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The original 1960s Mini Cooper used to be nicknamed the Flying Shoebox. That same moniker could be fitting for the 2002 Mini Cooper, especially the supercharged Mini Cooper S.

The modern-day Mini Cooper, a product of BMW and built in England, is a remarkable little car in so many ways. The styling gives it the curb appeal of an exotic sports car, yet its base price of $16,300 ($19,300 for the Cooper S) is on par with an economy sedan. Rarely has high style been so affordable, or so fun to drive. The Mini maneuvers like a go-kart, stops faster than you can say “What speed limit?” and takes corners like it is held to the road with magnetic wheels. For pure driving fun, there isn’t much to compare, especially considering the price. The downside is that only about 20,000 will be imported this year, so waiting lists are common.

Today’s Mini captures the essence of the original car with uncanny faithfulness, yet it’s not a caricature. It is thoroughly modern, with front, side and head-protection airbags, and a usable, though small, back seat. It is roughly 20 percent larger than the original. Compared to other vehicles on the road today, it looks tiny. A transverse engine drives the front wheels, but the body is wider, taller and longer. The list of optional equipment reads like that of an expensive car: four-wheel-disc brakes, automatic air conditioning, dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes, and AM/FM/CD stereo and dual sunroof.

BMW acquired the Mini brand when it bought the Rover Group in 1994. The new Mini was designed and engineered by BMW and will be sold through separate facilities at select BMW dealers. It gives BMW an entry-level small car and ownership of one of the most widely known brands of all time. Future variations are planned, and they may include a convertible or tiny station wagon. The original Mini was born in 1959 as the Morris Mini-Minor. More than 5.3 million were sold worldwide until production ceased in 2000. The first Mini Cooper, in 1961, was a hot-rodded Mini engineered by race-car constructor John Cooper.

The 2002 Mini Cooper has a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, jointly developed by BMW and DaimlerChrysler. Despite 115 horsepower, performance is reasonably vigorous because the carÕs curb weight is 2,524 pounds. It scoots to 60 miles per hour in 8.5 seconds and has a top track speed of 124 mph. Driving with the air conditioning blasting in our recent heat zapped some off-the-mark spirit that would definitely not be felt in the Cooper S. The supercharged Mini Cooper S has 163 horsepower and hits 60 in about one second less than the standard model. Transmission choices include a five-speed manual transmission (six-speed in the Cooper S) and a CVT continuously variable automatic transmission that can be shifted manually.

To make ordering simpler, popular options are grouped into packages. The Premium package adds automatic air conditioning, sunroof, trip computer and steering with fingertip control s for cruise. The Sport package adds vehicle stability control, 16-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires, sport seats and fog lamp. The Cold package includes heated seats, heated washer nozzles, heated mirrors and rain-sensing wipers. Each option can also be ordered individually.

The Mini comes in 12 colors with a contrasting roof and mirrors in black or white. White wheels are also an option, as are stripes on the hood, driving lights and roof racks. Other dealer-installed options include sporty front and rear fascias, 17-inch alloy wheels and roof decorations such as a checkered flag or Union Jack. The marketing of Mini gear, from clothing to clocks, as a significant element of the brand.

The independent suspension has MacPherson struts in front and trailing arms in back. The steering, with 2.5 turns lock to lock, is quick and intuitive. The ride is decidedly firm, more so with the optional 16- or 17-inch wheels than with the standard 15-inch wheels. I would stick with the tandard wheels not only because they look right proportionally, but also because they ride a tad softer than lower-profile tires.

Much of the Mini Cooper’s appeal comes because the character of the original car has been carried forward faithfully. The grille, headlights, taillights and center-mounted speedometer all reflect items from the original. Toggle switches on the center of the instrument panel recall the 1960s but operate items such as power windows and power locks. Keeping all these items in the center of the dash simplifies building both left-hand- and right-hand-drive models for worldwide markets.

After driving a Mini for a week, I disliked a few things. The center-mounted speedometer felt unnatural, leading me to ignore it most of the time. The plastic trim pieces on the doors and dash were a bit too shiny. A softer, more elegant texture (which the Cooper S has) would look better to me. Back-seat legroom is tight, and finally, the cup holders are too small for most cups. Gripes aside, the Mini Cooper showcases affordable styling and clever brand marketing like few cars have.

Price
The base price of the test car was $16,300. Its only option was metallic paint, which pushed the sticker price to $17,250.

Warranty
Four years or 50,000 miles.

Point: The Mini Cooper offers high style and driving fun in an affordable package. It nips around corners, steers like it knows where you want to go and stops quickly. The cabin is reasonably spacious for such a small car.

Counterpoint: The plastic interior trim is a bit much, the central speedometer forces one’s eyes from the road and the cup holders are too small.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Engine: 1.6-liter, 115-hp 4-cyl.
Transmission: Five-speed Front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 97.1 inches
Curb weight: 2,524 lbs.
Base price: $16,300
As driven: $17,250
Mpg rating: 28 city, 37 hwy.
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