Numbers do not matter with the base Classic model, however, as most that buy it will be quite content to go a little slower and

Much of the joy in driving the Cooper comes from the most routine actions, such as shifting the gears. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

see all the smiles directed their way. While it wasn't designed to be especially quick, it nevertheless picks up speed with enthusiasm and briskness, not unlike the old Mini. Much of the joy in driving the Cooper comes from the most routine actions, such as shifting the gears. Palming the chrome-accented shift knob and going through the standard five-speed manual, I quickly discovered the weight and meat to the shift action. The Peugeot/Rover-derived transmission isn't at all balky, slotting into each gear with great precision. Clutch uptake is light, making stop and go traffic - such as the hour-long stint on Highway 401 back to BMW Canada - pain-free. MINI also offers a CVT gearbox with the Classic, as a substitute to a conventional automatic gearbox. A predisposed product from the Rover merger days, it can be driven in straight-up variable mode or in a sports setting with six predetermined ratios that use a pair of paddles to swap ratios. It'll also set you back $1,290. The 1.6-liter motor is refined, making it a perfect match to the rest of the vehicle. Power comes on as early as 1,500 rpm,

The Cooper's high efficiency results in a fuel consumption rating of 5.9 L/100 km (39.9 mpg) on the highway and 8.3 L/100 km (28.3 mpg) in the city. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

making takeoffs from traffic lights and high-gear passing easy with the wave of torque only settling at 4,500 rpm. With this kind of twist available over such a broad powerband, both second and third gears are on the long side, but all that means is less shifting. This is part of the key to the Cooper's high efficiency, which results in a fuel consumption rating of 5.9 L/100 km (39.9 mpg) on the highway and 8.3 L/100 km (28.3 mpg) in the city. Two tanks of premium unleaded and more than a thousand clicks later, it's easy to see the benefit of the longer gears. The only exception to the South-American four's refinement is when it's brought to a boil: the tone goes from a raspy little growl to an unpleasantly muted, tinny scream. Still, overall refinement is excellent, with road and wind noise well masked.