Entered CNET Catalog: 02/13/2007
SKU: 100837391
Manufacturer: Mini
Product summary
The good: The engine in the 2007 Mini Cooper S accelerates well and brings in good fuel economy. Its automatic transmission is surprisingly good, while the standard audio system delivers rich sound. And you can't beat the Mini's looks.
The bad: We can find very little wrong with the Mini Cooper S, but as a minor critique, it only fits a single CD player in the dashboard. A six-disc changer is optional, but its mounting area probably won't be terribly convenient.
The bottom line: Good-looking and one of the most fun cars on the road, the 2007 Mini Cooper S is well-engineered throughout. While we were impressed by the audio and handling, these can be made even better with an optional premium speaker system and a limited slip differential.
Editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 05/02/2007
Photo gallery:
Mini Cooper S
No one but a car geek would spot it, but the 2007 Mini Cooper S gets some big changes over its predecessor. Notably, the new Cooper is about 2.5 inches longer. There are also a few styling differences from the previous generation, a new engine, and an HD radio option. But it doesn't compromise the Mini look at all, and its performance is even better than its predecessor's.
When BMW bought the brand and started churning out the little cars in 2001, we couldn't imagine a better take on an old car. The original Minis are classics, and BMW successfully maintained the look in a larger, better engineered car. For 2007, the extra length is hardly noticeable. A more obvious styling upgrade are S emblems on the front fenders, attached to more substantial chrome insets. Our test Cooper S was yellow with black bonnet stripes and a black cap, a paint scheme that garnered us many envious looks as we tooled around town.
We've tested a lot of small, sporty hatchbacks recently, such as the Volkswagen GTI. The Mini bests them all in looks and quality. Although the Mini has a smaller engine, the power train makes the car feel more drivable, with the engine and transmission finely engineered to work together. And this engineering quality extends to other aspects of the car, such as the audio system.
Test the tech: Sport parking
Mini makes a big deal in its advertisements about the virtues of small cars. We, being urban dwellers, can appreciate the sentiment. To test out the size of the Mini, and our own parking skills, editors Wayne Cunningham and Kevin Massy challenged each other to see who could parallel park the Mini in the smallest amount of space.
We first looked up the specs on the car to get its length, which is a little more than 12 feet. Then we marked out a parallel parking spot 5 feet longer than the car. We used pylons to mark the four corners of the parking spot. After each successful parking attempt, we would bring the pylons in by a foot. As soon as one of our competitors touched a pylon with the car, the game would be over.
On a coin toss, Kevin got to go first. He pulled up to the space, then cranked the wheel as he backed up, easily putting the Mini in the parking spot. Wayne followed Kevin's example, dropping the Mini into the spot between the pylons. We pulled the pylons in to reduce the size of the parking spot by a foot, and let the contest resume. Both Kevin and Wayne managed the second, smaller parking space easily. Both editors took note that, although the pylons looked close in front and back, there was still a lot of room to maneuver due to the Mini's small size.
After the second run, the pylons were again brought in a foot. Kevin took his turn, backing the car into the spot while turning the wheel. But a bad start put him too far from the curb, forcing him to go back and forth in the spot to try and get closer. His repeated attempts to get the car within 18 inches of the curb eventually resulted in him hitting the front pylon, either by mistake or a desire to end the frustration. To avoid a tie, Wayne got behind the wheel and put the Mini neatly into the parking spot.
Judging from Wayne's final parking job, the car could have fit into an even smaller spot without touching the fore and aft pylons, but both competitors were happy to end it at this point. Besides proving the superior parker, we also showed that the Mini can fit into a 15-foot parking space.
In the cabin
Along with an upgraded body, the Mini gets a revamped interior, as well. The first indication that this isn't last year's Mini is the key, or lack of one. Just like the BMW 328xi we tested recently, our Mini came with an electronic key, although instead of the BMW's oblong piece of plastic, the Mini's is disc-shaped. We pushed the electronic key into its dashboard slot and started the car by pushing the engine start button. There was also an amusing double beep sound, reminiscent of a video game, when we inserted the key.
