This latest-generation 2009 Mini Cooper is easier and safer to drive quickly, benefits of changes to the suspension, the increased torque of the engine, and the electro-mechanically assisted steering. This is one of the most fun and responsive cars on the road. The iconic Cooper lineup includes both a hardtop and a convertible model. The two body styles come in base and S trim levels, with S models being turbocharged for more power. While the Cooper hardtop was redesigned in 2007, the convertible remained through 2008. The second-generation convertible appears this year as a 2009 model. There's also a John Cooper Works edition that has 208 horsepower and more performance enhancements. The John Cooper Works edition competes with high-end sports compacts like the Honda Civic coupe, Mazda3 and Volkswagen Rabbit. The Cooper convertible now offers the same engines as the Cooper hardtop: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder in the base model and a turbocharged version in the S, replacing the first-generation supercharged four-cylinder. Compared with the Cooper, the Cooper S has a sportier suspension. The Cooper S has a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds and achieves an estimated 29 mpg average fuel economy with the manual transmission. With its redesign, the convertible's mileage is up and its emissions are down in line with the hardtop's.
Powering the MINI Cooper
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. In Cooper S turbocharged trim with direct fuel injection, the new engine delivers very sporting performance. Its 172 horsepower is more than adequate in the lightweight MINI to generate speeds twice most legal limits, but the 177 pound-feet of torque, which can be over-boosted to 190 pound-feet for short intervals, and is available from 1700 rpm to 5000 rpm, is nothing short of marvelous. A Sport button yields quicker response from accelerator and steering. The convertible is almost as sporty as the hardtop. This latest version handles better than the previous-generation (pre-2009) convertible thanks to a stronger body structure that allows for little cowl shake. In fact, its one of the stiffest convertibles on the market. The Cooper S comes 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 Cooper S is flat and stable in corners, and absorbs most bumps without discomforting passengers.
2009 MINI Cooper Design
The front of the MINI had to be restyled to conform to more rigid European restrictions on exterior panel shapes for pedestrian safety. Then the remainder of the car was restyled as well to blend with the new front end. The design of the second-generation convertible looks enough like the first that the 2009 doesn't look much different to casual observers. The convertible has a powered soft-top that can be moved back like a moonroof or opened entirely. The most noticeable difference is that the roll bar, which used to stick up behind the backseat head restraints, is now active; it's visible, but rests low unless a rollover occurs, in which case it pops up to provide protection. The convertible gets exclusive graphite-colored 16-inch alloy wheels. Any Cooper can be had with contrasting-colored roof and mirrors. With a 145.6-inch length and 66.3-inch width, the Cooper is one of the smallest vehicles available in the U.S. market. The convertible comes with a power canvas roof that opens at the touch of a button in just 15 seconds when the car is parked or traveling at up to 18 mph. There are no latches to operate. The convertible top has a heated glass rear window.
Inside the 2009 MINI Cooper
The Cooper's interior features a center-mounted speedometer; that console also incorporates the audio system and optional navigation system. Where the convertible used to have a smaller but more legible speedometer, the 2009 convertible has adopted the hardtop's. The convertible's soft-top works as it always has, with an initial sunroof action, but it now opens or closes fully in a claimed 15 seconds and can be operated at up to 20 mph. There's also a standard Openometer that tracks how much time you've driven with the top down. The convertible's cargo volume is more than respectable at 6.0 cubic feet. Lowering the top doesn't decrease trunk space at all, and the backseat can be folded to increase volume to 23.3 cubic feet, both of which are increases over the previous-generation convertible. The trunk opening has also been enlarged. Audio controls have been moved from the center stack into the bottom half of the speedometer dial, and the heating and air conditioning controls have been compressed below it. These changes reduce the width of the center stack, which increases knee and leg room in the foot wells, answering a common complaint against the previous model. For a car that has the smallest exterior of any four-passenger vehicle on the road, the MINI is surprisingly spacious inside. Even a six-foot driver will be comfortable in the front seat; and the three manual levers, controlling height, rake, and front-rear position, allow both the driver and front passenger to find a comfortable position.
2009 MINI Cooper Lineup
The MINI Cooper hardtop and convertible are powered by a normally aspirated 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine rated 118 horsepower. Both come standard with air conditioning; AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers, RDS, and pre-wiring for satellite radio; power windows with auto-down; power locks; remote keyless entry with electronic signal transmitter in place of the ignition key: leather-wrapped tilt/telescoping steering wheel; six-way adjustable driver's seat; height-adjustable front passenger seat; split-folding rear seat; leatherette upholstery, outside temperature display, and a cooled glovebox. The hardtop also gets a rear wiper and defogger and P175/65R15 all-season tires on alloy wheels. The convertible has P195/55R16 run-flat tires on alloy wheels.
The MINI Cooper S hardtop and convertible are equipped with a 172-horsepower turbocharged version of the same engine, stiffer suspension, performance exhaust system, and 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/55R16 all-season run-flat tires for both body styles; 17-inch wheels are optional. Exterior design details, including fog lights, a black grille insert, hood scoop, rear bumper inserts and prominent rear spoiler wing (optional on the Cooper), distinguish the Cooper S from the Cooper.
The John Cooper Works hardtop and convertible add a more powerful version of the turbocharged engine rated at 208 horsepower, as well as larger brakes, firmer suspension and P205/45R17 run-flat tires. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, MINI says the John Cooper Works can hit 62 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.8 seconds for the Clubman). Besides the extensive changes under the hood, these hot-rod MINIs also feature unique 17-inch alloy wheels, high-performance brakes and a different exhaust system. As with other MINIs, the automaker offers a number of ways to personalize John Cooper Works cars. If those enhancements aren't enough, you might want to take a look at the available John Cooper Works accessories. They include a sport suspension with red springs, drilled brake discs, a rear spoiler, a suspension brace and carbon-colored trim pieces. For a small front-wheel-drive hatchback, the Cooper S is already a blast to drive, and the new JCW goodies make the hatchback even more appealing.
Conclusions
Safety features on all 2009 models include dual front airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, and Cornering Brake Control. Hardtops get torso-protecting front side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags, while convertibles add front seat-mounted head- and torso-protecting airbags and a pop-up rear rollover bar. Brake Assist detects emergency operation of the brakes, and builds up maximum brake pressure as quickly as possible. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control is standard, and a version that can be turned on and off is optional on all but the JCW, where it is standard. Hill Assist start-off assistance is a feature of DSC, activating the brakes when starting on an uphill ascent to prevent the car from rolling back. Rear park assist is optional. Stay up-to-date on all the latest MINI news by visiting the official MINIUSA website.
