Price: $26,800
Gas mileage: 27 mpg/36 mpg/30 mpg
With any Mini, what you essentially get is BMW's handling mojo in a compact package.
Included in the posted price is the extra charge for the six-speed driver-shiftable, automatic transmission, replacing the standard six-speed manual. A 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine develops 121 horsepower. For some extra coin, turbocharged versions of the same engine are available that can boost the pony count to as much as 208 horsepower.
Seating four, the Cooper offers 28.1 inches of rear-seat legroom and a trunk that accommodates 6 cubic feet of cargo.
On its standard equipment list are full power accessories, remote keyless entry, cruise control, air conditioning, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, four air bags, power convertible top with sunroof, and a six-speaker audio system with CD player and auxiliary input jack.