As Mini is owned by BMW, we weren't surprised to see the same MP3 and WMA CD interface that we saw on the BMW 328xi. This interface makes good use of a two-line monochrome radio display in classic BMW orange-on-black. Our Mini had a single CD player, and a six-disc changer is available as a dealer option. It also came standard with an auxiliary audio input, which we couldn't find until we consulted the manual. This aux jack is hidden below a row of toggle switches at the bottom of the stack.
Beyond these audio sources, our Mini also came with Sirius satellite radio and HD radio. The interface for Sirius, similar to the CD interface, is good, making the best use of a two-line display. Looking at the car's pricing sheet, we were at first surprised to see that Sirius was a $950 option, until we found out that it's a lifetime subscription.
We were eager to try out the HD radio, but were left unimpressed. We're lucky in the San Francisco Bay Area to have more than 20 stations broadcasting in HD. But most of the stations broadcasting in this format already have powerful transmitters, so it was difficult to hear the difference in audio quality. HD radio also allows more data to stream out with the music, but not every station takes full advantage of this capability. Some stations didn't bother to show song or artist names. And HD radio has the same distance limitations as normal broadcast. As we headed down Highway 1, on the coast, we started to get static on the HD radio station we were listening to.
Although our Mini came with the six-speaker standard stereo system, we were impressed by the audio quality. It is certainly not the best we've ever heard, but the speakers produce a strong, rich sound. The separation and range are both very good, especially for a stock system. The bass and high end aren't as extreme as on more premium systems, but we couldn't overwhelm the speakers at high volume, attesting to the Mini's all-encompassing engineering quality. For even better audio quality, there is a 10-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio system available.
Although we didn't have the Bluetooth cell phone option in our Mini, we did notice a few details suggesting Mini has done a better job of integrating it. There is a telephone button among the audio controls (which did nothing on our car), and a grille for a microphone on the rear-view mirror mount. Navigation is also available for the Mini, although not included on our test car.
Another detail we found pleasing appeared when we took the Mini out at night. There are lavender accent lights on the rear-view mirror mount and on the B pillars, which add a nice little glow that doesn't interfere with night vision.
Under the hood
Unlike the previous Mini Cooper S, the 2007 version uses a turbocharger instead of a supercharger, so we were thinking it should change its name to the Mini Cooper T. Semantics aside, the new power train delivers powerful acceleration with little discernable turbo lag. Under hard acceleration, there is a little torque steer, but it's very manageable. And the new Mini doesn't compromise on fuel economy or handling.
When we took delivery of our test car, we were at first disappointed that it came with an automatic transmission, as Mini's six-speed manual is very fun. But the six-speed automatic soon won us over with its performance. It has a normal Drive mode and a Sport mode, which can be activated either by pushing a button or pulling the shifter over to the left. The latter also engages manual shift mode--you can manually select gears by using the chunky paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the shifter.
In Sport mode the automatic holds gears nicely, letting the RPMs go up and giving us fast acceleration. We were frequently surprised how quickly we had the car at 50mph after a traffic light turned green. Better yet, in Sport mode the automatic downshifted very close to where we would do it in a manual. As our RPMs dropped when we approached a turn, the downshift would occur just a bit late, although more reliably than any other automatic we've driven. In short, sport drivers who also have to commute in heavy traffic should give this transmission a try.
Although the engine is still a 1.6-liter four cylinder, Mini reworked it, using many of the same technologies from BMW engines and pumping the horsepower up to 172. As we mentioned above, it gets a turbocharger instead of the supercharger. Because the engine is relatively small, we know there has to be some turbo lag, but due to the engine tuning and the transmission, we barely felt it. There seemed to be no flat spots in the acceleration.
During our time with the car, which involved some aggressive driving on windy mountain roads, we got 26.8mpg. The EPA rates it at 27mpg city and 34mpg highway, both impressive numbers for a car that performs like this one. Emissions ratings haven't been completed for the 2007 Mini Cooper S yet. For the previous year, it got a LEV rating from California's Air Resources Board.
