The 2009 Mini Cooper comes as a two-door hatchback called the hardtop, a four-seat convertible, and a longer-wheelbase wagon called the Clubman. Two trim levels are available, the standard Cooper and the higher-performing Cooper S.
The hardtop was redesigned as a second-generation car for the 2007 model year, while the second-generation convertible makes its debut as a 2009 model.
The Mini Cooper hardtop ($18,550) and convertible ($23,900) are powered by a normally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated 118 horsepower. Both come standard with air conditioning; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, RDS, and pre-wiring for satellite radio; power windows with auto-down; power locks; remote keyless entry with electronic signal transmitter in place of the ignition key: leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel; six-way adjustable driver's seat; height-adjustable front passenger seat; split-folding rear seat; leatherette upholstery, outside temperature display, and a cooled glovebox. The hardtop also gets a rear wiper and defogger and P175/65R15 all-season tires on alloy wheels. The convertible has P195/55R16 run-flat tires on alloy wheels.
The Mini Cooper S hardtop ($21,950) and convertible ($26,800) are equipped with a 172-horsepower turbocharged version of the same engine, stiffer suspension, performance exhaust system, and 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 all-season run-flat tires for both body styles; 17-inch wheels are optional. Exterior design details, including fog lights, a black grille insert, hood scoop, rear bumper inserts and prominent rear spoiler wing (optional on the Cooper), distinguish the Cooper S from the Cooper.
The John Cooper Works hardtop ($28,550) and convertible add a more powerful version of the turbocharged engine rated at 208 horsepower, as well as larger brakes, firmer suspension and P205/45R17 run-flat tires.
All models come standard with a six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic manual shift controls is optional ($1,250) for all but the JCW models.
Personalization is a big part of the Mini experience, and the list of available options is far too long to repeat here, from electronics and amenities to aero kits, stripes, and chrome baubles. An extensive array of alternative trim features is available to customize the interior to personal tastes, in terms of colors, textures and materials.
Option packages include the Sport Package ($1,500) with Sports suspension, 16-inch wheels (for the hardtop), traction control and stability control with an on/off switch, and bonnet stripes; the Convenience Package ($1,250) with rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, Bluetooth, a universal garage door opener, an iPod adapter, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and keyless access and starting; a Cold Weather Package ($500) with heated front seats, power folding mirrors, and heated washer jets; and a Premium Package ($1,250) with a panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, cruise control and steering wheel audio controls. Significant stand-alone options include a limited-slip differential ($500), xenon headlights ($500), Bluetooth ($500), and navigation ($2,000). Many if not most of the items from the various option packages are also available as stand-alones.
Safety features on all models include dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Cornering Brake Control. Hardtops get torso-protecting front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags, while convertibles add front seat-mounted head- and torso-protecting airbags and a pop-up rear rollover bar. Brake Assist detects emergency operation of the brakes, and builds up maximum brake pressure as quickly as possible. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control is standard, and a version that can be turned on and off is optional on all but the JCW, where it is standard. Hill Assist start-off assistance is a feature of DSC, activating the brakes when starting on an uphill ascent to prevent the car from rolling back. Rear park assist is optional.