<<
<< But the new cooper is so heavy and big (relatively speaking, I think it's around 2600lbs)... kinda lost the tradition of the old mini's...
That is a big turn-off for me... >>
Well DUH!!!! The new mini is actually SAFE and has regulations to meet unlike the old Mini. Side airbags, front airbags, head airbags, ESP, TC, etc, etc.
Compared to most other cars on the road, it's a featherweight. The only sporty cars lighter are maybe the Miata, MR2-Spider, and Toyota Celica >>
I never said it's a bad thing... I know the reason for the extra weight... I just said for me it kinda broke the tradition of the old mini's...
I drive a civic hatchback, which weighs in a little over 2300lbs... so 2600lbs is considered heavy for me... But I know it's actually light weight compared to other cars out there...