Since the 2001 launch, the new Mini has been applauded for its handling, and the 2007 version gives up nothing in this regard. We ran our test car north and south of San Francisco on Highway 1, and along some twisty mountain roads, where we pushed it hard on tight turns. It did very well, although not quite as good as the Mazdaspeed Mazda3. However, a limited slip differential is available for the Mini, an option that should put the Mini right up there, if not beyond, the Mazda.
In sum
Our 2007 Mini Cooper S based at $21,200. We added 17-inch alloy wheels ($600), a six-speed automatic transmission ($1,350), stability control ($500), hood stripes ($100), xenon headlights ($550), HD radio ($500), and a lifetime Sirius satellite radio subscription ($950). Along with the car's $650 destination charge, the total comes out to $26,400.
We were more impressed with this Mini than any of the previous ones we've seen. It feels well-engineered inside and out, from its stereo system to the way the engine and transmission work together. With options, it can price up pretty fast, but it's comparable in price to the Volkswagen GTI and the Mazdaspeed Mazda3. Both of those cars are worthy competitors, but none will get the same looks as the Mini Cooper S.
User opinions
Select a User Opinion to view: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15out of 15 user reviews
Sharp, fun car, but slightly over-rated.
Pros: Great looks, good roadholding, good acceleration, good visibility and overall speaks of good quality. Great leg-room at the front.
Cons: Front end goes really squishy under hard acceleration affecting car balance. Understeers heavily around long corners. Sound system is actually quite mediocre considering the BMW parentage. Rear seats ok, but boot space somewhat of a joke.
It is a fun car that initially felt like a jumpy go-kart on steroids. However, as time wore on I am finding the car a bit irritating. The tendency for the front to go all squishy under hard acceleration and when the roads are off-camber around corners, this car loses grip very easily. I do a lot of track time on my bike and other cars, so have learned to pick out stable and efficient cornering lines through tricky bends in this car. The tyres are noisy. The sound system is really shallow. The dashboard and buttons feel a bit cheap, gimmicky and plastic-like. Should have had a bit more metal to go with the retro feel.
On the plus side, the engine is lovely - lot of feel to it. You get the feel right through to the steering wheel and pedals. The gear shifts are slick and easy. You get more enjoyment by throwing the car a bit around the bends allowing the out tyres to bite into the tarmac. Far more stable on dry roads than wet - but if you are a good driver who likes the wet, then this car can be fun in the wet too - particularly with traction control off. Am selling mine in favour of an R32 or an S3.
out of 15 user reviews
Rides like a rocket without the rice
Pros: - 26 city, 34 highway = 30-31mpg
- great handling
- amazing go-kart-like feeling
- customizable
- BEST resale value
- a keeper
Cons: Some of the features were not upgradeable once the car was bought such as a multi-function steering wheel. LSD are super expensive to buy from aftermarket so be sure to add LSD's when your customizing your new MINI.
Always an event to drive.
out of 15 user reviews
FUN FUN FUN
Pros: Got myself a base MINI Cooper Auto. It so much fun, like driving a video game. I know I may be alone but driving the Auto transmission just makes it a breeze driving to and from work (with a huge grin)
Cons: Price.. yeah I could get a fully loaded Honda Civic with more room. But then again its only a fully loaded Honda.
out of 15 user reviews
I absolutely love it. Great mpg.
Pros: Great looks, handling, and performance. No problems.
Cons: I have found none.
out of 15 user reviews
Drives like a go-kart, appointed like a BMW
Pros: Fantastic driving experience due to the handling characteristics and motor
Cons: Radio controls are quirky, backseat is barely there
As with other BMW designs, the secondary system system controls (doors, windows, turn signal, AC/heat, etc.) are unique, and sometimes a bit non-inuitive, especially the radio and on-board computer if you don't have the nav system.
Seats are comfortably firm - great for spirited driving, good enough for longer drives. Backseat is only tolerable for smaller passengers on short jaunts.
