With its wide stance and the wheels pushed to the four corners of the car, the MINI's suspension is tuned to handle spirited driving. The MINI's front suspension uses McPherson struts, which offers advantages in terms of both weight and use of space. Unlike most cars of a similar size, the MINI Cooper's drive shafts have been engineered to be of equal length. This set-up significantly reduces torque-steer and provides symmetrical feedback to the driver during cornering, accelerating and braking. MINI Cooper's rear suspension is a patented and innovative multi-link rear suspension that, combined with the cars stiff chassis and precise steering, gives the car its unique 'go-kart' handling characteristics.

2006 MINI Cooper features an electro-hydraulic power-assist rack-and-pinion steering (EHPAS), which features quick ratio steering with just 2.5 turns lock-to-lock and offers drivers immediate response to steering input. The EHPAS is operated by a small electric motor and is different from traditional hydraulic pump systems in that it only produces power-assist when the steering wheel is turned. This reduces the need for the engine to constantly drive the hydraulic pump via a belt, thus adding to performance and reducing fuel consumption.



2006 MINI Cooper Hi-Tech Features
Premium Comfort and Convenience

Despite 2006 MINI Cooper's small outer dimensions, the car is packed with sophisticated technology. A high-tech data bus system or k-bus system is incorporated to enhance reliability and reduce the amount of cables, wires and connectors.

The k-bus system reduces the number of wires and cables by using the same wires and cables for different systems, called mutual data transmission. Besides reliability, the k-bus system makes assembly much easier, reduces weight and allows for the integration of additional functions such as rain sensors and GPS navigation to name a few.

Features on 2006 MINI Cooper that provide extra safety and comfort include standard remote central locking which controls the doors, tailgate and fuel tank lid from distances up to 50 feet. MINI offers a coded drive-away protection system that is activated and deactivated by the key and works via a rolling random code system that significantly reduces the likelihood of drive-away theft.

Options available on 2006 MINI Cooper include a navigation system that uses Global Positioning Satellite technology (GPS) and a DVD based map directory to determine the position of the car and help guide the driver to the desired destination via detailed displays on the system's color screen. A rain sensor controls the windshield wipers depending on the quantity of rain falling onto the windshield. An auto-dimming rear view mirror that automatically adjusts to minimize glare and an integrated universal garage door opener are also available. 

2006 MINI Cooper also can be optioned with Park Distance Control integrated into the rear bumper. This system uses sonic waves to measure the distance between the rear bumper and another object such as an adjacent parked car or a wall. As the rear bumper of the MINI moves closer, an audible warning inside the car progressively beeps faster. When the car reaches a minimum distance to the object, the audible warning becomes a constant tone indicating the driver should stop to avoid contact. An optional rear fog light is also available.

2006 MINI Cooper also offers an optional automatic air conditioning system. This system incorporates a digital temperature display and automatic functions to quickly and automatically achieve its particular setting. An automatic, rapid car defrost setting can also be activated by the touch of a button. This system activates the maximum defrost and fan setting as well as recirculation control and the heated rear window to quickly clear the windows and achieve the desired interior climate.

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