The 2005 Mini Cooper comes in two model designations: the 115-horsepower Mini Cooper and 168-horsepower Mini Cooper S. Either is available as a convertible. The hardtop Minis are four-seat, three-door hatchbacks, with front wheels driven by a transversely mounted 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. All models come standard with a manual gearbox.
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 Sport Package ($1350) includes Dynamic Stability Control, a rear spoiler, fog lamps, sports seats, and 16-inch alloy wheels with run-flat performance tires.
The Mini Cooper S ($19,899) 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. No automatic is available.
The Mini Cooper Convertible ($20,950) and Cooper S Convertible ($24,400) are equipped similarly.
Like a favorite action-figure toy that needs more costumes and paraphernalia, the Minis have a long list of factory options and color combinations. The 2005 convertibles are available in a new Hot Orange (like spiced pumpkin pie) and Cool Blue. 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, a Star Spangled Banner. You can finish your Mini with white or silver wheels. Mini customers can build their car online (at miniusa.com) with colors, options, and accessories.
Stand-alone options include automatic air conditioning ($300), a Harman Kardon stereo with eight speakers ($550), leather seats ($1300), xenon headlamps ($550), a navigation system ($1700), and Dynamic Stability Control ($500). Other options are grouped into packages: The Premium Package ($1350) 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.
All 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 and New Car Test Drive recommends getting it.