Used 2014 MINI Coupe

All Minis are smallish, but the 2014 Cooper Coupe takes smallness almost to the level of the half-century-ago originals. The Coupe is not for practicality. It’s a 2-seater, there’s a modest trunk and the roof looks like a chopped top from a 1950s’ custom; the next size down is the Smart. The Coupe shares mechanicals with the other Minis which means, being even littler, all the lovable Mini traits of incredibly snappy response and cat-quick handling are enhanced to new highs of near-unbelievableness. Competitors are few: Fiat 500, Scion iQ? Maybe, but not quite. Still, as long as you don’t need to haul much in people or cargo the Coupe is a thoroughly usable daily driver, returns terrific fuel economy and is an absolute giggle.

The Mini Coupe’s driving characteristics are terrific, more terrific and even more terrific as you move upward through trim-level and horsepower steps, and each feels just slightly “racier” than its corresponding Hardtop model. With a skilled driver the Cooper S Coupe can make it from zero to 60 mph in about the mid-6-second range. The John Cooper Works (JCW) version, with 208 horsepower, is yet another leap ahead and, on the top end and with an appropriate location, will nudge 150 mph. But where the Mini Coupe stands out is when the pavement serves up twists and turns. You may end up with the feeling that all you do is think about the corner and the Mini Coupe is around and on to the next one. There’s just one warning: That chopped top and the automatically rising rear spoiler limit visibility to the sides and rear, so keep a watchful eye.

Mini interiors can take a little getting used to, but in a charming way, and the Coupe is no exception. In the center is a big round speedometer, in front of the driver a round tachometer, and there are round air vents, door pulls and speakers from side to side. Locations and operations of various switches borders on eccentric, but familiarity breeds, well, an easy familiarity and soon it’s all just fine. The seats are comfy and, just as important, quite supportive. There’s a removable shelf behind the seats and a handy pass-through to a trunk of 9.8-cubic-feet capacity.

The Mini Cooper Coupe’s chopped top is called a “helmet roof” (check the side view) and, taken as a whole, the Coupe is more rounded, the Hardtop more rectangular. Still, it’s unmistakably a Mini. Access to the trunk is through a rear opening. Identifying clues for the Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions include dual tailpipes that exit from the center and front-fender air vents that are chrome instead of black. All three models include the automatically rising rear spoiler that deploys over 50 mph, thus adding to both the sporty appearance and aerodynamic stability at higher speeds.

IMMEDIATELY QUICK HANDLING RESPONSE
All Minis have super-responsive handling, but the Coupe, particularly in the Cooper S or John Cooper Works versions, hangs onto twisty roads like a handshake with flypaper. It makes champions of us all.

ACTIVE REAR SPOILER
This little wing on the trunk lid automatically lifts at speeds over 50 mph to increase downforce on the car. It also looks nifty and racy. That being the case, you can raise it manually at lower speeds at the push of a button.

Standard equipment for the 2014 Mini Cooper Coupe includes remote entry, a 6-speaker AM/FM/CD/HD audio system with auxiliary input, air conditioning, Bluetooth and a climate-controlled glove box. The base model has 15-inch wheels, the Cooper S has standard 16-inchers and the JCW has standard 17-inchers, but Mini offers an enormous array of wheel choices in various sizes and finishes. There’s a standard 3-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan and 4-year/unlimited-mileage roadside assistance. Also included are the usual convenience items and all the government-mandated safety features.

Mini is the absolute leader in allowing owners to individualize their cars and there are probably millions of combinations that can make any Cooper Coupe unlike any other. The more usual options include leather, the Mini Connected system – with or without navigation – a 10-speaker harman/kardon premium audio system, sport seats, automatic climate control, heated seats and all sorts of interior and exterior trim choices. Available accessories can make it look different or go faster. And spending time on the entertaining website (www.miniusa.com) is a fun way to plan your new Mini’s exact configuration.

The 2014 Mini Cooper Coupe is offered with three versions of the 1.6-liter inline 4-cylinder engine: The base version makes 121 horsepower and the Cooper S and JCW models are turbocharged and are rated at 181 and 208 horsepower, respectively. While the base version performs completely adequately, the Cooper S and JCW are real eye-openers, with acceleration and performance that seem at first surprising, given the cars’ small size. The turbo engines have great throttle response, deliver plenty of kick to get up and go and are remarkably efficient, rated at 35 mpg on the highway with either the 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. One warning: All Cooper Coupes require 91-octane premium gasoline.

1.6-liter inline-4
121 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
118 lb-ft of torque @ 4,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 29/37 mpg (manual), 28/36 mpg (automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
181 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
177 lb-ft of torque @ 1,600-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 mpg (manual), 26/35 mpg (automatic)

1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4
208 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
192 lb-ft of torque @ 1,850-5,600 rpm
(207 lb-ft @ 2,000-5,200 rpm in overboost)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 26/35 mpg (manual), 26/35 mpg (automatic)