If you’re one of the remaining earthly citizens who don’t know the result, don’t let the idea of a German interpretation of the UK’s most famous small car deter you from visiting a BMW dealership. The famous sports sedan builder has taken the Mini to far-reaching extensions: turbocharged, convertible, and even extra-long versions included.
Yet, what makes the Mini Cooper so great isn’t turbocharged performance or the barn doors of the Clubman, it’s affordable style and telepathic responses. GoodCarBadCar hates a boring car. The Mini is the antonym of ‘dull car’. Do you need 172 horsepower to avoid
boredom? No, you need fun; style; quality; and communication. Base Cooper’s, with just 118bhp, provide zip; quick shifts; and a responsiveness that typically requires a payment hundreds of dollars greater each month.
So is The Good Car Guy rejecting the Cooper S, convertible, and Clubman? Let’s just say that the Cooper offers plenty of satisfaction at a much lower price point.
Engines: 118 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque from a 1.6L four-cylinder.
Mileage: City high = 28mpg. City low = 26mpg.
Base USD Price: $18,700
Anything Else? You can option up a turbocharged Clubman to $44,888 in the website’s Build Your Own section.
