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Safe, fuel efficient and a good value combine to make the MINI one of the most desirable automobile marques in America. (http://www.cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=74068)

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_MINI_Cooper.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (www.cleanmpg.com) - Feb. 27, 2008

2008 MINI Cooper - 08 EPA estimates of 28/37 city/highway w/ the 6-speed manual.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - The second generation MINI Cooper hardtop earned impressive scores for front and side impact and roll-over testing in the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) testing.

In the side impact testing, the 2008 MINI Cooper received a 5-Star rating for front seat occupant side-impact protection - the highest score possible. In the same test the MINI Cooper received a 4-Star rating for rear seat occupants.

In frontal impact testing the MINI Cooper received a 4-Star rating for both front seat occupants. In addition the MINI Cooper carries a 5-Star rating for rollover safety.

"We are delighted that the NHTSA tests confirm MINI’s excellent occupant protection in crash situations" said Jim McDowell, Vice President of MINI USA. "It is a testament to the level of safety we engineer in our cars, making MINI one of the safest small cars on the road today."

Included with all MINI Cooper’s, Cooper S and Clubman are a total of six airbags - two front air bags, two side impact air bags and dual air bag curtains that protect both front and rear passengers in the event of a side impact or roll-over. MINI's crash worthiness is also enhanced by a rigid steel safety cage that helps to redirect impact forces away from occupants.

Along with the passive and active safety gear, accident avoidance is yet another key to the MINI’s success. Every MINI comes standard with Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), All Season Traction, (AST), Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Corner Brake Control (CBC) and available Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).

Along with the excellent crash test ratings, standard active and passive safety equipment and excellent fuel economy, the MINI Cooper has been named an overall Top 10 in "Best Resale Value" in Kelley Blue Book's "2008 Best Resale Value Awards". The MINI Cooper Convertible was awarded the top spot in the Convertible "Best Resale Value" category. The MINI Cooper is the only vehicle to consistently be on Kelley Blue Book's Top 10 Best Resale Value list every year since 2003.

http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/2008_Mini_Cooper_Convertible.jpg
Mini Cooper Convertible - Safe, fuel efficient, good value and especially fun :)

I drove a 2006 convertible all over San Francisco and Marin visiting my friend who owns one. Still, only used an 1/8 of a tank and it was pre-SGII for me so I have no idea what we were getting. So fun, esp with a 6-spd on those hills and windy coastal roads! Would love the new stretched Clubman personally, if not for the steep price of admission and lingering worries about reliability. Great handling and rated 37mpg on the highway--never have to slow down to make a curve!

Yet despite looking around a bit, I have never run across a thread discussing hypermiling experience with one, or even the potential of these. I've heard the engine changed significantly and is even better for MY2007. Anybody able to chime in that's driven Minis for mileage?

In 07 the Mini moved to a joint developed BMW / Peugot engine. It uses BMW's VALVETRONIC system, which I just read up on - it's pretty fantastic. The S version ditches the supercharger in favor of a twin-scroll turbo (!!). Both are direct injected.

The VALVETRONIC allows the throttle plate to be held fully open once the engine is warmed up, like a diesel. The accelerator "scales" valve lift directly varying engine load.

Awesome stuff.

I toyed with the idea of getting one of these as a replacement for the Elantra some day -- the small size appeals to me and it looks like a good hypermiling platform on paper. I know a couple of people who own the older model (from about 3 years ago) and they just love them -- no maintenance issues either.

One of these days I'm going to get one of those people out on the road in a clinic and then I'll find out what the car is worth. :D

I test drove the new Cooper S (turbo), and I have to say, it was THE cat's pajamas when it comes to fun. I've also recently tested the new VW GTI, Rabbit, Scion TC, Mazda3 (2.3L), Suzuki SX4 sedan, Honda Fit, Saturn Astra (2 dr), Ford Focus (07)... I think that's it.

Cooper S wins. Still want to try the non - S...
Saturn Astra gets 2nd - great handling, but engine is unrefined and/or underpowered
Honda fit gets 3rd - a little lean on power, unsettling rpm on highway. (ranking this above such heavy hitters as the VW's and the Mazda may upset some, but the Fit is more go kart like and go karts are fun).

PS - Cooper, GTI, Astra have Instantanious Mileage displays. It is optional on Rabbit. Mazda3 might, can't remember.

@Maxx--

I always forget how much I like the phrase "cat's pajamas." Need to add that to my permanent vocabulary.

I remember that the Mazda 3 has a trip computer as an option on upmarket trim levels, but if I recall correctly there's a hack with the radio system or something to allow all model lines to display it.

Oh, yeah -- the Mini Cooper is way fun, and I've only ever been in the passenger seat. Surprisingly comfortable, too -- and I'm 6'-2".

...and I'm 6'-2".

Me too. The only car above that I had an issue with was the Scion - the roof touched my hair.

You test-drove the wrong Scion, Maxx! Front headroom on my 06 xb is 8 or 9" better than on the tc. Actually, the xB at 46.1" of front headroom has got to be the record holder... I tried to think of the biggest thing out there, the Hummer H1, and it came in at 44.4". A similar driving experience to the Fit, wheels at corners, sport-tuned suspension and buzzy engine, although if you're looking at new cars only, I can't recommend the 08 xB based on typical hypermiler needs.

In 07 the Mini moved to a joint developed BMW / Peugot engine. It uses BMW's VALVETRONIC system, which I just read up on - it's pretty fantastic. The S version ditches the supercharger in favor of a twin-scroll turbo (!!). Both are direct injected.

The VALVETRONIC allows the throttle plate to be held fully open once the engine is warmed up, like a diesel. The accelerator "scales" valve lift directly varying engine load.

Awesome stuff.

Well then, you would think that with all this good stuff (Turbo, direct injected, Valvetronic AND a real nice 6 speed trany, very light vehicle), it could get better than an EPA 28/37!

Maybee the gear ratios are way too low, making the engine rev higher than it should.??:confused:

Not neccesarilly looking for just new, but there is so little since 2000 that I'm really interested in. Low weight, decent power to weight, good mileage, fun to drive, pref. hatchback...

Also, it is way more comfortable to test drive new cars and walk away.

Well then, you would think that with all this good stuff (Turbo, direct injected, Valvetronic AND a real nice 6 speed trany, very light vehicle), it could get better than an EPA 28/37!

Maybee the gear ratios are way too low, making the engine rev higher than it should.??:confused:

Low gear ratios, too much displacement, aggressive tires.

Can't have your cake (performance) and eat it too (FE) with the S model.

Make the engine Miller / Atkinson cycle with tall gears and LRR tires and you've got a killer.

The combination has got to be worth another 40% FE or more in the hands of a skilled driver.