2012 MINI Cooper Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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With news of the new Cooper Coupe dominating the MINI media, another new development is in danger of flying under the radar – MINI Yours. It’s not the only change for the MINI Cooper in 2012, with a new aero kit for John Cooper Works (JCW) trims and floormats for all trims made standard, but the MINI Yours program can seriously change your MINI experience.
Offering high-end options, accessories, trim packages and even full special edition trims, MINI Yours attempts to cement MINI’s image as a one-off, premium choice for the style-conscious in the small-car segment. With special paint options, custom wheels, premium seats and more interior materials and designs than we have room to mention here, it mirrors the options list of many higher-end cars, reflecting the associations MINI has with parent company BMW and sibling Rolls-Royce. A Rolls version of the MINI was even announced earlier this year, further supporting its luxury aspirations.
Barring these changes, the MINI remains the same, coming off a mild mid-cycle refresh in 2011. That means Base, S and JCW trims in 2-door hatch and convertible styles, all powered by different versions of a 1.6-liter engine. While the Base trim’s 1.6 delivers only 121 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, it’s more than enough to motivate the MINI’s 2,500-pound curb weight. Equipped with the standard 6-speed manual, the Base MINI will do the 60 jaunt in just 8.4 seconds and still return 29 city mpg/37 highway. Choosing the automatic means a big drop in acceleration however, taking a leisurely 9.7 seconds to do the same 60 sprint.
The S adds forced induction in the way of a turbocharger and does much better with 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. With the temporary overboost engaged, that can be bumped to 192 lb-ft and shoot the little hatch to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds with the 6-speed manual. Even with that significant power boost, the S still manages a 27/36 fuel economy rating with the manual and 26/34 with the automatic.
But for those for whom no sacrifice is tolerable, the JCW trim breaks the 200-hp barrier with 208 horses and 192 lb-ft of torque – enough to get to 60 in 6.2 seconds. Even still, the JCW trim manages 25/33 with the 6-speed manual transmission, the only available.
The manual is definitely the better of the two setups, as the automatic has been criticized for rough operation and a reluctance to swap cogs. All MINIs offer a slightly stiff ride, with the larger tires and more aggressive setup of the S and JCW trims making things slightly worse. But the reward you get for that penalty is one of the most responsive, best-handling cars on the market, and certainly at its price point. Safety is handled by traction and stability control as well as 4-wheel assisted antilock discs, even at the Base level, with the JCW trim adding a limited-slip differential and larger brakes.
Whereas the MINI enters as a relatively inexpensive car, options can have a big effect on that price point. Despite a modest price increase last year, value was still there, especially considering the 2011 MINI got a power and fuel-efficiency bump. When delving into the MINI Yours options list, value is not a consideration, and with little effort your MINI could crest 50 grand.
User reviews for 2012 MINI Cooper
Write a review2012 MINI Cooper Pricing
Trims & specs
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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
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: wood · Door trim: wood · 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: 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: phone · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · 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: 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: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
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: bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather/cloth
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): 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
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 · Single 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 · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6
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: leather · Door trim: wood · 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: phone · 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: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
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: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
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
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 · 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 · IPod auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 10
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: leather · 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: 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: audio · 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: with wind blocker
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: sport · Heated: mulitlevel · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · 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): 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: 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 · Front side airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 6
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: 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 · 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: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Headlight cleaners: high pressure washers · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: auto-dimming
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: 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): 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
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: front
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 · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM 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: rear · 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: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · 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 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: Xenon
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power folding · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night
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: 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: sport bucket · Heated: front seats · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · 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: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: painted 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 · 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 · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM 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: leather · 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: 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: 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: MPG · 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: sport bucket · Heated: mulitlevel · 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): 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: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Power windows: remote operation
