What Is the 2017 Mini Hardtop?
The 2017 Mini Hardtop is a four- or five-seat (depending on body style) subcompact car that competes with the Honda Fit, Volkswagen Golf and Mazda3. Trim levels include the Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works. The Cooper and Cooper S are available with two- and four-door body styles, while the performance-oriented John Cooper Works trim is available only with a two-door body. All 2017 Mini Hardtop models are equipped with front-wheel drive.
What's New on the 2017 Mini Hardtop?
Every 2017 Mini Hardtop includes a 6.5-inch dashboard screen, Mini Connected, a center armrest and Bluetooth streaming audio with voice control courtesy of the Media Package, which now comes standard. The available Seven Special Edition offers a variety of new interior and exterior color schemes.
How Does the 2017 Mini Hardtop Compare to Other Subcompacts?
The 2017 Mini Hardtop places more emphasis on style, unique controls and a fun driving experience than its competitors, and its comparatively high price reflects that. Its diminutive size makes it more maneuverable than other models in its class, but that comes at the expense of passenger and cargo room. While the four-door body style mitigates this with an additional 1.5 inches of rear legroom and an additional 4.4 cubic feet of cargo space over the two-door Hardtop, it's still less spacious than many of its competitors.
What Features in the 2017 Mini Hardtop Are Most Important?
The 2017 Hardtop comes standard with a 134-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission; a 189-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, also mated to a six-speed automatic, is available. Notable standard features include simulated leather upholstery, push-button start, heated side mirrors, automatic air conditioning, a speedometer and tachometer on the steering column, cruise control and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. As required on all new vehicles, every 2017 Hardtop comes equipped with front airbags, antilock brakes and an electronic stability system.
Significant available features include LED headlights, a dual-pane power moonroof, head-up display, navigation system, self-parking system, leather upholstery, several exterior and interior trim options, and a backup camera.
Should I Buy the 2017 Mini Hardtop?
The 2017 Mini Hardtop is great fun to drive, particularly at highway speeds, and its small size makes it extremely maneuverable. While the iDrive multimedia interface and adjustable cargo floor are welcome features, this is far from the most practical of subcompacts on the market. The iDrive controller is in an awkward position, the center armrest interferes with the parking brake lever, and, despite the adjustable cargo floor, both cargo and passenger space are limited. It's also much pricier than rivals like the Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, and Toyota Yaris. If a fun driving experience is your priority, though, the Mini Hardtop is a great choice.
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