Just like the rest of us, the Mini Cooper seems to be growing with age. When it arrives in February, the 2007 base model will be nearly three inches longer, with the S version offering 2.36 inches more than the model it replaces. Befitting its expanded dimensions, the front-wheel-drive 2007 Cooper will debut with more powerful engines. Replacing 2006’s 115-horsepower base unit is a 1.6-liter four-banger pushing 120 horses at 6,000 rpm, using Valvetronic technology borrowed from BMW. Torque measuring 103 lb.-ft. is made available at only 2,000 rpm, a figure that jumps to 118 lb.-ft. at 4,250 rpm. Peak torque maxed out at 111 lb.-ft. in the outgoing model. Despite the gains, Mini suggests the base Cooper owner will see a 20 percent jump in fuel economy. Cooper S models drop the supercharger in favor of a turbocharger and intercooler setup mated to the 1.6-liter aluminum engine. Horsepower is increased to 175, up from the outgoing model’s 168. When the tachometer needle falls between 1,600 and 5,000 rpm, torque registers 177 lb.-ft., a figure that jumps to 192 lb.-ft. when the pedal is matted to the floorboard, a situation better known as overboost. Mini claims that the powerplant has been engineered in such a way as to make turbo lag a non-issue. Base and Cooper S models feature a standard six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional. S versions of the 2007 Mini Cooper may also be fitted with a limited-slip differential.

Under the 2007 Mini Cooper’s new skin is a MacPherson strut front suspension working with rear aluminum track control arms to manage the ride. As one may expect, front and rear stabilizer bars are standard. For sportier (read: harsher) road manners, an optional suspension includes firmer shocks and springs. Speed-sensitive steering makes for low-effort guidance around town while dialing in a heavier, more responsive feel at speed on the highway or on twisty switchbacks. For those who want the Mini to react before they even touch the steering wheel, a sports button ponies up even more steering response (for the more gullible among us, that’s a slight exaggeration). A four-wheel antilock brake system features vented rotors in front, solid rotors in back, as well as electronic brake force distribution, and Cornering Brake Control (CBC). Also included are Brake Assistant, which adds braking pressure in emergency situations, and Hill Assist, technology that briefly prevents manual transmission-equipped Mini Coopers from rolling back on start up. The whole package sits on 15-inch alloys wrapped in 175/65 tires, or in the case of the Cooper S, 16-inch alloys fitted with 195/55 rubber. Buyers may go one further by opting for 17s and 205/45 tires. Run-flat road grabbers are available, while a tire pressure monitor, stability control, and traction control systems are standard fare.