New 2010 MINI Cooper

With impeccable fuel economy and distinct styling, the super-fun-to-drive 2010 Mini Cooper is in a class all its own.

Behind that sporty front grille is a 118-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. This little motor provides plenty of zip, and zaps its power through a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission to the front wheels. All together, the Mini Cooper’s powertrain delivers fuel economy ratings of 25-28 mpg city and 34-37 mpg highway. Power is significantly lower, but fuel economy much higher than, competitors including the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Volkswagen Beetle and BMW 1 Series.

A unique, iconic, compact exterior in hatchback or convertible style benefits from one of the most factory-customizable build programs. Celebrate your British heritage with the Union Jack on the roof, or add some racing stripes to let everyone know who will win the trip to the grocery store. Inside, huge gauges are both easy to see and visually interesting. Interior room is good, with front and rear headroom beating those metrics in the Volkswagen Eos and Mitsubishi Eclipse. Luggage capacity behind the rear seats is scant, but use rear seat room for storage and you get 24 cubic feet.

The Premium Package adds a dual-pane panoramic sunroof and a Harman Kardon audio system. For well-engineered fun, the Sport Package includes an electronically-locking differential, sport seats, 16-inch alloy wheels and fog lamps. Bluetooth connectivity, 17-inch alloy wheels and 50th anniversary Mini appearance upgrades are also available. For smiles and laughs, the Camden package includes the Mission Control System, which features a trio of voices that can offer advice and encouragement for your drive.

Fun is engineered into the structure and suspension of the Mini Cooper, so driving is a blast at any speed. The suspension is tuned for cornering smiles, while suspension and brake upgrades are available for even more driving pleasure.

Safety is high for the mighty Mini. Four-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution provide excellent stopping power, and Dynamic Stability Control keeps the Mini Cooper poised in low-grip situations, so you that you don’t have to find out for yourself that this car achieves Four- and Five-Star crash test ratings in government testing.

Retro yet modern style, superb fuel efficiency and a fun-by-design package ensure smiles for miles in the 2010 Mini Cooper.