2009 MINI Cooper among top 10 coolest cars

Hendrick MINI, the leading MINI Cooper Dealership in Charlotte is happy to inform you that 2009 MINI Cooper has been listed in the top ten coolest cars under $20,000 for 2009-10 by Autotropolis. It's the high performance, new design, enhanced safety, excellent fuel economy, standard quality and low price that enabled the new MINI Cooper to grab a place in the elite list. At a time when everybody reels under the negative effects of economic meltdown, 2009 Mini Cooper comes as a great relief offering great opportunity to own a new car at a low price without compromising on top quality at any levels.

The new Cooper is available as either a hatchback or convertible. Available in Base and S trim levels, all MINI models are powered by a standard 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 118 hp. However the S versions are performance oriented and are capable to put out 172 hp. All of them are mated either to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. John Cooper Works model, the latest version of the MINI Cooper uses a 208-hp version of the turbocharged engine and offers only 6-speed manual transmission.

If you are looking for new cars in Charlotte with a low budget, Hendrick Mini is the right place. Starting at an MSRP of $20,200, the new Mini Cooper is one of the cost-effective cars available in the market. The additional features enhance the beauty and quality of the new Mini Cooper and offers great value for your hard-earned money. Adding extra style to their look, convertibles offer a power fabric top with a heated-glass rear window and a "sunroof" mode that opens the top above the front seats. The new MINI Coopers give excellent fuel economy as well, with Base model giving 34mpg, while S flavor goes down by one mpg. The latest John Cooper Works model averages about 29 mpg.

The safety features available on all models include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, tire pressure monitor, dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and an antitheft system on board. ABS, traction control, antiskid system, tire pressure monitor, dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, front side airbags, 4-wheel antilock disc brakes and an antitheft system on board.

2008 MINI Cooper Convertible

Overview

The MINI Cooper convertible returns for 2008 largely unchanged. The MINI's compact size, good fuel economy and cute styling make it a trendy choice for young urban motorists. Produced by BMW, the front-wheel-drive MINI Cooper is a small, two-door, four-passenger car, offered in both coupe and convertible versions. Available in Cooper and Cooper S, the Cooper S has a sportier suspension set-up.

Power and Performance

Under the hood of the MINI Cooper convertible is a previous-generation engine: a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that delivers 115 horsepower in the base trim; and 168 horsepower in the S version, which in this case is supercharged. The base convertible comes with a five-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission. The S offers a six-speed manual or automatic. Mileage estimates are 23 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway with the MT; and 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg highway with the automatic.

Body and Styling

The MINI Cooper received a total makeover in 2007, and was updated with more power, a more muscular look and new features. The convertible has a powered soft top that can be moved back like a moonroof or opened entirely. A new ignition button replaces the conventional key start; new ambient illumination and a larger center speedometer include a new range of functions. The exterior features chrome accents, a new hexagon radiator grille, and new indicator lights that are fully integrated into the headlights. The MINI Cooper convertible offers cargo space of up to 9.2 cubic feet with the rear seat up.

Safety Features

Standard safety features include four wheel anti-lock brakes, de-powered air bag, passenger air bag, head air bag, side air bag and traction control. Stability control is optional. The IIHS rated the MINI Cooper as "Good” in crash offset tests.

For more information visit: http://www.hendrickmini.com