The 2010 MINI Cooper comes in three trims: the base Cooper, the Cooper S and the John Cooper Works (JCW) edition. All trims in the MINI lineup come as either 2-door hardtops, longer Clubman wagons or as convertibles, giving buyers an ultimate choice of nine different vehicles.
The base powertrain across the range is a normally-aspirated 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making 118 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. The next engine up, standard on the Cooper S trims, is a turbocharged version of the same 1.6L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 172 horsepower rpm and 177 pound-feet of torque. The John Cooper Works trims get a high-performance turbo 1.6L engine that offers 208 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque.
Transmissions for the hard top models include either a standard 6-speed Getrag manual or an optional 6-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. In the convertible trims, a 5-speed manual transmission is standard or a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with clutch-less manual Steptronic is available.
All MINI Coopers come standard with safety equipment that includes six airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, and stability control. The convertible trims feature head/thorax side airbags and an active rollover bar. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the MINI hatchback its best rating of 'Good' in the frontal-offset test.
The base Cooper comes standard with 15-inch alloy wheels, power accessories, keyless entry, air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker stereo with CD/auxiliary audio jack. The base convertible trim adds a power convertible top with a sunroof and features 16-inch alloy wheels. The Sport package adds 16-inch alloy wheels on the hatchback and 17-inch alloy wheels on the convertible, plus fog lamps, a rear spoiler, sport seats and hood stripes.
The Cooper S adds standard 16-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, fog lamps, sport seats and a sport-tuned suspension for increased agility and responsiveness. The Cooper S Sport package adds 17-inch wheels, xenon headlights and hood stripes.
The John Cooper Works trim adds standard upgraded Brembo brakes and cloth upholstery and an even more aggressive suspension.
Major options across the lineup include a dual-pane sunroof, automatic climate control, heated seats, keyless engine start, parking sensors, a navigation system, satellite radio, HD radio, a 10-speaker harman/kardon surround-sound stereo, and Bluetooth and iPod connectivity. Other options include a wide selection of wheels, cloth or leather upholstery and different trim colors and materials. A limited-slip differential and a firmer suspension can be fitted to both the S and the John Cooper Works.
MINIs are almost endlessly customizable, with a broad palette of exterior and interior color combinations and several cockpit materials. Two new packages, the Camden and Mayfair packages, include a selection of optional features listed above and add unique colors and trim. In short, buyers can get a MINI Cooper customized in almost any way imaginable.
Retro Styling With Classic Good Looks
Fuel Economy
Agile Handling
Sporty Performance
Two new packages are available for 2010. Intended to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the MINI name, the Mayfair and Camden packages feature unique alloy wheels, special paint and popular options. They are both available on both the Cooper and Cooper S models.
Often described as a unique combination British style and German engineering, the MINI has re-branded itself based on its go-kart like handling and strong fuel economy wrapped in a stylish exterior. The MINI Cooper, in all its formulations, competes directly with the likes of the Mazda3, the Volvo C30 and the Volkswagen Golf. Mileage for the base Cooper model is estimated at 28 mpg city / 37 mpg highway.
