2011 Mini Cooper Hatchback Base
MSRP $19,400
Mini Coopers seem to be an acquired taste. They combine German engineering and a British “eye” and the results are almost iconic. People either really love cars from this company or really don’t like them.
The 2011 Mini Cooper Hatchback Base is a subcompact hatchback and is the lowest of three trim levels, and gets the highest mileage of the three because of the base engine. It also has the tamest suspension of the three, and is a good introduction to the brand for those yet to be initiated.
The 2011 Mini Cooper Hatchback Base has a 1.6 liter, 4-cylinder engine that gets 121 horsepower. It has a 15-inch alloy wheels and a 6-speed manual transmission with hill-assist. It is rated at 29 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
For a base trim level, the 2011 Mini Cooper Hatchback Base comes with plenty of goodies. It has a tilt-telescope, leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat, full power accessories, keyless entry, cruise control, and standard air conditioning. The sound system has 6 speakers, HD radio, satellite radio, CD/MP3 player, and an audio jack.
The 2011 Mini Cooper Hatchback has anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, side front airbags, and side curtain airbags. It was given a rating of “good” for frontal collisions and “average” for side impact from the IIHS.
Conclusions and driver feedback:
The 2011 Mini Cooper Hatchback is definitely small, but has a surprising amount of space in the front seat. There is plenty of room to stretch out, which looks somewhere between impossible and implausible from the outside. The cargo space can be upgraded to acceptable by folding the rear seats.
The steering and suspension, even in the base model, is tuned for sporty performance. The steering is very responsive and you can definitely feel the road while driving. Also, while the engine isn’t really big, the Mini is so small and light that it makes the engine look like a giant in comparison. In other words, this car has plenty of pep.
It’s size makes it great for both parking and zipping in and out of traffic. Also, the mileage is so high that it even qualifies as a “green” car, even with a conventional engine. So, one hand, you have a sporty, lively car that will give you a lot of performance without using a lot of fuel.
But there are negatives here, most of them because of trade-offs. The 2011 Mini Cooper Hatchback supposedly seats four, but the back seat is an afterthought, like an old 2 plus 2 design. Then, there is the ride. That sporty feel, performance, and suspension are great if you are behind the wheel, but the passengers definitely feel even small road imperfections. The storage space is barely acceptable, but not configured for large objects.
The verdict: you either like Mini Coopers or you dislike them. Either way, you already know who you are.
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