2002 MINI Cooper Baltimore Check out our Pre-Owned MINI Cooper Inventory!! The modern day MINI Cooper first arrived in America in March 2002. Fans of the British-built MINI haven't seen one officially imported into the United States since 1967, so it had been a long wait. Although a number of components are shared with other BMW vehicles, nothing has been carried over from the old MINI. The MINI actually remained in production until October 2000 for sale outside the United States. Initially, only about 70 BMW dealers in the United States were permitted to sell MINIs after they establish a brand-specific sales environment. Anyone who savors a sensational driving experience at a low price should consider a MINI. Despite the car’s small size, buyers are guaranteed to get a fully packed driving experience. For 2002 the legendary MINI Cooper returns with a modern, space-efficient interior, a chassis by BMW and a generous list of standard features for an affordable price. Driving the '02 Cooper Teamed with either a five-speed-manual gearbox or a Steptronic continuously variable transmission (CVT), the MINI's 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces an estimated 115 horsepower. The engine's torque rating is 190 pounds-feet, which is claimed to accelerate the MINI from zero to 60 mph in a little more than 9 seconds. A supercharged MINI Cooper S that uses a six-speed-manual transmission also went on sale in March 2002. The Cooper S engine is rated at 163 horsepower and 155 pounds-feet of torque, for a 0-to-60-mph acceleration time of 6.9 seconds. Fun takes center stage with the new MINI. Tight, quick maneuverability is its number one attribute. This little hatchback clings to the pavement as if it was magnetized. Sure, it can start to leap upward in hard turns at high speeds, but there’s no sensation of losing straight-on momentum or relinquishing the tires’ grip on the road. Only a slight turn of the steering wheel — just 2.5 turns lock-to-lock — produces substantial directional change, which is a big reason for the MINI’s intense delight quotient. 2002 MINI Cooper Design Designers selected the 1967 MINI Cooper as their starting point. Despite increased dimensions and a more contemporary appearance overall, the new MINI has a squarish shape that's similar to the original. All four wheels are positioned far out at the corners — a theme that also harks back to the first MINI. Short overhangs yield a wheelbase that's only 4 feet shorter than the entire length of the vehicle. The MINI rides a 94-inch wheelbase and measures 143 inches long overall. Standard tires for the base model measure 15 inches, the Cooper S comes with 16-inch run-flat tires, and 17-inchers are optional - quite a contrast to the 10-inch tires on the original MINI. A choice of 14 exterior colors is expected, with a signature contrasting-color roof. The Cooper S comes in eight body colors. Inside the 2002 MINI Cooper The MINI seats four occupants in a configuration similar to that of old MINIs, which provides more interior space than the exterior dimensions suggest. A center-mounted speedometer also is reminiscent of the one used on the original MINI. The supercharged Cooper S gets a different, more sporty dashboard look. Options will include a navigation system, xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and heated seats. Cargo space is 5.3 cubic feet and jumps to 23.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded down. Although the backseat looks uninviting, it’s actually quite comfortable with abundant headroom. Xenon headlamps, navigation system, rear-obstacle warning, wood-and-leather interior trim, and heated seats also are optional. Dealer-installed Union Jack roof graphics recall the original MINI's; an American-flag design is available, too. Conclusions Bigger than its 1960s predecessor, the 21st-century MINI debuted at the Paris Motor Show in fall 2000. A close-to-production version turned up in January 2001 at Detroit’s auto show. Production began on April 26, 2001, at an all-new plant in Oxford, England, but initial cars were earmarked strictly for Britain, where the MINI went on sale on July 7. Other European countries got MINIs starting in September 2001. MINIs contain six airbags, including BMW's Head Protection System. Stability control is standard, and the MINI uses all-disc brakes. For the updates on the latest MINI models, visit the official MINI website.
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