The MINI Cooper range offers more body styles and engine choices than most of the competition, but there are some good alternatives to the style- and fun-conscious small-car shopper.
The Volkswagen Beetle was recently redesigned, and in Turbo form, can even be sporty--and of course it has its own iconic style.
The Fiat 500 is a serious alternative, itself a modern revival of a classic mini-car, and in Abarth form, a sporting challenger.
The Fiat isn't as comfortable or spacious as the MINI, however.
Mazda's Mazda2 and Ford's Fiesta share a lot in common with each other, and both offer a slightly more mass-appeal take on the small/fun/affordable idea.
Mazda's MX-5 is a true rear-drive sports car that rewards the driver, but lacks even the option of rear seats and is showing its age in the interior design department.
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 2014 MINI CooperBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Ford FiestaBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Mazda MX-5 MiataBrowse Used Listings |  2014 Mazda MAZDA2Browse Used Listings |  2014 FIAT 500Browse Used Listings |
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The 2014 MINI Cooper is a fun, smart, and practical way to get around, without giving up its sporty, quirky side. |
Affordable small cars don't need to be bland, whether in appearance or from behind the wheel. And the 2014 Ford Fiesta is proof of that. |
The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the lightest, leanest sports roadster you can buy for small-time money today--and it has a rich history of happy owners. |
The nimble driving feel and good gas mileage of the 2014 Mazda 2 help it stand out among entry-level hatchbacks--but buyers will have to be comfortable with a limited feature set and a simple interior. |
If you're willing to go small, the 2014 Fiat 500 is one of the most stylish ways to do it—and the Abarth and Turbo add just the right 'edge' to the personality. |
| MSRP From | ||||
| $19,950 | $14,100 | $23,720 | $14,720 | $16,445 |
| Gas Mileage | ||||
| 24 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy | 26 MPG City / 36 MPG Hwy | 21 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 35 MPG Hwy | 28 MPG City / 40 MPG Hwy |
| Engine | ||||
| Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-3 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded I-4 | Regular Unleaded I-4 | Premium Unleaded I-4 |
| EPA Class | ||||
| Minicompact Cars | Subcompact Cars | Two-Seaters | Compact Cars | Minicompact Cars |
| Style Name | ||||
| 2-Door Coupe | 4-Door Sedan S | 2-Door Convertible Manual Sport | 4-Door HB Manual Sport | 2-Door HB Sport |
| Drivetrain | ||||
| Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Passenger Capacity | ||||
| 4 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Passenger Doors | ||||
| N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Body Style | ||||
| Hatchback | Sedan | Convertible | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Transmission | ||||
| Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD | Manual w/OD |
| Detailed Spec Comparison | ||||
| 2014 MINI Cooper vs. 2014 Ford Fiesta | 2014 MINI Cooper vs. 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2014 MINI Cooper vs. 2014 Mazda MAZDA2 | 2014 MINI Cooper vs. 2014 FIAT 500 | |
