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Review of the 2008 Mini Cooper

2008 Mini Cooper S

Price Range $21,200 to $25,400

suitable for: Diapers
School
Teens

19 to 26
City MPG

29 to 34
Hwy MPG

4 Seats
2 Rows
2 Latch Connectors
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Interior

Mini incorporates a wide range of circular shapes throughout the Cooper’s interior to give it a bubbly aura. It’s as if you’ve been dropped into a glass of champagne. No wonder Mini drivers seem to have an eternal “buzz.”

The control panel, with its exaggerated proportions, is centered between the driver and passenger seats and adds to the unique Cooper experience. Other features, like the window controls and light switches, sit above the rearview mirror.

The seats were a bit disappointing at first because they didn’t offer a wide range of adjustability. As I got more acquainted with the Cooper, however, I was pleased that I could adjust the seat height (I like to tower over my ride) and that the lumbar support was strong. There wasn’t really a center console to speak of, but the simple armrest that came in its place was movable — neat! But I really wanted the armrest area to have some storage. I looked for more places to put things, but soon gave up that scavenger hunt.

My sons and I enjoyed the dual-pane panoramic sunroof, which helped open up the Cooper’s small interior, but my boys were bummed that their portion of the sunroof didn’t fully open. Sorry kiddies; there’ll be no jumping out the roof on the Mini’s watch. Safety first!

Our biggest beef with the Mini Cooper’s interior was a lack of cupholders. There are two ample cupholders for front passengers, but none in the back for my Mini-mes. Other models do have rear cupholders, but our Cooper S didn’t.

At 5 feet, 4 inches tall, I’m short but not that short. I was annoyed when I had to keep reaching back in the Cooper to find my seat belt. Because I moved my seat up so far, I wasn’t able to use the side sun visor. If I tried to flip it down, it just kept hitting my headrest, which rendered it useless.

shopping around: At cars.com

key interior: Features

  • Exterior temperature
  • Glovebox refrigerated/cooled box
  • MP3 capability

available interior: Colors

  • Black Panther
  • Cordoba Beige
  • Dark Blue
  • Malt Brown
  • Panther Black
  • Space Gray/Panther Black
  • Sunrise/Laser Blue

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