In some respects, it has come a long way since its original debut in August 1959. That's when Mini was born, gracing the streets of Britain. Over the decades, the hatchback has endured the test of time and remained true to its roots. And after a successful run with the current Mini was launched in 2001, a new-and-improved version is set to hit the road. For 2007, the Mini gets updated from the ground up, although many might not notice all the changes, especially to the exterior. Even though the next-generation Mini doesn't look too different from the last version, hardly anything is the same. You'll definitely notice improvements inside and under the stubby little hood. There's more room, better materials, new engines, and more power. And after all these years, Mini still retains its captivating charm and popularity around the world.
Any way you look at it, Mini's squat, square design is striking and unmistakable on the road. From the outside, the keen eye will notice subtle changes to the exterior. A new hexagon radiator grille, large circular headlights, and an elevated window line all combine to give the Mini a mighty strong stance. The Cooper S's roof spoiler is larger and more prominent; the twin tailpipes are positioned in the middle, giving the rear an athletic look.
Although the Mini is almost 2.4-inches longer than its predecessor, the increase in length is hardly noticeable on the outside. But inside, you'll feel and appreciate the difference, especially when riding in the back seat. There's more knee room in the rear. Adults can actually sit in the back, although I'd only recommend it for a short distance — kids would be more comfy in the rear. The redesigned front bucket seats are sculpted better to suit your body. And there's more padding to add extra comfort to the ride. Like its name, the trunk is mini. But you'll manage to squeeze in a few grocery bags. Flip the rear seats down, and you can cram a couple of suitcases for a weekend getaway.
2007 MINI - Women's PostThe quality of interior materials has also improved. Optional natural wood trim and leather seats add an upscale feel to the cabin. Chrome accents dominate the inside. The speedometer takes centre stage, literally and figuratively. There's no way you'll avoid a ticket with the excuse of not knowing how fast you were going. It's impossible to miss the funky huge circular speedo, which is anything but mini. Beneath it are vertically arranged rotary knobs for the ventilation. A row of metal toggle switches in the lower portion operates the power windows and central door locks. There are also new toggle switches for the interior lights in the roof lining. Personally, I'm not a fan of the toggle switches — I find them awkward to use and distracting to decipher between functions. The optional ambient lighting is really cool — you can choose between five colours from warm orange to sporty blue, depending on your mood.
There's also new technology added to the Mini. Replacing the conventional ignition key is a round key fob with an electronic signal transmitter. Just insert the fob into the slot next to the steering wheel, and start the engine by pressing the start/stop button. Okay, it's a bit redundant, but it suits Mini's style.
The Mini Cooper S has a new 1.6-litre, 4-cyclinder turbo-charged engine with 175 ponies under the hood and 177 lb-ft of torque. Likewise, the Mini Cooper boasts a 1.6-litre four-cylinder, but it has a naturally aspirated engine. It delivers 120 horsepower and 118 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a standard 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The Mini is still a front-wheel drive with a low centre of gravity and wide wheel track, so it retains its fast, agile, and nimble road manners. It handles like a go-kart; it really excels when taking curves and bends quickly. Both models also have better fuel economy. The Cooper gets an impressive 5.8 litres/100 km and the Cooper S 6.9 litres/100 kilometres.
Safety features include six standard airbags and three-point seat belts fitted on all four seats. ABS antilock brakes, electronic brake force distribution, cornering brake control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system make the ride more secure. The new Hill Assist start-off assistance combined with dynamic stability control keeps the car from rolling back on steep inclines — it's a great feature which came in handy on our driving route. Run-flat tires are standard and allow you to drive up to 150 kilometers even when a tire is completely flat.
The European debut of the Mini is Nov. 18. The date coincides with a historic event — the 100th birthday of the late Sir Alec Issigonis, the creator of the legendary classic Mini. (He was knighted in 1969 by the Queen and died in 1988 at the age of 81.) But in Canada we'll have to wait a little longer for this iconic car to grace our streets. The Cooper and Cooper S are slated to hit showrooms in the spring of 2007. Prices aren't available yet.
Image courtesy of stock.xchng.
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