MINI Cooper featured here is the first generation (R50) made by british MINI brand under BMW Group ownership and it marks a big increase in size and technology for the B-segment british hatchback. The car that we have here was initially sold as new in Germany, where it had three owners, and than was imported and owned in Romania by Adrian Mitrea, owner and founder of Throttle Channel. The car has a 4-cylinder 1.6-litre Tritec Motors engine made by BMW and Chrysler.
Details
Make: MINI
Model: MINI Cooper
Production: 2001-2006 (with facelift starting 2004)
Body type: 3-door hatchback, 4 seats
VIN: WMWRC31040TB45748
Price without VAT: 23,109 Euros (new) or about 4,500 Euros when filmed, after 12 years
Engine: 1.6-litre (1,598 cc) in-line 4-cylinder transverse engine. The maximum output is 85 kW / 116 PS/hp at 6,000 rpm and peak torque is 149 Nm (approx. 109 ft-lbs) available at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission: 5-speed manual gearbox (Midland) and front wheel drive (FWD)
Tyres: Michelin Primacy Pilot 195/55 R16 87V
Acceleration 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph): 9.2 seconds
Top speed: 200 km/h
Declared average fuel consumption: 6.7 liters of petrol/gasoline per 100 km
Emissions: EU4, 163 g CO2/km
Fuel tank (l): 45
Dimensions (mm): L 3,626 / w 1,688 / h 1,408
Luggage compartment capacity (l): 160-670
Wheelbase (mm): 2,467
Weight (DIN/EU): 1,050 kg/1,125 kg
Cd: 0.35
Front suspension: McPherson struts, coil springs, sway bar, ventilated disc brakes.
Rear suspension: Multi-link axle, coil springs, sway bar, solid disc brakes.
Main equipment
6 airbags (frontal airbag for driver and front passenger, side airbag for driver and front passenger, curtain airbag for front and rear seats); ABS; ASC (traction control); Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); EPS (Electrically assisted Power Steering); leather steering wheel; leather gear shifter; black leather upholstery; heated front seats; height adjustable driver seat; height adjustable steering column; automatic climate control; radio-CD player with 6 speakers; board computer; electrically powered windows; electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors; fog lights; two cupholders in front and one cupholder in the back; two-tone body color; black roof and side mirrors caps; rear spoiler mounted on the trunk lid; 5-spoke alloy wheels.
Comments
+ fun to drive
+ precise steering system, heavy weighted
+ very good dynamics
+ short throw gearshifter
+ nice engine/exhaust sound
+ good quality interior look and feel
+ very good audio system
+ good ergonomics
– small luggage compartment
– noisy suspension
– poor soundproofing
– no depth adjustable steering column
Driven by Adrian M. for 11.000 km, 9.5 l/100 km average fuel consumption, 172.420 km total mileage of the car.
Filmed at AFI Palace Cotroceni