I also found the driver's side 6-way manually adjustable seats to be fussy and complicated. There are knobs on both sides of the seat, and often times the knobs take an extra bit of force to get it into the right position.

The MINI is always a blast to drive, and the Classic's low price makes it even sweeter. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Unfortunately, my elderly neighbor's car did not want to "make love to my car," as she attested a MINI review or two ago, or at least she did not say so directly to my face after having been quoted, but I am sure her little Mazda Protegé was considering it. Nevertheless the MINI was yet again a memorable experience to drive.

Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $22,700 - $24,440
• Body Type: 2-door coupe
• Layout: Front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 115 hp, 110 lb-ft, 1.6-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd man (opt auto with manual mode, 6-spd man)
• Brakes: disc/disc, ABS and EBD
• Cargo Cap (seats folded): 670 L (23.7 cu ft)
• Curb Weight: 1,145 kg (2,524 lbs)
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h) Manual/auto: 9.2/10.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 8.3 / 5.9 L/100km
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
• Competitors: Ford Focus, Honda Civic Si, Mercedes-Benz C230 Coupe, Nissan Sentra, VW Golf /New Beetle, Mazda3, Subaru Impreza
• Web Site: www.mini.ca

Note: Additional larger photos available in photo album.