What is it?
2002 Mini Cooper
What's special about it?
Representing the "entry-level" nameplate of BMW's three-brand attack to cover the entire spectrum of automobiles with premium brands (Mini, BMW and, in 2003, Rolls Royce), the new Mini Cooper is a faithful but modern interpretation of the classic original.
The new car is 18 inches longer, 14 inches wider, and 50 percent larger inside than the old car, measuring 11.75 feet from stem to stern. Mini's wide track, short wheelbase, and low height translate to a fun-to-drive set of front-wheel-drive wheels.
Styling is immediately recognizable as a Mini, but make no mistake, this is not an antiquated car under the retro skin. "Hidden" pillars suggest a floating roof, particularly evident on cars with white tops. White, you ask? Yep, the Mini Cooper will come in 14 colors at launch, with your choice of black or white top and side mirrors, and silver or white alloy wheels. Mini wants to make sure buyers can personalize their car to their tastes.
Those buyers will include 20,000 men and women from widely diverse backgrounds, representing a large range of ages. Young, hip individualists; car enthusiasts; Mini aficionados; and well-to-do BMW owners looking for a second, third or fourth car will buy the Mini, according to brand spokespeople.
Good things are made in England: witness Newcastle Brown Ale. The British-born Mini will come standard with leatherette upholstery, 50/50 split folding rear seatbacks, hi-fi CD stereo, telescoping steering wheel, seat height adjuster, and a large, centrally mounted speedometer that emulates the one found in the original. Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, Harmon Kardon speakers, xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
Under the sheetmetal, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control come standard. Under the hood, initial buyers will find a 115-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline four powering the front wheels through a manual or an available automatic transmission. Those who can wait longer could choose the Cooper S, with a supercharged, 160-horse version of that same engine and other tweaks that make for a more sporting drive.
Mini spokespeople claim the Cooper will set new class standards for safety, with built-in crumple zones and close attention to crash management detail. Front and side airbags, as well as head airbags front and rear, will be provided. But it might still get squashed like a bug when faced with a behemoth SUV.
One thing's for sure: the Mini Cooper is as cute as a bug.
Why should you care?
Speaking of bugs, first it was the Volkswagen New Beetle. Then it was the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Get ready to witness Mini madness when this car goes on sale in the first quarter of 2002 with a base price starting at around $18,000. But you already know dealers will charge, like, thousands more than that for a long, long time. Interested? See about getting a contract written today at one of the 70 BMW dealers who will be selling the car.
2002 Mini Cooper
What's special about it?
Representing the "entry-level" nameplate of BMW's three-brand attack to cover the entire spectrum of automobiles with premium brands (Mini, BMW and, in 2003, Rolls Royce), the new Mini Cooper is a faithful but modern interpretation of the classic original.
The new car is 18 inches longer, 14 inches wider, and 50 percent larger inside than the old car, measuring 11.75 feet from stem to stern. Mini's wide track, short wheelbase, and low height translate to a fun-to-drive set of front-wheel-drive wheels.
Styling is immediately recognizable as a Mini, but make no mistake, this is not an antiquated car under the retro skin. "Hidden" pillars suggest a floating roof, particularly evident on cars with white tops. White, you ask? Yep, the Mini Cooper will come in 14 colors at launch, with your choice of black or white top and side mirrors, and silver or white alloy wheels. Mini wants to make sure buyers can personalize their car to their tastes.
Those buyers will include 20,000 men and women from widely diverse backgrounds, representing a large range of ages. Young, hip individualists; car enthusiasts; Mini aficionados; and well-to-do BMW owners looking for a second, third or fourth car will buy the Mini, according to brand spokespeople.
Good things are made in England: witness Newcastle Brown Ale. The British-born Mini will come standard with leatherette upholstery, 50/50 split folding rear seatbacks, hi-fi CD stereo, telescoping steering wheel, seat height adjuster, and a large, centrally mounted speedometer that emulates the one found in the original. Optional equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, leather seats, Harmon Kardon speakers, xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers.
Under the sheetmetal, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and traction control come standard. Under the hood, initial buyers will find a 115-horsepower, 1.6-liter inline four powering the front wheels through a manual or an available automatic transmission. Those who can wait longer could choose the Cooper S, with a supercharged, 160-horse version of that same engine and other tweaks that make for a more sporting drive.
Mini spokespeople claim the Cooper will set new class standards for safety, with built-in crumple zones and close attention to crash management detail. Front and side airbags, as well as head airbags front and rear, will be provided. But it might still get squashed like a bug when faced with a behemoth SUV.
One thing's for sure: the Mini Cooper is as cute as a bug.
Why should you care?
Speaking of bugs, first it was the Volkswagen New Beetle. Then it was the Chrysler PT Cruiser. Get ready to witness Mini madness when this car goes on sale in the first quarter of 2002 with a base price starting at around $18,000. But you already know dealers will charge, like, thousands more than that for a long, long time. Interested? See about getting a contract written today at one of the 70 BMW dealers who will be selling the car.
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