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The new MINI Cooper comes with increased power and
performance, a beefed up look and extra equipment,
complemented by a great line-up of factory-fit options
and aftermarket accessories. In the late 1950s,
Alec Issigonis designed a small car that would accommodate
four adults and their luggage. On August 26, 1959,
the Mini was born. Since its parent company British
Motor Corp. was formed by a merger of Austin and
Morris, there were two versions of the Mini: the
Austin Seven and Morris Mini-Minor. Production in
1959 was only around 20,000 cars. The new MINI Cooper
went on sale in spring of 2002.
Powering
the Cooper Base is a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine
producing 115 horsepower, while the Cooper S gets
a supercharged version of the 1.6-liter engine that
bumps horsepower up to 163. A 5-speed manual is
standard on the Base; the S gets a 6-speed manual.
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power
windows and door locks, an AM/FM stereo with CD
player, remote keyless entry, an air conditioned
glove box, and 15-inch silver aluminum wheels. The
Cooper S upgrades with chrome exterior trim, a rear
roof spoiler, functional hood scoop, leather wrapped
steering wheel and gear shift, sport bucket seats,
reinforced anti-roll bars, runflat tires, and 16-inch
silver light-alloy wheels. A navigation system,
fog lights, xenon HID headlights, leather trim and
a dual-pane glass sunroof are available options.
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