2012 Mini Cooper Hardtop

About this Mini

Some cars are transportation and some cars are a good time. The Mini is a good time. It's go-kart quick through a corner, it parks anywhere, and it puts a grin on your face on a drive you've made a thousand times. This one is in Spice Orange with the contrasting black roof, black wheels, and roof rails - about as much personality as you can buy at this price.

The 1.6-liter four and the short wheelbase are the whole recipe. It weighs almost nothing, so it feels quick without needing big power, and it returns better than thirty miles per gallon doing it. The steering is genuinely sharp in a way that costs a lot more money in most other cars.

Inside it's the classic Mini layout - the big center speedometer, toggle switches, and a driving position that sits you low and right up against the windshield. The back seats are for occasional use, but the hatch folds down and it holds more than you'd guess from looking at it.

It's also cheap to run - better than thirty miles per gallon on the highway, small tires, and a car this light is easy on brakes. Air conditioning, power windows and locks, steering wheel controls, fog lights, and the roof rails already fitted if you want to carry a bike or a board. Come drive it. Five minutes behind the wheel tells you whether it's your kind of car, and it usually decides quickly.

Features & equipment