Note: The term “classic” is only marketing in this case. The Cooper “Classic” is simply a MINI Cooper offering in Canada with a limited number of options available at a lower price than a standard Cooper.
MINI Canada Press Release: MINI Canada today announced that the MINI Cooper Classic will join the MINI model lineup this summer with a value-leading MSRP of $22,950.
The debut of the MINI Cooper Classic follows the introduction of the new-generation MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper S in February, both arriving with pricing unchanged from their predecessor 2006 models. The MINI Cooper Classic, reborn for 2007, not only incorporates all of the new elements and improvements of the new-generation MINI family, but eclipses its predecessor with a lower starting price and an even more comprehensive list of specifications.
Upgraded standard equipment on the 2007 MINI Cooper Classic now includes:
* Automatic Stability Control + Traction
* Multifunction Steering Wheel
* Passenger Seat Height Adjustment
* Unique to the Classic – 15″ 5-Star wheels with all season tires
Available options on the MINI Cooper Classic include a Premium Package, including Heated Front Seats and Front and Rear Fog Lights at $600 and the 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with Steptronic for $1,390.
The MINI Cooper Classic is available in four colors: Chili Red, Pepper White and two new choices – Mellow Yellow and Oxygen Blue which team up with Carbon Black Leatherette upholstery and Fine Silver trim.
Like both of its MINI Cooper and Cooper S stablemates, the 2007 MINI Cooper Classic brings a host of innovations and new features to its specification sheet, including:
* A new 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with fully variable valve timing technology developing a maximum output of 118 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and maximum torque of 114 ft-lb. @ 4,250 rpm. Mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, the new MINI Cooper Classic is capable of acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 9.1 seconds. It also sips fuel at a miserly 5.4 L/100 km (highway)/7.3 L/100 km (city), making it eligible for a $1000 rebate in the Federal Government’s ecoRebate program.
* New EPAS Electrical Power Assisted Steering provides speed-variable power assistance which maintains traditional go-kart-like MINI agility while optimizing steering effort at low speeds.
* Electronic ignition key fob with push-button starting.
* Ambient interior lighting that provides unique cabin illumination options – variable in five stages from warm orange to sporting blue.
* Auxiliary audio input.
* SIRIUS Satellite radio pre-wiring.
With its well-established reputation for go-kart like handling, tenacious braking, crisp acceleration, all-season capability and pure FUN, the MINI family has also been engineered for premium levels of passive safety. Like all other variants of the new MINI generation, the 2007 MINI Cooper Classic is equipped with an Advanced Head Protection System, six airbags with SMART deployment technology, collapsible tube crash technology, and three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all four seats.
In April of 2007, the new generation MINI achieved the highest possible 5-star rating for passive safety from the European (NCAP) New Car Assessment Program, confirming the MINI as one of the safest vehicles in its segment.
The MINI Cooper Classic reachs MINI showrooms starting in July.
Whoa I want one, I would trade in my S in a heartbeat for a classic. Plus you can’t beat that gas mileage. If I’m paying 35 at the pump every week Hummer drivers must cry.
Wow.. It is the least they could do…
The MSRP price difference between the US and Canadian MINIs grows larger every day as the Canadian Dollar appreciates (past 94 US cents now)
Just FYI HUMMER drivers are not crying lol….just ask my dad…(it’s a write-off)
Also, this is not a classic mini it is a Cooper Classic….
It is a edition just like the sidewalk.
This is the same as the Cooper with fewer options available and a fancy name 😉
Way to go Canada. That sounds pretty sweet and am glad that there are options out there to get the classic back.
How in the world did they ever fit 15″ wheels on a classic?
Great – a 2007 MINI named “Classic”. So what do I call my 1967 Mini now? When I got the 2006 MINI Cooper I started calling my Mini a Classic Mini. So how could a brand new MINI be called a “Classic”? Perhaps someone in MINI Canada marketing borrowed a time traveling Delorean and has seen the future “classic” twenty years from now? Calling a car a “classic” that is brand spankin new is a bit of a stretch, especially since it only seems to be an options package. Unless of course the Canadians are getting a REAL Mini Classic, you know, 10 feet long, made in Birmingham and with a 1275 A series engine and 10 inch wheels? Ya gotta love those marketing people!
Yea, I’m a bit confused… Are we talking about a 02-06 Cooper or an actual “classic” style car? I’m guessing its an 02-06 being called a classic since it wouldn’t make much sence for them to bring back the Classic “classic”. Clearification would be nice DB.
Looks like the “marketing people” got you talking. BMW decided to come out with an entry level MINI for Canadians, just like they did in Europe, remember, MINI One. Theirs nothing confusing about it, it’s called a “Cooper Classic” (’04 – now) not a “Classic MINI” (’59 – ’00). The name gets people’s attention (including yourselves) and thats one of the points of marketing.
Looks like the Canadian version of the MINI One…
It’s kind of like a MINI One with the Cooper drivetrain in it. The Cooper with Classic package is the entry level car that would get potential Mazda3/Honda Civic/Toyota Corolla buyers looking MINI’s direction. It is value priced such that if you could add all the safety gear that’s standard on the MINI but optional on, say a Mazda3, the MINI looks extremely affordable. When I was shopping for my MINI, I tried optioning up a Mazda3 GT to MINI levels and the Mazda came in about $2000 more expensive.
I’m surprised that MINI Canada have added some option packages. The previous generation, the only options available was the CVT transmission. The limiting of the option packages would keep the cost down. But with the Canadian dollar appreciating, I guess MINI Canada had to do something about the price gap.
I was wondering when MINI Canada would come out with the Classic package for the new model.
I was wondering when/if MINI Canada was going to introduce an R56 Cooper Classic.
I’m the owner of an ’04 R50 Cooper Classic – no xenons (standard on all other MINIs in Canada), no ASC+T, DSC, H/K, none of the fancy options were even available when I ordered mine. The only options then were heated seats (I got) and CVT. (I passed)
Ironic timing on MINI Canada’s part – I’ve had mine 3 years now, still brings joy (except pothole filled roads, and low temperature squeaks and rattles) – but lately have been sizing up an R56 “S” as a replacement.
Went to the dealer yesterday for a test drive, they were closed for that day, usually open Sundays. Maybe that’s an omen to keep my humble R50 Cooper. (if only I had more faith in the longevity of the Midlands)
My Son and I both perused the R56’s on the lot and none of them jumped out at us, they had a good selection of Laser & Lightning Blue, Mellow Yellow, Dark, Pure & Sparkling Silver, Black, CR/B and CR/CR – everything except BRG and Oxygen Blue.
We both agreed that while unquestionably a MINI none of them looked as good as R50/R53’s, and I really wanted to like one, seeing as I have warmed up to the interior changes. Had a half hour to “play” with the interiors of various showroom models last week (no drive yet) and was impressed with piano black trim, and came away feeling that the action of the doors and controls are more BMW-like.
Anyway, glad to see they have re-introduced this basic model, savings are nearly $3K over the Cooper, and including Oxygen Blue is intriguing.
LOVE IT, ORDERED IT, and I am waiting. However, I have yet to see a picture or drive it. If anyone finds a site with cooper classic photos, email me please.
<a href="mailto:piecingit2gether@hotmail.com">piecingit2gether@hotmail.com</a>