Maker of some of the most distinctive cars on the road today, MINI adds a new coupe body style to its iconic Cooper for 2012.
The Cooper, now available as a coupe, convertible, or hardtop, offers superb gas mileage while still being fun to drive. It’s easy to pick out a Cooper from the outside or the inside; the exterior features signature MINI pieces like oval headlamps, bulbous fenders, and wheels that are pushed to the far ends of the car. Inside you’ll still find the oversized speedometer mounted to the center console with the tachometer in front of the steering wheel, a design quirk you’ll find on all MINIs.
Standard versions of the Cooper get a 121-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder that is mated to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. If you are looking for more power out of your Cooper, then the Cooper S and its 181-hp turbocharged four-cylinder might be more your speed.
For those who want MINI styling but a little more rear passenger and cargo space, the CooperClubman has the same engines/options as the Cooper but is 9.4-inches longer. It also features a suicide door on the passenger side for easier access to the second row. Much like the Cooper, there is a higher performance model of the Clubman called the Cooper S Clubman.
Rounding out MINI’s lineup is the Cooper Countryman, MINI’s first crossover. Introduced last year, the Countryman still seats only four passengers but offers greater interior volume and of course some off-road capability. Burlier in appearance than the other MINIs, the Countryman backs up its rugged appearance with an optional all-wheel drive system. There is a more powerful version of the Countryman, called the Cooper S Countryman. The Countryman also gets very good fuel economy for a car of its class.
MINI also produces a pair of vehicles that offer even greater performance with an 208-hp engine and various suspension/mechanical upgrades: the John Cooper Works (Cooper body style) and the John Cooper Works Clubman (Clubman body style).
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