2011 MINI Cooper Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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BMW seems reluctant to fuss much with the winning formula it's concocted with its new MINI, instead opting for small changes to keep its compact competitive. For 2012 that means a lot of little fixes and stylistic adjustments, including new trims and wheels, a revised front fascia, taller hood, bigger fog lights and redesigned taillights. There are also some new colors – Orange Spice, British Racing Green and Eclipse Grey - and the supercharged S gets some attention as well with new functional braking ducts and a unique front bumper.
Even the powertrains get a bit of a nudge, with reduced internal friction in the base 1.6-liter engine resulting in a 2-hp boost up to 121 and remapped variable valve timing giving the supercharged S a new output of 181 hp. The 6-speed manual transmission is still standard and still buttery-smooth to operate, but the laggy 6-speed automatic remains an option. Torque steer that has plagued the Cooper from the beginning has been addressed thanks to retuning of the electric steering, but is not gone.
Inside, there are more changes to be seen. As seems to be the trend with many manufacturers this year, chrome is fading away, replaced here by more black. The quirky, centrally located speedo is still here, however, and it’s getting less quirky and more annoying with age, but stereo controls have finally been relocated to a more convenient position. The stereo itself is still a bit underpowered, especially in the convertible, but the optional 10-speaker upgrade takes care of that nicely.
While the MINI has always been a nimble and agile performer, its stiff suspension has been known to get a bit taxing on the highway as the miles pile up. It’s not a major concern in the Base with its stock suspension and 15-inch wheels, but with the sport setup in the S and John Cooper Works versions, and the subsequent wheel size increases to 16 and 17 inches, the ride can get quite tiring. The standard run-flat tires on the S only exacerbate the issue and take a lot of fun out of the MINI, at least in the long term. Spirited jaunts around town are still invigorating, albeit less so on the pothole-strewn motorways of the snow belt than on glass-smooth southern surfaces.
The other ubiquitous complaint with the MINI has always been the noise, penetrating into the cabin via road and tires and wind. More insulation has been added this year, but long-term testing will be needed to really judge its effectiveness.
As the MINI gets on in years – and still looks much the same as it did upon its introduction – its charming appeal wanes, much like what happened with the new Beetle. That makes its high price seem ever higher in comparison. Changes here are welcome, but they don’t justify yet another price increase. This year, it’s around $700, which pushes the base MINI past the $20,000 mark, and with one or two clicks on the options list, the Works version easily crests thirty grand. If you want to keep us interested, give us more, don’t just charge us more.
User reviews for 2011 MINI Cooper
Write a review2011 MINI Cooper Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Headliner trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.35
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Stripes: hood
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor size: 6.5
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible roof: soft top · Sunroof: power panoramic
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Suspension
Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: pre-wired for phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted alloy
Wheels
Width: 6.5
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: alloy · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Headliner trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.65
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Stripes: hood
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor size: 6.5
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible roof: soft top · Sunroof: dual-panel
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: pre-wired for phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 480 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.35
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Stripes: hood
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor size: 6.5
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: soft top
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: pre-wired for phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 480 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brake width: 0.9 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 10.2 · Rear brake width: 0.4 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.65
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Stripes: hood
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor size: 6.5
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather/cloth
Suspension
Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: pre-wired for phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.65
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Stripes: hood
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor size: 6.5
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible roof: soft top · Sunroof: power panoramic
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Suspension
Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: pre-wired for phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: front · Rear wiper: auto-on in reverse
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Side airbags: front with head protection chambers
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Harman/Kardon premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 480 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Premium brakes: Brembo · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: front center · Dash trim: alloy · Foot pedal trim: stainless steel · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: manual rear seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.65
Engine
Alternator: 150 amps
Exterior Features
Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: chrome · Paint: metallic · Rear bumper color: body-color · Stripes: hood
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Video monitor size: 6.5
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 6
Rear Seats
Type: 50-50 split bench
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Damper Control: frequency selective · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: pre-wired for phone · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
