Photo: Chris Doane Photography
The car without which the Starbucks parking lot would not be the same is entering its third generation under BMW's careful tutelage. While it has had its fair share of critics, the anger has died down to a simmer and we can honestly say it's not a bad looking thing.
Presented at the Detroit Auto Show in its more basic form, the Cooper, we immediately took a liking to this car. Why? Because it's one of the least powerful vehicles there, and yet has more character then most. A three-cylinder turbo 1.5-liter engine motivates this little gem, producing a humble 136 hp. Even a Kia Rio has more from its 1.6-liter engine. But the MINI is fast and packs lots of torque.
We're willing to bet the new MINI cooper is by far the best subcompact on the US market. Why? Because torque, because front parking sensors and because LEDs!
Speaking of LEDs, they form a semi-circular halo around the headlights, like the lids of an eye. The effect is going to look modern to men and chic to women. It's the best of both worlds.
This more practical, slightly larger and more efficient MINI has not forgotten where most of its clientele comes from. There isn't a single sharp edge on the car, not even a character line. Even in 2014, MINI makes cute cars, not for us car journalists who hate them, but for the people who would otherwise go for the VW Beetle.
We're willing to bet the new MINI cooper is by far the best subcompact on the US market. Why? Because torque, because front parking sensors and because LEDs!
Speaking of LEDs, they form a semi-circular halo around the headlights, like the lids of an eye. The effect is going to look modern to men and chic to women. It's the best of both worlds.
This more practical, slightly larger and more efficient MINI has not forgotten where most of its clientele comes from. There isn't a single sharp edge on the car, not even a character line. Even in 2014, MINI makes cute cars, not for us car journalists who hate them, but for the people who would otherwise go for the VW Beetle.
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