• HOME
• 
• AUTO LISTINGS
• 
• FINANCE
• 
• NEWS
• 
• DIRECTORY
• 
• REVIEWS
• 
• FORUM
• 
• BLOG
• 

2005 MINI Cooper Road Test

As Safe as it is Sassy

It is refreshing to see that the novelty of the MINI has not worn off. The infamous funster still brings smiles to peoples faces even though every third car on the road seems to be one!

I was out driving on the highway in a MINI Cooper when a new 4.8L BMW X5 popped into my sideview mirror. As it gained on me, I admired its elegance and grace while it danced past. Little did I know that there were little monsters (okay, children) in the back seats admiring my MINI.

Through the tinted glass I could see the one boy summon his riding companions to turn around and take a look at it. They pointed and

Even after a couple of years, the novelty of the MINI still hasnt worn off. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

stared, smiled and then waved. The excitement it brings to kids, adults and everyone in between goes to show that the MINI is in our hearts and minds, to stay.

The MINIs personality, good looks and peppy attitude just got a little sharper, too. The 2005 Cooper has received a few upgrades. Although the changes are minor, and probably only recognizable

Although the changes are minor, the 2005 Cooper has received a few upgrades. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

to a serious MINI enthusiast, they further enhance an already excellent ride.

The exterior boasts changes both in the front and rear. Revised headlights (still featuring xenon technology) and a new bumper comprise the front end changes. The 2004 model had a set of rub strips which have now been replaced with a lower valance which hosts a set of integrated foglamps and a thin chrome strip that runs across the front intake. Out back are

On the inside, one small, yet significant upgrade is a new leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with an optional multifunction control system. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

new taillamps featuring integrated reverse lights and bezels, and a new bumper with repositioned rub strips and a low-mounted hexagonal foglamp.

On the other hand, the cabin features but one small, yet significant, upgrade - a new leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel with an optional multifunction control system. I find that steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise control buttons come in very handy, but when the buttons are too small, they hinder my usage of them. The audio controls

The 115-hp 1.6 liter, 16-valve, SOHC 4-cylinder engine carries over to the 2005 Cooper. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

were quite snugly placed beside each other and were often hard to press. Okay, this is a girl thing, but my finger nails arent exactly short... yet again theyre not that long either. I found that pressing the buttons were a pain in the fingers, but I was still able to use them and benefited from their convenience.

Just because the interior technically only received one major upgrade, other than the deeper door bins, new overhead map lights and repositioning of the overhead clock, doesnt mean the interior trim options for the 2005 model year dont exceed last years.

Chrome instrument bezels, or body-colour dash

Whether taking a tight turn like a go-kart, or flying down a straight stretch, the MINI can do it all. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

panels and a chrono gauge cluster which includes analog readouts for fuel level, coolant temperature, oil pressure and oil temperature, are all options to spice up the spacious interior. Other choices such as a navigation system, Harman Kardon sound system and a variety of wheel and upholstery combinations further add to the list of (almost) endless customization possibilities.

The Coopers engine carries over into the 2005 model year - a 1.6 litre, 16-valve, SOHC four producing 115 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 110 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. The naturally aspirated engine still delivers quite the kick at mid-range revs and takes off at about 6,000 rpm, its peak performance level, with the standard five-speed manual.

Page:  1  2

AUTOMOBILE REVIEWS BY MAKE

Acura  Audi   Bentley   BMW   Buick   Cadillac   Chevrolet   Chrysler   Daewoo   Dodge   Eagle   Ferrari   Ford   Geo   GMC   Honda   Hummer   Hyundai   Infiniti   Isuzu   Jaguar   Jeep   Kia   Lamborghini   Lexus   Lincoln   Lotus   Maserati   Mazda   Mercedes-Benz   Mercury   MINI   Mitsubishi   Nissan   Oldsmobile   Plymouth   Pontiac   Porsche   Saab   Saturn   Scion   Subaru   Suzuki   Toyota   Volkswagen   Volvo