2005 MINI Cooper S

For the entire snug fit, there's room for four adults inside, as long as two conditions are met: One, the trip can be for out-to-dinner but not for across-the-country, and Two, backseat guests are not much larger than large children.

The engine response is clean and sharp and the supercharged boost is on right away.

What may really impress some people is how easy the little thing is to drive. A mental acid test might be this: Could you toss the keys to your mother-in-law and expect her to drive it down to the local convenience store for more nachos? With the MINI, it's not an improbable concept. The engine response is clean and sharp without being racy. Since it's supercharged (as opposed to turbocharged), the boost is on right away so it pulls well from early revs. The clutch take-up is smooth and predictable with no ill-mannered grabbing, and shift action is easy and precise. Just get in it and drive.


Which is really why you should be in a MINI in the first place. In countless publications, the MINI's handling has been described as being akin to a go-kart. It's not like a real go-kart, but it's about as close as a legitimate passenger vehicle can come and still have a roof on its head. The level of steering response and handling quickness has to be experienced to be understood and, frankly, some folks—who prefer cars ordained by somber old men—probably won't like it. Fine; buy something else. In addition, the long-haul interstate ride is on the less-than-cloudlike side of the range, and those folks who find the handling too invigorating for their sluggish blood won't like the ride either. On the other hand, there are legions of terrifically satisfied owners who regularly drive their MINIs as their primary transportation.


They are not drinking coffee from big mugs. They are looking for curving roads. You will notice them by the huge grins on their faces. (www.miniusa.com)