates the combustion engine, with the Roots brothers developing a forced induction system to get air into British mine shafts in the early 1880s.Gottlieb Daimler held a German patent for supercharging in 1885 but forced-air induction had its motoring heyday in the blown Mercedes racers of the 1920s and 1930s. Its biggest application was in high-altitude piston-engined fighter planes in the 1930s and 1940s.The principles of supercharging and turbocharging are the same. By forcing more air into the combustion chamber, you get a bigger bang and greater thrust.A supercharger runs via a drive belt fitted to the engine, much like an alternator. A turbocharger runs through a turbine using the engine's exhaust gases. This gives the turbocharger a slight "lag" in power delivery that the supercharger doesn't have.Supercharging technology takes several forms. Some compress the air charge inside the blower itself before it is delivered to the motor but the Mini runs a Roots-type.This means the air charge is compressed in the intake manifold and cylinders. The Works kit therefore includes a cylinder head with modified intake and exhaust ports, bigger fuel injection jets, revised engine management system and retuned stainless-steel exhaust. Claimed power output is 154kW at 6950rpm (more than twice the power of the standard, normally aspirated motor) with 245Nm of torque at 4500rpm. Good news for buyers of the earlier kits is that the new go-fast parts are retro-fittable.The extra performance is unleashed by a new air filter. An electronically controlled valve opens an additional intake duct at higher revs, punching more air into the system. If the whistling whine at full thrust is intoxicating, on deceleration the free-flowing exhaust system emits a wicked series of muted pops and bangs.To back up the bang the low-slung Mini Cooper S has a limited-slip differential, traction control and ABS brakes. It also has perhaps the most direct steering you'll find on a road car. Comparisons with go-karts spring to mind. On test was the $44,900 Mini Cooper S Cabrio with six-speed manual transmission.The John Cooper Works Tuning Kit adds another $9850 to that price.Sports suspension, satellite navigation and leather upholstery were other options fitted.Approaching five years of production, there must be a replacement Mini in the making. The Cabrio hints at how the distinctive Mini shape can be revised without losing the original's charm.The soft-top slides back in two actions. The front section can be opened up 40cm while on the move, giving an effect much like a sunroof.While stopped, the whole roof retracts in 15 seconds for the topless motoring experience.A drawback is a lack of three-quarter rear vision with the top up. This is redressed in some way with a parking sensor, which could save a lot of money in the car park.BMW build quality is generally good but I didn't like the clumsy brushed-aluminium finish on the dash. Some drivers will also find the clutch action heavy. This area near the firewall is cramped as are the rear seats.But this is a driver's car and, with the supercharger whistling and the Mini pinned to a corner, all can be forgiven.