2011 Mini Cooper S Convertible Review

MINI is both the name of a subsidiary of BMW, and a car produced by that subsidiary since 2001. The car is marketed as a "retro" redesign of the original Mini, which was manufactured by British Motor Corporation and its successors, assigns, from 1959 to 2000. To distinguish it from its predecessor (the 'classic Mini'), the name for the new car is MINI (written in capital letters). It is often called "The BMW Mini," "New Mini" or simply "Mini" . MINI is manufactured in Cowley, Oxford, United Kingdom, which has been historically Morris car plant.

Models

The MINI is available in seven models: the MINI One D, MINI One, MINI One Convertible, MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper Convertible and MINI Cooper S Convertible. In Portugal, the MINI One is powered by a 1.4 liter version of the Tritec engine but all other petrol powered mini to use version 1.6 liters. Since 2004, a soft-top convertible option is available in the entire region.

 

There are many styles and badging differences between the models, perhaps the most obvious is that the Cooper S has a distinctive scoop cut into the bonnet to provide airflow over the heat exchanger mounted on top. The Cooper S also has dual exhaust exit in the middle of the transom. Cooper (non S) has more chrome parts than the Mini One and a single exhaust. The Mini One / D has no visible exhaust pipes at all.

In some markets, such as Australia and the United States, only the MINI Cooper and Cooper S are sold because the MINI One's engine was considered to provide sufficient power to run air conditioning - an essential feature in these climates. However, the only difference between the engines 'One' and 'Cooper' models is a modification of the engine control software that is tuned for optimum fuel economy is the MINI One and a balance of economic power and Cooper. Almost fifty percent of all ministries for sale in Australia and about seventy percent of them are sold in the United States is the top-of-the-range Cooper S model.

 

The names Cooper and Cooper S ECHO, the names used for the sportier version of the classic Mini which in turn will be accompanied by John Cooper and the Cooper Car Company. Cooper, Heritage continues to emphasize the John Cooper Works (JCW) range of tuning options that are available for the MINI.

Technology

MINI One, Cooper and Cooper S use a Brazilian Tritec engine constructed while the MINI One / D uses the Toyota diesel engine built. In August 2006, BMW announced that engines would in future be built in the UK, Making the car rebuilt mainly British (as well as the final composition of Cowley, the body pressings are made close to Swindon).

 

While the mini-modern uses none of the construction of the original Mini, it does capture much of the spirit of classic cars. Like the original, it uses a transversely mounted four-cylinder driving the front wheels. All four wheels are pushed around the body, which is a "two-box 'or' hot hatch 'design. The style of the car like the Volkswagen New Beetle is a retro design that is deliberately reminiscent of the original Mini with contrasting roof colors, optional cover bands, optional rally lights and with black trim around the wheel arches and low body that mimic the wide wheel flares found on many classic Minis.

 

MINI One and MINI Cooper are available with a continuously variable transmission, or a series Getrag five-speed manual. Cooper S is equipped with a Getrag six-speed manual or (from 2005 model year), fully automatic transmission levers.

Technical innovations include an electric power system with a direction that avoids taking power from the engine, the length of the axes to eliminate the torque, and a sophisticated multi-link rear suspension. The MINI has a 'drive by wire' electronic throttle, electronic distribution of braking force and electronic stability control to improve control and handling in adverse conditions.

 

The addition of a compressor is a Cooper S model required that the battery has been moved to the rear of the car - leaving no room for spare tires. Therefore, this model comes with run-flat tires as standard.

Convertibles

In the Salon International de l'Auto '(Geneva Motor Show) in 2004, MINI has introduced a cabriolet (convertible) model which was published in the 2005 model year and available in both Cooper and Cooper S,.

The convertible top fully automatic - an unusual feature in such a small car - and can be opened partially to act as a sunroof whilst the car is traveling at high speed. The convertible model fails, the rear hatch of the hardtop MINI - replacing it with a menu design that recalls "tail" of the classic Mini and incorporating similar prominent external hinges. The convertible also adds two small power windows for rear passengers, which are drawn automatically when opened. The roof is made of heavy cloth with many layers of insulation in the rear window is glass and has a heater / defroster but no washer or ice.

 

As a joke, was (and probably as part of MINI viral marketing approach) purchasers of the MINI Convertible was asked to sign a "contract" promising that they would drive the car with the roof open at least 90% of the time. MINI also set up a telephone hotline (in the U.S.: 1-888-DO NOT CLOSE) which can call to report convertible owners who run with the roof up inappropriately. The automated system offers such helpful advice on how to manage a Wedgie to the offender.

 

The Works GP MINI

The latest edition of the automobile to be made with the Tritec engine is the "Mini Cooper S Works GP", a lightweight, race prepared John Cooper Works model. It was produced as a limited production of 2000 cars in 2006, about 400 of them for the U.S. market. It has racing style front seats and no rear seats, reduced sound insulation, optional air conditioning improvements and others that reduce the total weight of about 15%. Brakes addition, it has improved the suspension and 218 horses of the John Cooper Works engine modification package. Instead of the rear seats there is the stiff body and additional storage areas underground. There are many unique styling points such as mirrors red door, a different design and special badging spoiler. Each car is individually numbered with a decal on the roof.

 

Success Story

While the car has been criticized for its poor space-efficiency compared to the original Mini (despite its significantly larger size), its faithfulness to the original features razor sharp handling and unique style has seen the MINI become commercial success in Europe and (from 2002) in the United States.

BMW has received a large backlog of orders throughout the life of the car and the Cowley factory is currently expanding to reach a capacity of about 240,000 cars a year, all with little conventional advertising.

The car has appeared in many films, most notable is the 2003 remake of The Italian Job. (See also: List of movies in which Mini cars are featured.)

 

As with the classic Mini, the new MINI a widespread club and enthusiast following and strong after-market support for performance upgrades and aesthetic improvements. Community support keeps the brand highly valued and shows BMW's decision to resume the MINI as a successful business strategy. MINI Cooper / Cooper S won the North American Car of the Year for 2003.