Characteristics:

Street price: £ 15,790.00

Design
The new MINI has been completely re-designed. It now has a new British built engine, new front and rear suspension and new six speed manual transmission. There are also a host of new innovations, and extra safety and security features as standard. Click on the hotspots to take a closer look.
The front end and grille of the MINI Cooper conveys that recognisably "raring-to-go" attitude, whilst also hinting at the power of the new British-built engine, which boasts a wide range of innovative technology.
The compact, bulldog stance with the ingenious "wheel at each corner" concept not only creates space on the inside and saves space on the outside, it is also one factor behind the MINI typical go-kart feeling.
Puts an unmistakable angle on the idea of roominess for driver and front passengers, creating a unique driving impression.
As always, the speedo takes pride of place in the centre of the dashboard. It now also contains the fuel gauge and radio, and can also house the optional Sat Nav. It's the ultimate multi-purpose dial.
These shining examples of MINI design are a standard feature on all MINI models. Chrome is also used as standard on front headlamp bezels, grille surrounds, waist finishers and rear lamp cluster surrounds.
The "plant-on" effect on the MINI Cooper is achieved by the flat roof line and by concealing load bearing elements behind glass, creating a unique all-round "glass band". The MINI Cooper also has a model-specific roof spoiler as standard (pictured).
The unmistakable "island-like" rear lights, with chrome trim around the light unit, also contain the brake lights, reverse lights and direction indicators. The high-mounted third brake light helps to boost safety.
The chrome-plated, 55mm diameter exhaust is a reminder that the MINI Cooper is a machine with muscle.
The eye-catching badge is just one of the ways that other drivers will know it's a MINI Cooper in front of them.
Mirror caps that match the roof colour are another one of those details that make the MINI Cooper stand out from the crowd – you could go for black, white, or body coloured (when contrast roof in black, white or body coloured is specified), or the optional chrome plated exterior mirror caps.
The distinctive chrome-plated horizontal grille is, like other design key forms, forged from the car's heritage.

Performance
Be it a sprint or a marathon - punchy engines, crisp transmission and lively acceleration make the MINI anall-round sports star.And with stable suspension, a low ground clearance and the go-kart feeling you'd expect from a MINI, you're guaranteed as much fun as you can have on four wheels.
Engine
The new MINI is the first small hatchback to have an aspirated engine fitted with fully variable valve timing. Which means more poke, reduced emissions, and lower fuel consumption now all come as standard.You'll also find a new six-speed gearbox with synchronised reverse for even slicker gear changes. And as of December 2006 you'll also have the option of six-speed auto, which adapts torque and power to give you all the thrilling sportiness you expect from a MINI.
Rigid bodyshell
The more rigid a car's bodyshell the better the safety, road noise and most importantly, handling. It should be no surprise then that the new MINI has one of the stiffest bodyshells in its class.
Front axle
We've optimised the front suspension on the new MINI with the single-link spring-strut axle and symmetrical, equal-length drive shafts. Engineer talk for unbelievable steering response and fantastic handling.
Rear axle
The new MINI has taken the famous go-kart handling and made it even sharper. Anti-roll bars and a cutting-edge multi-link rear suspension reduce understeer and keep the wheels glued to the road no matter what. The result? You can carve your way through the corners like you're on rails.
Ergonomics
The interior of the new MINI is a very comfortable place to be, with a height and length adjustable steering wheel and driver's seat that accommodates all shapes and sizes. And there's no wrestling with the steering wheel either, as it needs only 2.5 turns from lock to lock.

Safety
The new MINI is not only one of the most thrilling cars to drive, it's also one of the safest.Standard equipment on every new MINI includes; Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. To find out more about these safety features, click on the 'Equipment' link.Accidents sometimes can’t be avoided. Thankfully six airbags, excellent torsional stiffness, side impact protection, crumple zones and pedestrian-friendly bumpers will keep you and your occupants as safe as possible.Even children are well looked after: ISOFIX child seat attachments are now a standard feature, enabling two ISOFIX-compliant child seats to be attached easily and securely to the rear seats.
ABS, CBC + EBD
Together the safety equipment does a lot to keep you out of harm’s way. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) not only guarantees optimised braking distances, it also keeps the MINI steerable in the event of emergency braking.
Cornering Brake Control (CBC) improves braking control in even the sharpest bends, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) manages the balance of the braking force between front and rear axle, to keep you on the straight and narrow.
ASC+T
It’s not always plain-sailing out there. Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) prevent the front wheels from spinning, helping you to steer and accelerate, especially in slippery road conditions.
DSC
The world is filled with surprises. Thankfully Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) counteracts instability in unexpected situations (for instance a bend that is tighter than you anticipated) by applying braking force to individual wheels at the front or rear, as necessary. Optional on all MINI models.
Runflat tyres
Driving is so much more exciting than changing a flat tyre. Thanks to Runflat System Component (RSC) tyres you can keep on going for 90 miles at up to 50 mph.
In the event of low tyre pressure, the standard-feature Runflat Indicator will alert you via a warning light in the cockpit.
ABS and EBD
The new MINI is designed to be one of the safest cars in its class. The Anti-lock Braking System prevent your wheels from locking up and skidding no matter how slippery the road is, whilst Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) alters the braking force between the front and rear axle according to the weight distribution of the car.