2012 Mini Cooper Coupe in Raleigh, NC - $11,988

Go-kart-driving fun, an interior that provides the maximum amount of car in the minimum amount of space and a myriad of personalization possibilities keep the MINI Cooper models on top of the small-car premium segment. The MINI Coupe indulges the keen driver with a level of agility unmatched in the small car segment, along with a unique body and interior concept and the brand’s customary commitment to premium levels of design, quality, equipment and personalization.

The selection of engines, chassis set-up, weight distribution and aerodynamic properties of the MINI Coupe are all focused on delivering optimum performance. As a result, the Coupe radiates the brand’s hallmark go-kart feeling with a whole new depth of intensity and achieves the best performance statistics ever recorded by a volume-produced MINI… it is the fastest-accelerating MINI ever and has the highest top speed.

The MINI Coupe is the brand’s first model to adopt a three-box body structure with a strikingly stepped rear end. Its distinctive lines are expressed in the customary MINI design language and combine with unmistakable styling features. All of which accurately showcases both the new model’s distinctive characteristics and its brand identity. Its flat silhouette and innovative steel “helmet roof” lend the MINI Coupe a sporty and individual allure. In addition to the integral roof spoiler, an active rear spoiler optimizes airflow at higher speeds.

Available in Cooper and Cooper S models, the MINI Coupé is powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine. The Cooper S is equipped with a turbo-charged 1.6L engine variant that pumps out more horsepower than the base engine. Torque is transmitted to the pavement through a short-throw six-speed Getrag G255/253 manual gearbox. A six-speed AW225K/260K automatic transmission is optional.

For you ultimate performance freaks out there, not to worry. The John Cooper Works hardware upgrade is an available option. The John Cooper Works hardware includes a 1.6L four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection bolted to an Aisin F6 21 U six-speed automatic or a Getrag G253 six-speed manual gearbox. In addition, the equipment package includes numerous technological details carried over directly from motorsports.

Inside the car, the two-seater concept is emphasized by features such as oval recesses in the roof liner. With its extremely high-opening tailgate and large luggage area with through-loading facility, the MINI Coupe displays outstanding versatility in day-to-day driving, when transporting leisure items or sports gear, and on trips.

Combined with the horizontal geometry of the interior and, in particular, the dashboard and the instrument displays in their purist, round design characterize the overall design theme of the cockpit. The central element is the MINI-signature center speedometer. The displays and controls for the entertainment systems as well as the display for the optional navigation systems are integrated in the speedometer, while the tachometer remains a separate unit positioned, as befits a sporting car, behind the steering wheel in the driver’s line of sight.

A round transmitter finished in typical MINI style replaces the conventional door and ignition key, with the driver controlling engine operation with a start/stop button. All instruments and controls are very smooth and easy to operate, positioned at the right point for optimum ergonomics.

Dimensions & specifications
MINI Cooper
Wheelbase: 97.1; overall length: 146.8; width: 66.3; height: 54.3
MINI Cooper S
Wheelbase: 97.1; overall length: 147.0; width: 66.3; height: 54.5
All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 1.6L – 121 hp at 6,000 rpm and 118 lbs-ft of torque at 4,250; 1.6L turbo – 181 hp at 5,500 rpm and 177 lbs-ft of torque at 1,600 – 5,000 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed manual, six-speed automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: 1.6L – 29 city/37 hwy. (manual), 28 city/36 hwy. (automatic); 1.6L turbo – 27 city/35 hwy. (manual), 26 city/34 hwy. (automatic).
Cargo capacity: 7.0 cubic feet

Safety features
Dual front airbags, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake distribution, cornering brake control, hill start assist, push-button engine start, engine immobilizer, tire pressure monitors, remote keyless entry, side-impact door beams, all season traction control, dynamic stability control, and speed sensitive windshield wipers. Cooper S adds fog lights.

Optional safety features include Bluetooth hands free phone system, alarm system, rear fog lamps, limited slip differential (Cooper S), navigation system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, rear park distance control system, Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, run-flat tires (Cooper), and universal garage door opener.

Warranty
Basic: 5-year/60,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper
Powertrain: 10-year/100,000 mile
Corrosion: 7-year/100,000 mile
Roadside Assistance: 5-year/60,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 MINI Cooper Coupe starts from $22,000 for the base Cooper, $25,300 for the Cooper S and $31,900 for the John Cooper Works model. Destination charges add $850.