This year's model was redesigned by BMW to be even more like a BMW than previous MINIs - the price, handling (more refined this year), and electronics all reflect BMW hand in the car's design.
Also includes full free service (oil changes, etc.) for the first three years.
gl
out of 15 user reviews
The Mini RULES... LOVE IT
Pros: Looks, premium sound package, customizable, solid, GREAT engine and performance
Cons: Run flat tires are noisy.... same as on all cars
I traded in my BMW X3. You can really tell the Mini is made by BMW. It is SOLID. It feels like a much bigger, heavier car. Great leg room and head room for the driver and passenger.
Valets argue over who gets to park and retrieve my MINI and strangers approach me on the street to ask about it. Its more than a pretty face and fantastic personality. It is the best car I have ever had. I LOVE the MINI.
out of 15 user reviews
What a Blast to Drive
Pros: 6-speed manual is great. Fast pick up and it will go over 100 mph, Handles like a dream
Cons: Could have done the dash a little better
out of 15 user reviews
what a joy
Pros: fast and fun to drive, sports car handling, interior comfort, cutest car on the road
Cons: the seat belt thing, confusing turn signal functionality (but you get used to it)
out of 15 user reviews
Fantastically Fun!!!
Pros: Solid handling-great feel, great pick up, smooth and easy transmission (manual),plenty of front seat room, wonderful stereo and cool looking.
Cons: None as of yet.
out of 15 user reviews
Just bought the car for my wife and she barely got a chance to drive it.
Pros: feels faster then it is. 6 speed manual. almost no turbo lag. Amazing handling.
Cons: I hate reaching for the seat belt (although a seat belt extender is available). Rear seat is tight. umm....thats about it. stock speakers are not that hot...should have upgraded.
out of 15 user reviews
'07 S model. 600 miles in and radio is pleasant puzzle
Pros: heft and attention to detail
Cons: where does whimsy become quirky become dopey
In my opinion this car caters to quite a few audiences. The hard core sportsters who revel in the go kart like handling and technical specs - as well as the young girl who is taken by the 'cute' factor, but is not overly concerned that the '07 has gone turbo as opposed to earlier iterations which utilized a supercharger.
I rate this car highly - particularly because think the styling and engineering are great. Recall my initial reaction upon entering a mini - and was taken by the airy quality the double sunroof imparts. That coupled with the quasi upright greenhouse effect results in a spacious feeling. Actually - as I drive around - every one else's mini cooper looks so ... mini - except mine. Which looks just right. Just try and see if you can buy one for under MSRP. Some additional observations. Small styling/body modifications very pleasing to me. Black grill surround at rear valance of s model as well as slight revision to rear spoiler. High tech look and performance of zenon headlamps with integral turn signals.Clean looking and classy tray for wipers in rest position.
I was reaching for an aero kit -but glad stayed with stock layout.
Happy Motoring.
Barry
out of 15 user reviews
Eye Candy for the Road
Pros: Unique Style & Customizations, Excellent handling, Technophile's city car
Cons: The waiting list, supreme unleaded only, price
I just received a 2007 MINI Cooper S after a 340 day wait. The original order was placed in June 2006, and I received it at the end of May 2007. (The reason being there is only one MINI dealership to serve my entire state.)
From start to finish, I can honestly say that the MINI Cooper S is a well-designed vehicle for it's size and class. I had the opportunity to visit the MINI Cooper Production Plant in Oxford, UK in April and the devotion to service, commitment to quality and craftsmanship were very apparent on the tour of the plant. (Robotics everywhere!!)
I own a Laser Blue MINI Cooper S and the looks and stares are in abundance. You must exude confidence when driving this vehicle because it has A LOT of personality. Pairing up the Bluetooth to my mobile was fairly simple. Pairing up my garage door signal to the automatic garage door buttons took a bit longer. My MINI has a built-in navigation system which is fairly easy to use; however, you can't look for addresses on the fly (unless you have a co-pilot). I wanted the maps on the navigation to be more towards a white background, instead it has a dark background (pretty at night). The nav system has a female voice (wish it could be customized to either male or female). Most of the "computer" settings are memorized by the unique fob key. So me and my partner are able to have separate keys with separate settings associated with them. Very convenient. I also like the fact that I can keep the fob in my pocket and it will still detect it's presence and auto-unlock the doors/boot when I'm nearby (plus start the engine).
