2008 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.

As cute as the new Mini was it wasn't the most practical car you could drive, but that was where the Mini Clubman came in.

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.

While it is harsh to dismiss the first R53 version of the JCW as not being a success, it wasn't all it could so Mini owner's BMW have improved the breed for the new R56.The last JCW was more of an retro-fitted parts kit, supplied through the John Cooper Works tuning arm, than a proper Mini model. The new car is the real deal with Mini taking control of the JCW brand and developing the road car - both hatch and Clubman - alongside its Mini Challenge racer.That means the JCW earns its place at the top of the Mini heap, as the brand’s halo car, above the Cooper and Chilli models.It is a natural extension to the brand given the strong racing heritage of the original Mini and John Cooper; the man who ran Jack Brabham to two Formula One world titles.Mini is pushing the links to the Challenge racers hard, and with good reason. The engine is the same one found in the track cars.The 1.6-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder powerplant produces 155kW and 260Nm; with a further 20Nm available on Overboost. It boasts new pistons, valves, turbochargers, intake and exhaust systems on top of the standard Cooper S engine.But for all the power, Mini hasn't forgot that the world craves environmentally friendly cars. Fuel economy is an impressive 6.9l/100km for the hatch and 7.0l for the Clubman on the EU cycle and the engine already meets the EU 5 emission standards, that have still to be introduced.The company has also gone to work on the car's handling and other performance measures. There are upgraded brakes, suspension, gearbox and a recalibrated Dynamic Stability Control system and traction control.There is also a unique Electronic Diff Lock Control that works when the DSC is switched off.While the car's has been toughened up, Mini is also offering a range of performance parts to let customers go even further.Cross-drilled brake discs, an aerodynamic kit that includes a wing and rear diffuser, a strut bar and suspension upgrades are all on the options list.Also available are interior upgrades that include racing seats, sports steering wheel, carbon fibre gear lever and handbrake and bigger, 18-inch wheels.The JCW is based on the Chilli S model so the base package for the car is solid.Prices start at $48,800 for the hatch and $51,300 for the Clubman.The Cabrio version of the JCW won't hit the roads until the updated soft-top emerges next year. With the basic models due by the second quarter the JCW probably won't land on our shores until the middle of 2009.Despite starting late in the year Mini Australia is expecting to sell 60 JCWs by the end of 2008 and is targeting 150 in 2009.  ON THE ROADWhat the Mini JCW lacks in style, it makes up in substance.The biggest criticism of the car is the styling is under-whelming. Sitting inside the car there is almost nothing to really distinguish it from a regular Mini.Granted the steering wheel is leather, there are sports seats, anthracite roof lining and a 260km/h speedo but they are very subtle touches and don't suggest a premium model. You don't even get special badging unless you pay extra.But having said that, it is typically comfortable and stylish as we've come to expect from the Mini.Things are improved on the exterior with 17-inch alloy wheels, bonnet stripes and JCW badges. But again you are left with the feeling that Mini could have taken things further. The optional 18-inch black wheels and aerodynamic kit give the car real presence but come at a price.For a brand so heavily aware of style it is a surprising element to the JCW.But while the styling is under done you can make no such criticism of the engine. It is brilliant; capable of pumping out 97kw per litre.It's small size belies the fact that it is a powerful unit that is capable of taking the car to 238km/h and from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds.It's not just the raw power too. It is smooth across the rev range and sounds great when you put your foot down.The gearbox is also impressive. Despite being beefed up to cope with the extra grunt it retains the same sharp feel of the standard Mini six-speed manual unit.As you'd expect for a sports model with upgraded suspension the ride is firm. The handling is direct and the JCW provides good feedback to the driver; especially when the Sports mode is engaged. While it can feel harsh on the rougher, open roads it work well on smoother tarmac.To demonstrate this the launch program for the JCW included a stop-over at the Broadford State Motorcycle Complex for some racetrack laps.On the track the JCW is impressive. For such a small car it provides big entertainment. The engine comes into its own when there are no speed limits to worry about and the brakes held up well to the punishment the track dished out.The extra weight made the Clubman less predictable and stable in the rear in the high-speed corners. The hatch had no such problems and lived up to Mini's claims of go-kart like handling. INSIDE VIEWPrice: Hardtop $48,800, Clubman $51,300Engine: 1.6-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder, 155kW and 260NmTransmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel driveFuel economy: Hardtop 6.9l/100km, Clubman 7.0l/100km both on combined EU cycle