In the past fews months I have become some what infatuated with MINI. A fervent SUV driver for most of my life, I have fallen in L.O.V.E. with this car and all that it is about, right here at Vista MINI. I also happen to adore G Love and Special Sauce, so when you put it all together- this is what you get, check it out.
Adam Carolla take his new web show “CarCast” on the road to the Los Angeles Auto Show and visits the MINI exhibition. Adam explores the features of the upcoming MINI Coupe and Roadster with MINI Product Development Manager Vinnie Kong. The two talk about MINI’s past and present, reminiscing about Adam’s beloved first-gen MINI, and how he thought “chipping” the car meant placing a Dorito in the glove box.
The 2010 model of the MINI Cooper continues to establish the brand as not just a transportation choice, but a lifestyle choice as well. Its unique looks and excellent performance capabilities say as much about the driver as it does about the car itself. But the MINI Cooper doesn’t just offer agile handling and a distinctive bulldog appearance; it also offers an unsuspecting amount of room and openness in its cabin.
Inside, the Cooper features a truly one-of-a-kind experience with backlit armrests on the doors, thick, comfortable seats and a boldly-laid dashboard rich with functions and the quirky, trademark speedometer featured front-and-center. A high ceiling contradicts the MINI’s deceptively small outside, offering comfort and room to even the largest of us. You’ll find headroom and legroom to not be an issue in the MINI, no matter how tall or thick you might be. The entire cabin is a distinctive blend of color and shapes, smooth metals, polished wood and pleasant textures – all crafted and fit with exemplary craftsmanship.
Outside, the MINI is a tiny bit longer than its previous incarnation, with a slightly more rounded front and stronger accentuation. Looks-wise, it seems more broad-shouldered and more aggressively posied than previous versions, taking an even further departure from the square-ish design of the 50’s original.
But a distinctive, finely crafted car is only half of the story. The new 2010 Mini Cooper is easily faster and more nimble than its ancestors, thanks in part to changes made to the suspension and the increased torque of the engine. Electronically-assisted steering also helps keep the MINI Cooper as deft as you’d expect from one of the most well-handling cars on today’s roads. On paper, the MINI Cooper produces a modest 118HP, but a single thrilling ride behind the wheel will prove this is more than enough for an exhilarating performance. Step on the throttle and the engine delivers a confident surge of power to the front wheels, allowing for smooth, lightening quick acceleration. Just about anywhere in the rev range you’ll find the MINI ready for action, making this a wonderful choice for those of us interested in a little excitement now and then in our cars.
It’s a zippy car with the most recognizable looks in the auto world. If you are looking for a sharply styled car with some muscle under the hood to match, look no further than the 2010 MINI Cooper. Visit our current financing and leasing specials page for our latest offers, and stay tuned to our website for the most current MINI news on this model and the full range of MINI vehicles.
It is an absolute blast to drive, yet it is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. It has a design that is calls back to the very first MINI from the late 50’s, yet the cabin is rich in modern technology and an ageless style to its shape. The MINI Cooper S is simply full of these loveable, beneficial contradictions. Quick, quirky and athletically inclined, it is as fantastic to drive as it is to look upon.
Both inside and out, MINI did not skimp on the materials or workmanship of this unique little car. For those concerned about the space inside, worry not- the MINI Cooper S is deceptively large. Even the tallest of us will find plenty of elbow room inside with a high ceiling and remarkably comfortable seats. The design inside may take a little practice getting used to, but once you spend a few moments gauging out the controls layout, everything seems intuitive and conveniently placed. Seats are firm and supportive, while everything the driver might need is laid out in a well-executed format.
Out on the road is where the MINI Cooper S shines the brightest. Under the hood you’ll find a turbo-charged1.6 liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 172 horsepower, giving the engine remarkable confidence throughout the rev range. Direct fuel injection helps here as well, and you’ll find yourself able to zip off the line with nary a hesitation from this highly capable vehicle. Handling and braking are another two MINI Cooper S specialties. The steering has an intuitive feel and dishes out an immediate response, and the suspension manages to deliver a comfortable ride yet it still keeps the driver in direct contact with the road. The Assisted power steering plays a role here, setting a lofty standard for feel and response. Braking follows suit, with a confident handling of even the hard braking you may require on a more spirited drive.
For those of us looking for a little thrill from our daily drives, the MINI Cooper S is the car that should be on our shortlist. Remarkably fuel-efficient, ultimately stylish and thoroughly exciting, the MINI Cooper S is a perfect example of a good thing in a small package.
