Photos: 2007 Mini Cooper S

Although it has some minor cosmetic changes for the 2007 model year, there's no mistaking a Mini.

The hood comes down at a more abrupt angle over the previous generation, and it gets increased grille space to feed its turbocharger.

The Mini increases its length by 2.5 inches for the 2007 model year, but this extra length doesn't adversely affect handling.

As one minor detail, the Cooper S loses its engine vent and gets this chunky S emblem mounted just aft of the hood.

Cargo space remains minimal. You could crush a couple of grocery bags behind the rear seats, or fold down the rear seats for substantially more room.

Mini didn't mess with successful elements, like the big speedometer in the center of the dashboard, complemented by the tachometer mounted to the steering wheel column.

The Mini gets a unique, disc-shaped electronic key. It fits into a dashboard slot, next to the engine start button.

There are a pleasing number of audio sources available in the Mini's stereo system, including a standard auxiliary jack.

The HD tuner is an interesting option, although we didn't find it that compelling.

Although it only has a two-line radio display, it's easy to navigate folders and tracks on a WMA or MP3 CD.

The trip computer shows the usual data, which can also be displayed on the tachometer.

The toggles below the stack work the windows and fog lights. We like the retro look, but would prefer if they were metal instead of plastic.

The Mini gets another bank of toggle switches on the rear-view mirror mount for controlling map lights.

Paddles on the spokes of the wheel let you select gears for the six-speed automatic transmission.

We were impressed by the automatic transmission on the Mini, which shifted smoothly, got us quickly up to speed, and downshifted appropriately.

The engine gets major changes for 2007, including turning in its supercharger for a turbo.