After a week of scooting around Toronto I've become one of the many MINI believers. The Cooper, even in Classic trim, is an

The Cooper, even in Classic trim, is an amazing car. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

amazing car. Why anyone would want to spend more for a regular Cooper I'm not sure, as everything I'd ever need in a car is already included with the bill, and there's no real need to go to the options list. The Classic, on the other hand, actually lives up to its name. Trace the car back to its original roots, and you'll find fun, innovation and value at the top of Sir Issigonis' list. The Cooper Classic fills the third item on the list, value, with a starting price of just $22,700. This is far less than what most people I spoke to think a MINI costs, and isn't a whole lot of money when you take a moment to consider you're essentially buying a baby-BMW. If I were footing the bill, I'd happily forgo the $120 hood stripes and the Sports package to keep the money in my wallet. And while we're discussing value, the MINI feels like, acts like and has the presence of a bigger car, yet leaves three whole feet behind it when parked in my garage. At the price of Toronto real estate and factoring in what I can do with the extra space, the Classic might just be one of the cheapest 4-seaters available! Specifications:

• Price Range (MSRP): $22,700 - $24,440
• Body Type: 3-door hatchback
• Layout: Front engine, FWD
• Base Engine: 115 hp, 110 lb-ft, 1.6-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd man (opt CVT)
• Brakes: disc/disc, ABS, EBD, CBC
• Cargo Cap (seats folded): 670 L (23.7 cu ft)
• Curb Weight: 1,145 kg (2,524 lbs)
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h, manual/CVT): 9.2/10.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 8.3 / 5.9 L/100km (28.3 / 39.9 mpg)
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
• Competitors: Acura 1.7 EL, Audi A3 Sportback, BMW 1-Series, Ford Focus, Honda Civic Si, Mazda3, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla/Matrix, Subaru Impreza, Volkswagen Golf/New Beetle
• Web Site: www.mini.ca

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.