Mini Cooper Convertible ~ Cars and Bikes

The 2011 Mini Cooper is the perfect package for some car shoppers: it’s cute, fun to drive and has great fuel economy. Many, however, will decide to look elsewhere once they see the Cooper’s small trunk, tight rear seat and high price.

The 2011 Mini Cooper is all about customization, cutesy looks and performance capabilities, and it doesn’t disappoint in any of these arenas. The Cooper comes in a lot of colors, and there are even new flavors for 2011 like Orange Spice, British Racing Green and Eclipse Grey.The Mini Cooper is also tiny, which makes it one of the most maneuverable and zippy cars in the class. It should get even higher performance ratings from the automotive press than the 2010 model because its engines have more horsepower and fuel economy has increased by a few miles per gallon.

But the Mini’s perfect package doesn’t come cheap, especially when you go for performance trims. It starts at $20,100, making it one of the most expensive affordable small cars. Aside from its high price the Cooper has other drawbacks like a small trunk and tight back seat. Not all shoppers will see these drawbacks as imperfections. Most car buyers considering the Cooper don’t need a lot of space and don’t plan having more than one or two passengers. That said, the Cooper is a perfect for shoppers who can afford it.

No doubt about it, the Mini Cooper is expensive for its class. However, there are many affordable options that don’t compromise fuel economy, cargo space or comfort.Give the Volkswagen Golf a look. Like the Mini Cooper, it’s well known as a top performer with powerful engines, sleek looks and a nice interior. Some reviewers consider the Mini Cooper a better-performing car, but if you’re planning on driving to work and not much else, the Golf is good option. Plus, it has a lot more trunk space -- 15 cubic feet -- over twice as much space as what the Cooper offers.

There are few other affordable small cars that can match the Golf or Cooper’s performance capabilities, but if you’re looking to save even more money, look at the Mazda2 and the Mazda3. The Mazda 2 is new for 2011. It’s a four-door hatchback and starts at $14,180, about $6,000 less than the Mini Cooper.

It also has more trunk space and really good fuel economy: 29/35 mpg city/highway with a manual transmission. The Mazda3 has been on the market for a while, but the reviewers still love its affordable price, nice interior and zippy dynamics. With the 3, you have the option of a sedan, five-door hatchback or Speed3 hatchback. The base model is the least sporty, but starting at $15,800, it’s also the cheapest and has the best fuel economy ratings.

If you’re stuck on the Cooper but don’t want to pay 20K, try a 2010 model. It’s not as powerful and has lower fuel economy ratings, but with the 2011 Cooper available, you should be able to get a good deal if you do your research.

Shoppers who’ve decided to buy the 2011 Mini Cooper have plenty of options. The base model is the Mini Cooper. Next up is the performance-oriented Mini Cooper S. Both of these models are available as convertibles. A top-of-the-line John Cooper Works model is also available as a convertible or hardtop. The Cooper isn’t cheap, and prices have increased since last year. The base Cooper starts at $20,100. The John Cooper Works convertible is the most expensive and starts at $35,000.

Drivers interested in the Mini usually consider it for one of two reasons. Either they like its puppy-cute looks or they want a compact car that is a legitimately capable performer. With powerful engine choices and precise handling dynamics, the Mini packs a lot of car into a tiny package.

Most shoppers looking at the Mini have made up their minds about what they want, but for those who are still on the fence should check out the Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3. Both cars cost at least $1,000 less than the Cooper, offer more powerful base engines and more comfortable seats in the cockpit.
Test drivers have always liked the Mini Cooper’s performance capabilities. It’s well known for holding its own on the highway. And if you’re into performance, try the Mini Cooper S or the John Cooper Works models.

For 2011, the Cooper gets even more power. The engines are still the same 1.6-liter four-cylinders from 2010, but now the Mini Cooper pumps 121 horsepower and the Mini Cooper S delivers 181. No one has tested the new engine, but with greater fuel economy and more horsepower, reviewers are sure to approve.
Aside from the 1.6-liter that comes with the base Cooper, there are two other engine choices. The Cooper S offers a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that boasts 181 horsepower. Finally, the John Cooper Works edition has a high output turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that punches out a full 208 horsepower, which makes it among the strongest engines in its class. The John Cooper Works is only available with a manual transmission while the Cooper and Cooper S models offer a standard six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is available for an additional $1,250.

According to the EPA, the base Cooper with the manual transmission gets 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway, which is very good for the class. The Cooper S with an automatic gets 26 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway. Ratings for both the manual and automatics are up from 2010. Last year, the EPA says Mini Cooper Hardtop with a manual transmission averaged 28/37 mpg city/highway and the automatic got 25/33 mpg city/highway.