The CVT is different than a conventional automatic transmission in that it doesn't require a torque converter. Instead the CVT uses an electronically-controlled multi-disc coupling. The transmission uses a fixed-length steel drive belt to connect two double cone-shaped belt pulleys which transmit the drive output from the engine, essentially offering infinitely variable transmission ratios.

The CVT has a Sport mode with performance oriented tuning. Within the CVT Sport mode, the driver can also select Steptronic for greater involvement in gear selection. The transmission automatically changes from Sports mode to the Steptronic mode when the driver changes gear manually by moving the gear lever forward or back. The shift status in is shown on an LED display in the speedometer. In Steptronic mode, six fixed 'ratios' are provided, much like the 'gears' in a manual transmission.


2006 MINI Cooper Safety
MINI Sets New Small-Car Standards

2006 MINI Cooper has a body shell rigidity that is two to three times greater than the norm for a car of this size. This has been achieved by the use of the latest development methods, such as virtual crash simulation. The car uses variable thickness panel pressings to increase strength where required and reduce weight where possible. This technique was also used to produce the bonnet pressing - a sculpted panel which could not be produced in single-thickness steel. Increasing its rigidity, the car has 3,800 spot welds, many more than cars of a similar size.

An extremely strong and rigid passenger safety cell, front and rear crumple zones and side impact door beams mean occupants are well protected in case of an accident. Passive safety is further enhanced with six standard airbags, including front and side airbags. This includes MINI's unique AHPS-2 (Advanced Head Protection System). This system features innovative full-vehicle, side impact head protection airbags. The AHPS air bags are long, tube shaped airbags that deploy from the headliner along with a curtain and are designed to protect the heads of both front and rear passengers. These airbags stay inflated for a minimum of 6 seconds in the event of a secondary impact or roll-over. The curtain also helps to shield passengers from flying debris. This level of standard safety is all but unheard of in a car of this size.


Active Safety

The MINI Cooper has four-wheel disc brakes with 11" ventilated front rotors and 10" solid rotors at the rear. The braking system, with a diagonal dual-circuit arrangement, includes four-sensor ABS, Electronic Braking Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC) as standard.

The EBD system controls the distribution of the hydraulic braking force between the front and rear wheels. This ensures the optimum braking power distribution under different load conditions. If the car's rear axle is under heavy load, a higher braking force than normal can be safely applied to the rear wheels. This greatly improves the vehicle's braking abilities. The EBD mechanism is automatically activated under average braking pressure, long before the ABS would be required. EBD is always on call as it cannot be deactivated by the driver.

Cornering Brake Control, (CBC) tempers the natural tendency for a car to become unstable at the rear if the brakes are applied heavily while cornering. The system recognizes that the car is cornering and feeds more braking force to the outside front wheel and counteracts potential oversteer. This also means that more braking force can be fed to the rear brakes and the car is slowed down as fast as possible with maximum stability.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is also available as an option. DSC is an expansion of ABS and AST. DSC monitors lateral and longitudinal forces on the car, wheel slippage as well as throttle and steering inputs from the driver. This system effectively minimizes front wheel spin to greatly enhance stability. This smart electronic system uses the ABS sensors and when slippage is detected, it cuts power to the spinning wheel until it grips again. The system also works under deceleration on a slippery surface in the case a wheel approaches lock-up due to engine braking. In this instance, power is gently fed to that wheel to get it rolling again and so control is regained. A warning light comes on when the system is activated.

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