MINI Cooper 2006–2010 car dimensions: 3699 mm long, 1683 mm wide and 1407 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,140 kg. Braked towing is 750 kg.
The cabin seats four tightly with a distinctive round speedo and basic radio-CD setup. Manual air conditioning is common on Cooper models while automatic climate control comes on some packs. Cruise control and rear parking sensors appear as options or in packs. No factory smartphone mirroring or advanced driver aids like emergency braking exist. A reversing camera is rare and optional only with certain screens.
Boot space starts small at 160 litres behind the rear seats. Fold the 50/50 split rear seats and it opens to 680 litres for larger loads. Access is via the rear hatch and the space suits light shopping or a couple of bags.
Towing is limited to 750 kg braked or 500 kg unbraked. Payload sits around 450 kg. This generation suits light leisure towing at best and is not set up for heavy work duties.
The cabin is compact and driver-focused with firm seats offering strong side support for spirited driving. Manual height adjustment is standard on the driver's seat with optional sports seats. Reach and rake steering adjustment is included along with optional multi-function leather wheel. Air conditioning is available with automatic climate control as an option. Green tinted heat-insulating glass is fitted. An electric panoramic glass sunroof is optional and opens the space. Rear seats are 50/50 split-fold but legroom is limited for adults. Storage includes front and rear cupholders plus door bins.
1.6-litre petrol claims 48.7 mpg combined
CBS oil service up to 15,000 miles or 2 years
Euro NCAP 5 stars adult occupant
Standard six airbags ABS EBD brake assist ISOFIX
Tyre pressure warning standard
DSC available as option or in packs
The 1.6-litre petrol engine delivers claimed combined fuel economy of 48.7 mpg with a 40-litre tank on standard models. Real-world figures are lower especially on motorways. Diesels arrived later with better economy.
Servicing uses Condition Based Service which adapts intervals to driving style. Oil and filter changes run to a maximum 15,000 miles or two years. Brake fluid needs changing every two years. Air filter and cabin filter form part of the schedule. No cambelt is fitted.
Crash testing by Euro NCAP gave five stars for adult protection with strong structure and six airbags as standard. Side and curtain airbags cover front and rear. ABS EBD cornering brake control and ISOFIX are fitted. Stability control was optional early on and later more common via packs. Tyre pressure monitoring is standard.
The TLC service pack covered five years or 50,000 miles and could be extended. Build quality is solid though some electrical issues and timing chain wear on certain engines appear in ownership. Regular oil changes help longevity. Parts availability remains good.
Length 3699 mm, Width 1683 mm, Height 1407 mm, Wheelbase 2467 mm (Cooper 2006–2010)
Sources: manufacturer data, MINI official technical data MY2007.