How do Mini enthusiasts view the new MINI?

In general, very well. They seem to accept the BMW notion that this is not a retro Mini, but a car that merely fills in the lost years of world production and projects a design into the future that would have quite possibly developed naturally from the Alec Issigonis-designed Mini of old.

Well-loved or not, the Mini, as a car, was known some 14 months ago to only 2% of the American market, according to company surveys. For the new MINI (all caps please) the company launched a bright, sassy, spirited, colorful campaign to familiarize Americans with this fun-loving newcomer leading up to a celebration on March 22 when cars first reached the specially selected and limited-in-number dealerships (70.)

But let's straighten out some possible confusion. I keep saying MINI, but the mere "MINI" will not come to the US at all; only its more powerful siblings the MINI Cooper (115 horsepower) and MINI Cooper S (163 horsepower) will be available in the states. The Cooper S follows the MINI Cooper by a few months.

The base price for the Cooper is $16,850 and for the S $19,850. Add-ons include the obligatory $550 destination charge and several optional packages (two at $1250 and one at $500 each) can boost the price for the "gimme everything" buyer into the near $25,000 area for the Cooper S. But this is not a start basic and pack-on-the-price sort of deal. For one thing, though the packages are an overall saving a buyer is not beholden to take everything that's packaged. In other words dinner is the best value but ala carte is available.

Many high-end features are standard, such as the all-around disc brakes with ABS, five-speed manual transmission, flat tire monitoring system and run-flat tires, a drive-by-wire (i.e. non-mechanical) connection between the accelerator pedal and the engine and an extensive safety system including six airbags with special head-protection. The standard sound system is a six-speaker affair with in-dash CD.

The option packages for the MINI Cooper are three: Premium, Sport and Cold Weather costing $1250 each for the first two and $500 for the last. Among the offerings: a sunroof, sport seats, stability control and heated seats along with other features.

Other extra-cost options include a special automatic transmission. This is the CVT for "continuously variable" transmission that offers stepless gear changes without the power drain of regular automatics. Leather seating is available as is a navigation system.

Color choices abound along with contrasting roof colors (or flag designs) and choices in wheel style and color. This highly personal MINI can be highly personalized.

Small cars, other than the MINI, simply do not come with such posh amenities and options, but BMW is determined to create a new market segment - the luxury small car. And they have somehow pulled it off without sticking a gun in the buyer's ribs. Essential to the task is the availability to the new English-based MINI endeavor the considerable technological resources of the Bavarian-based BMW headquarters. It's as if Daddy has sent an independent child off to a distant city to make it on her own, but with a prepaid cell phone and a credit card.

As the previous owner of no fewer than three of the original Minis I had more than the usual interest in the 2002 reincarnation. My verdict: It is commendable how Frank Stephenson, the designer, has caught the essence of the Mini and interpreted it for a new time, a new driver pool. It is as saucy as ever, perhaps even more fun to drive (with improved road-holding abilities) and certainly much safer and more comfortable.

But fun rules the day. They could rightfully add an amusement tax.

The MINI development team has been inspired by the past but not limited by it. The new MINI is well-conceived, well-executed and well-priced. It is the neatest automotive package you're apt to find, certainly in its price range.

BUT (there is always that "but.") Disappointment is waiting for no few of those who would love to have a MINI "right now" and who even have the money in hand. An eager demand has already prompted the devotion of more production facilities to build more MINIs but - expect it - there will be lists at the dealerships.

Hang in there; the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper S are worth waiting for. (...BACK)