Mini Dealer Dallas

The Mini Cooper and in particular the Mini Cooper S is probably one of the better/practical designed cars to arrive on American shores. From the UK. Just ask anyone who has to drive home during rush hour in either L.A. or New York. Its 1.6 L I-4 SOHC 172 hp engine with intercooled turbo has more than enough horses under the bonnet (as the brits would say) to whiz you in and out of traffic snarls.

At an MSRP of $23,700, the Mini Cooper S beats its closest competitors not only in price but also in other departments. After taking one out for a test drive I have to say it was a fun ride. Two years ago, I took out a Mini Cooper S that had a stick shift. This one had a 6 speed automatic and the steering mounted paddles were a total joy. The bigger tires resulted in sharper turn and you can really feel the grip on the road.

My verdict? It’s a great car for single people or couples with no kids. I heard finding a child seat will be a challenge. Mini Cooper has increased its fun to drive factor yet keeping maintenance and running costs at bay. 26mpg city and 34mpg highway isn’t too bad is it?

Find out for yourself by test driving one at your local Mini Dealer.

Mini Cooper

Visions of Stella, the beautiful nerves of steel safecracker played by Charlize Theron in the movie Italian Job comes into mind when one sees a mini.

Born out of necessity in the UK due to fuel shortages brought about by then worsening crisis in the Gulf of Suez,the British Motor Company took on the challenge of creating an “orderly saloon that could still compete with the onslaught of fuel-efficient microcars on the market.”

The first mini came out in August 1956. Since then 5.3 million have been sold worldwide.

The mini S is the racing version created by British race driver John Cooper of the classic mini.

It has a turbocharged 16-valve inline alloy engine, electronic assisted steering, Aisin 6 speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (optional) among other things.

With 172 horses under the bonnet, the mini S has a top speed of 139 mph and 0-60 in a decent 6.7 seconds.

The classic on the other hand has a top speed of 126 mph and 0-60 in 8.5 seconds.

Nowadays they may not break any speed or acceleration records but they will get you from point A to point B in style.