By Neil G. Chirico
This car has demonstrated that, depending upon the users and their needs, size does in fact matter. Logbook comments such as, "After a few months, I finally had a real-world transport need where the Mini's size was an issue: simply transporting the baby and his stroller. I had to fold the front passenger seat forward to allow him to sit behind in the car seat. Had to do the same with the driver front seat for the stroller to fit, even with the rear seat folded flat." The same editor noted, "I really don't need a bigger car as long as there's a family-size machine in the driveway." He added, "With 98 percent of my driving being solo commuting, I've come to enjoy the virtues of a small car." Then there's this surprising comment about the Cooper's not-so-mini gas consumption: "With gas prices rising, a few people asked about the fuel economy, only to be disappointed at the answer. Sure, more is always better, but the fun factor has never left us wanting." What's so terrible about 25 mpg?
FROM THE LOGBOOK
"At one time or another, I've bought small cars out of necessity. The Mini is a car to buy out of desire."
--Jeff Bartlett
MINI Cooper S interior
MINI Cooper S: with navigation system