Sunroof is great. Let's a lot of sun in, so you get the feeling that you have a convertible and the protection of a hardtop - all-in-one.
This car is great for a small family. (2 adults and a child or pet.) Parking is extremely convenient. Standard 6-speaker stereo is great as is the iPod interface. There is limited legroom in the back seats, but can be adjusted by bringing the front seats closer to the dash.
Illuminated door sills are a nice feature to have and adds more personality to the vehicle. I highly recommend this car if you are: 1) living in a metropolitan area; 2) technology-inclined (non-geeks will not use half the functions available); and 3) someone who wants to stand out in the crowd.
out of 15 user reviews
The Dog's Bollocks
Pros: Classy and Classless at one and the same time
Cons: Nasty, cheap seat adjustment (especially the tipping/rake lever)
Points of info: Cooper ‘S’ doesn’t stand for ‘supercharger, its derived from the original Mini, and the ‘S’ version was ‘Sports’.
The engine hasn’t been ‘reworked’ – it’s a completely new unit jointly developed by BMW and Peugeot/Citroen and so also appears in Peugeot 207 GTi hot-hatch. The old engine was a Brazilian lump that had to be used because of some pre-existing deal of BMW.
In the USA you receive slightly diluted versions of the car(s): the European spec Cooper S has 175 bhp.
However drove the 2007 model when I was back in the UK at Christmas (me and my little car experience the delights of the roads here in Eastern Europe (Ukraine to be precise) and was overall impressed, especially with lower revs pick-up: as the turbo kicks in low down, you get access to most of the power/torque around 1500 rpm, rather then the 4000+ of my car. In day-to-day driving it’s therefore much more user friendly (which is why the ludicrous Civic Type R is such a non real-world car, with its screaming, high-rev engine).
It is what it is – a small, perfectly (well nearly) formed BMW
And if you think that you got admiring looks in the test car, then my right-hand drive Mini Cooper S in the depths of Eastern Europe is something else!
out of 15 user reviews
very very nice car
Pros: everything is great
Cons: i cant find any
out of 15 user reviews
Amazing Vehicle
Pros: Handling, SatNav, HiFi, comfort access
Cons: seatbelt access, need for software upgrades
I have to agree with the written review of the Mini on almost everything. What a great driving experience. Coming from a Honda, which was a very reliable car, but not all that fun, this car is a blast! I have the SatNav and not only does it improve the look of the center console, once you learn how it operates (and there is a slight curve to it), it's great to have for any road trip or non-routine driving experience. My Mini has literally just about every available factory-installed option (I missed Sirius by several weeks, bummer!) and there's nothing I regret getting, Everything works, and works well. I see Mini somewhat as "The Apple Computer of Cars," and that's about the highest praise I personally can give a company.
The only problem I am having, and it's more with the way BMW does things more than the car itself, is that in order to get the iPod interface installed, my car has to get over 6 hours of software updates, and they don't seem to want to "stick." Downloads quit/fail, and the process must be restarted. Right now, my car's SatNav is useless because the upgrade got 1/2 done, conked out, and now the SatNav system software is incomplete or corrupted because ot it. If a car has a mechanical issue, and needs repair, I can get used to that, but to have my car out of operation due to a dealer-installed option causing the software to go bad... unacceptible. However, my situation is unique and does not relate to the driving of the Mini normally, and so I take off no points for it.
The only area I MIGHT give drop the Mini's score 1/2 point would be use of the seat belt. Since it's a coupe, the seat belt originates from a point behind the door, which for a short person is well behind the seat. I almost wrench my arm every time I reach back for it. They sell a "seat belt holder" for $12 EACH as an accessory, which I have ordered. They are on indefinite backorder however, and honestly how hard would it be to just put it on the car as standard?
