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Peter Hetzmannseder
mini-cooper
Mini Cooper
The longest and heaviest city car in the group, the Mini Cooper ($20,400 base price) is also the most fun to drive. It's hard to say whether or not simply having the most powerful motor of the four cars is the biggest reason for the added fun factor, but even the basic Mini has relatively sporty handling to compliment the power. Nobody is going to mistake the two-door for a true sports car, or even anything along the lines of Subaru's WRX STi or the Mitsubishi Evo X. But there's enough performance there to put a smile on your face. Read More:
Buying Advice: City CarsBMW drew upon the original Mini's rally-winning heritage and carried it forward to the new car. Tipping the scales at 2,525 pounds, the base model car is far from hefty, and with 121 horsepower it will satisfy most drivers' need for speed around town. Don't be fooled into thinking you can out accelerate even its base-model cousin BMW 328i off the line, but around town it will get you to the next corner with enough oomph to remind you of its racing birthright. Despite the history as a company that specializes in very small cars, Mini now races its larger, four-door Countryman in its most recent rally efforts during 2011 and 2012 (including a second place at the famed Monte Carlo Rally). Where the Mini shines in driving fun, it might be a bit less sunny compared to the other city cars when it comes to parking. It's no Suburban, but at a few inches over 12 feet, the Mini is more than three feet longer than the Smart Passion Coupe. You're still going to find lots of good parking spots, but with the Mini you are opting to pass a few spots on the side of the road in order to be able to pass a few cars while driving.
The Mini's size at the big end of the city cars also makes it the most practical for more than two people. Two adults can ride in the back seat, and won't even be all that uncomfortable for short jaunts. There's also a small trunk that can handle the usual daily shopping trips.
There is the usual trip and car information directly in front of the driver, but unfortunately it's on a tiny display below the tachometer. Lots of real estate is dedicated to a massive center mounted analog speedometer, which dominates the dashboard. This must have been a design idea of somebody important, and nobody else on the interior design team was willing to speak up and say it's not a very practical idea. But the flaw doesn't spoil the fun of this sporty city car.
WIRED Best overall driving experience in our round-up. Room in the back seat for short friends or tall enemies.
TIRED Costs more money up front and more gallons per month than any other car here. More difficult to park because of the added length. Plastic-dominated interior feels like a much cheaper car.
Rating: 7 out of 10
