The MINI Cooper was revamped for 2007. It features new exterior and interior styling, a new engine and a modified suspension. It's slightly longer than the preceding Cooper, and a sport suspension with firmer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars is offered. The MINI Cooper provides a satisfying combination of peppy performance, a distinctive bulldog appearance, and custom ordering of a variety of trim and color options at a very reasonable price. The hardtop MINIs are four-seat, three-door hatchbacks. All models are front-wheel drive, with transverse-mounted 1.6 liter four-cylinder engines. Both hatchback models come standard with six-speed manual transmissions; a six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic controls is optional. For 2007, the MINI Cooper hardtop is completely new, while the convertible is a carryover from 2006. Though the MINI is still the smallest four-passenger car on the road in North America, the interior is large enough to accommodate all sizes of drivers and front passengers in comfort, and the rear seats are actually functional, if not spacious. With the hatchback and folding rear seats, the car can even haul reasonable amounts of gear.
MINI Cooper Power for 2007
The front-wheel-drive Cooper uses a 118-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder that teams with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic that features steering wheel paddles for driver-initiated gear changes. For avid enthusiasts who crave more power, the company also offers the MINI Cooper S, which has a 172-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. The turbo engine takes the MINI from 0 to 60 mph in 7 seconds, reflecting a slight turbo hesitation at the start, but produces satisfying acceleration at all speeds once in motion. The Cooper S comes standard with a sport-tuned suspension, but its behavior is still much more refined than other cars capable of similar track speeds. Using the MacPherson Strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension adapted from the BMW Z4, the car is flat and stable in corners, and absorbs most bumps without discomforting passengers. Though this model still has the same short wheelbase as its predecessor, and the same tight turning radius, BMW has retuned the suspension to reduce its oversteer potential so that even with radical changes in throttle or brakes in the middle of corners, the car never feels at risk of spinning out.
Design of the 2007 MINI Cooper
The 2007 Cooper exhibits a new look. The front bumper is more pronounced, and the Cooper has grown by nearly 3 inches in overall length. All four standard 15-inch alloy wheels are positioned at the car's far outside corners. The front of the MINI had to be restyled to conform to more rigid European restrictions on exterior panel shapes for pedestrian safety, as well as to adapt to the shape of the new engine. However, because the designers didn't wish to alter the iconic bulldog image of the new MINI, the remainder of the car had to be restyled as well. Close inspection of the exterior shows that in almost all areas, the design and execution of trim features is upgraded from the 2006 model, with examples such as the incorporation of turn signals into the headlamp clusters, incorporation of the headlamp clusters into the fenders but fitting through openings in the hood (in contrast to the previous model which had the headlamps built into the hood), and the grille.
'07 MINI Cooper Cabin
The Cooper's new interior features a center-mounted speedometer that now incorporates the audio system and optional navigation system. MINI says the narrow center console makes more room for the driver's and front passenger's legs. Upholstery and trim has been upgraded, with the range of customizing possibilities expanded for 2007. At the one extreme, by electing sport seats with leather and contrasting cloth trim and metal accents and ambient lighting, the buyer can create a very trendy, fast-and-furious interior look. At the other extreme, by electing all-English leather seats with contrasting piping, trim panels matching the piping color, and real wood accents, a more conservative buyer can evoke an upscale appearance on the interior. A navigation system is optional, and if elected, replaces the central speedometer with a round screen of the same size as the speedometer, which has a central rectangular navigation and display screen, surrounded by a digitally generated needle displaying vehicle speed around the perimeter of the dial. A navigation system is optional, and if elected, replaces the central speedometer with a round screen of the same size as the speedometer, which has a central rectangular navigation and display screen, surrounded by a digitally generated needle displaying vehicle speed around the perimeter of the dial. Heating and air-conditioning controls in the base model are straight-forward, but owners can also elect the automatic climate control system, cleverly configured in the shape of the winged MINI logo, which maintains a constant temperature dialed in by the occupants.
2007 Cooper Lineup
The MINI Cooper hardtop with conventionally-aspirated engine comes with air conditioning, CD stereo with six speakers, wired for auxiliary input and 6-disc CD changer, power windows with auto-down, power locks, remote keyless entry with electronic signal transmitter in place of the ignition key, and rear wiper standard. Standard wheels are 15-inch alloy with tubeless tires, and the car is fitted with a spare tire and wheel; 16 and 17-inch wheels are optional.
The MINI Cooper S is equipped with a turbocharged version of the same engine, stiffer Sport suspension, performance exhaust system, and 16-inch alloy wheels; 17-inch wheels are optional. Exterior design details, including a black grille inset, hood scoop, rear bumper insets and prominent rear spoiler wing (optional on the Cooper), distinguish the S from the Cooper.
Conclusions
Side-impact airbags for the front seats, side curtain airbags and all-disc antilock brakes are standard. In 1959, a groundbreaking new subcompact coupe emerged in England using a transverse-mounted engine and an efficient, boxy front-wheel-drive layout. It achieved truly MINI-compact exterior dimensions along with a surprising amount of usable space inside. Because it was affordable, stylish, fun to drive and easy to park anywhere, the British MINI and MINI Cooper quickly achieved icon status around the world - including the U.S., where it sold as a brief counter-culture favorite during the 1960s. After a lengthy break, the MINI Cooper returned to our shores in 2002 under BMW's direction to resurrect the legend. As before, the current MINI Cooper hatchback coupe and convertible appeal to a diverse audience. Its high style is embraced by pop stars and celebrities, while an affordable base model appeals to more consumers. It's a uniquely sporting blend of classic British MINI-car heritage and charm combined with precise German engineering and construction underneath. With the MINI still capable of generating smiles on both owners and passersby five years after the introduction of the first generation model, the completely new 2007 MINI Cooper still thankfully displays the same insouciant appearance and offers the same fun-loving performance. Visit the official MINI Cooper site for information on the latest models!
