The Mini Cooper comes in two model designations: the 115-horsepower Mini Cooper and 163-horsepower Mini Cooper S. Both are four-seat hatchbacks, with front wheels driven by a transversely mounted 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. For 2004, prices for each increase by only $24.
The Mini Cooper ($16,449) comes with a high level of equipment, including air conditioning, CD stereo with six speakers, power windows with auto-down, power locks, remote keyless entry, and a rear wiper all standard. A five-speed gearbox and 15-inch alloy wheels are standard. A Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT ($1,300), is available for drivers who must have an automatic.
The Mini Cooper S ($19,449) adds a supercharged version of the four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual gearbox, stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars for flatter handling and 16-inch wheels. The Cooper S has exterior trim that distinguishes it from the base model. Inside, the S adds sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
From there, buyers can have a blast, or be confused, by choosing from a list of more than 30 factory options and 10 exterior and interior colors. You can choose a roof that's either body-colored, black, or white, and you can add a roof decal, a checkered flag, a Union Jack, an Star Spangled Banner. You can finish your Mini with white or silver wheels.
Stand-alone options include automatic air conditioning ($300), a Harman Kardon stereo with eight speakers ($550), leather seats ($1300), xenon headlamps ($550), and a navigation system ($1700). Other options are grouped into packages: The Sport Package ($1300) includes Dynamic Stability Control, a rear spoiler, fog lamps, sports seats, and larger alloy wheels. The Premium Package ($1300) includes sunroof, automatic air conditioning, on-board computer and cruise control. The Cold Weather Package ($570) includes heated seats, mirrors and windshield-washer jets, along with rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
There's also a dealer installed works kit that significantly improves performance and increases the price as much as $10,000 depending on specifics. Mini customers can build their car online (at miniusa.com) with colors, options, and accessories.
Both Minis come with a luxury-class list of safety features, including anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, front and front side-impact airbags, curtain-style head-protection airbags for all passengers, a crash sensor that automatically unlocks the doors, seatbelt pretensioners and side-impact door beams. The Cooper S adds traction control. Both cars offer DSC electronic stability control ($500) as an option.
The Mini Cooper S MC40 ($26,500) limited-edition model is mechanically identical to the Mini Cooper, but features special paint and interior trim, racing decals, driving lights, and other features all designed to approximate the No. 37 rally car as closely as possible. Only 1,000 will be sold.