When BMW revived the Mini brand, and the legendary Cooper nameplate, in 2001, the result was a smash hit around the world. Original sales estimates for the U.S. were low – the car arrived in the midst of an SUV boom – but customers proved willing to wait several months for vehicles that they tailored to specific tastes through a wide range of paint, interior, and accessory options, turning the car into a pop-culture icon with a cult following. The Cooper was carefully redesigned for 2007, gaining interior space and slightly larger exterior dimensions while retaining the look and retro-modernist appeal that people find so alluring. In 2008, a new Clubman model was added to the lineup, with an extended wheelbase, more rear seat legroom, and dutch-style rear doors leading to enhanced cargo space.

For 2009, here is what changed on the Mini Cooper:
•Lineup expanded to include redesigned Convertible model
•Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard on all models
•New Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) system allows for wider performance envelope without removal of DSC safety net
•DTC includes an Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) which helps control wheelspin when accelerating
•John Cooper Works Package now offered on Cooper S Hardtop, Convertible, and Clubman models
•Ambient lighting bathes the interior in the owner’s choice between five colors
•New 160-mph speedometer
•Midnight Black and Horizon Blue arrive mid-year as replacements for Astro Black and Lightning Blue.

Mini buyers have more choice than ever for 2009: the Hardtop, the Convertible, and the Clubman. For the purposes of this review, we will focus on the Hardtop, which is available in standard Cooper and performance-oriented Cooper S trim. Upgrading to the Cooper S adds a supercharged engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch wheels wearing lower profile tires, different seats with sport bolstering and checkered cloth, a rear roof-mounted spoiler, and front fog lights.

Our test car was equipped with the new-for-2009 John Cooper Works Package, which is offered only on the Cooper S Hardtop. For $6,600 over the price of the standard Cooper S, the John Cooper Works (JCW) hardware includes a power bump from 172 horsepower to 208 horsepower and torque from 177 lb.-ft. to 192 lb.-ft.; extra-light 17-inch wheels with run-flat tires; revised suspension tuning; upgraded brakes and exhaust; an electronic front differential lock; and a modified manual transmission. Other goodies include a Sports Button that engages special throttle and electric power steering mapping for improved responsiveness, a unique speedometer, and upgraded interior trim.

Mini offers an extensive array of options and accessories for the Cooper. In fact, when loading the vehicle configuration software on the Mini USA website, it informs the user that there are more than 10 million ways to tailor a Cooper, virtually guaranteeing that no two are alike. If you’re not careful with the options, it’s possible to close in on $50,000 for a fully equipped Cooper S with all the trimmings.

The Mini Cooper is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine making 118 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 114 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,250 rpm. The Mini Cooper S receives a turbocharged version of that engine, making 172 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 177 lb.-ft. of torque across a wide rev range extending from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm. The Mini Cooper S with the John Cooper Works Package gets a number of modifications designed for competition motorsports to generate 208 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 192 lb.-ft. of torque between 1,850 and 5,600 rpm, more than enough motive force for its 2,701-lb. starting curb weight. According to Mini, the Cooper S JCW accelerates to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 147 mph.

The standard Cooper and the Cooper S come with a six-speed manual transmission driving the front wheels. A six-speed automatic is optional, and includes a sport mode as well as paddle shifters on the steering wheel. When the John Cooper Works Package is ordered, the car is equipped only with the manual, driving power to the front wheels through an electronic differential lock control (EDLC) system.

Safety features include standard dual front airbags, dual front seat side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags for both rows of seats. The Cooper also comes with antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, and cornering brake control. Mini’s Dynamic Stability Control system is standard for 2009, and features an “on/off” switch on the Cooper S models. Other safety features include Dynamic Traction Control to control wheelspin during acceleration, Hill Start Assist to hold the Cooper still on a hill while the driver releases the clutch and gets the car moving; and rear sonar sensors in the back bumper to aid in parking or identifying objects that might be hidden behind the car.

J.D. Power and Associates says the 2009 Mini Cooper competes against other compact cars such as the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Pontiac Vibe, Suzuki SX4, Volkswagen Beetle, and Volkswagen Rabbit. Our Cooper S JCW’s closest direct competitors would be the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Mazdaspeed 3, and Volkswagen GTI.

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