Follow-up test: 2009 Mini Cooper Classic
Vehicle: 2009 Mini Cooper Classic with Classic Convenience Package
Price as tested: CDN$23550
While the basic ingredients of the Cooper Classic is all but familiar, the most appealing factor of this entry-level model is the price. It starts at just over 22 grand. Although its bascially a decontented model, as it only comes with leatherette seating surface, manual climate control and 15″ wheels. It has all the active and passive safety features standard across the board. For the same token, the Honda Fit Sport doesn’t come with electronic stability control in Canada.
That also means even the basic Cooper already got all the merits of its more expensive silibings. As the chassis is rock-solid and handling is sharp. It pretty much drive like a go-kart thanks to its wheels pushed all to the side, while the suspension caliberation is superb. The base wheels and suspension don’t have the bouncy ride as more expensive Cooper and Cooper S with sports suspension.
While 118hp and 114 lb/ft of torque from 1.6 liter 4 banger isn’t going to win any races, the sweet 6-speed manual gearbox match with a light and progressive clutch is a delight to drive on a daily commute. While its maximum torque only shows up at high 4250rpm, it actually feels arrive much earlier than on paper. The engine is surprisingly refined and peppy.
What the Cooper Classic really does is to bring those consumers who are shopping for other subcompacts to try the Mini, despite the lack of versatility, in relative speaking. But it gains for host of standard active and passive safety features, which are unheard of in both loaded Fit and Yaris.
Likes:
Standard electronic stability control
Docile handling with comfortable ride quality
Price
Dislikes:
Interior plastic
Lacks practicality and versatility
Reliability concern