Mini Cooper ($16,425) comes standard with a high level of equipment, including a sophisticated anti-lock brake system and six airbags with head protection for front and rear passengers. Also standard: air conditioning, CD stereo with six speakers, power windows with auto-down, power locks, remote keyless entry, and a rear wiper. It comes standard with a five-speed gearbox and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Cooper S ($19,425) adds a supercharged version of the same engine, a six-speed gearbox, stiffer front and rear anti-roll bars for flatter handling, 16-inch wheels, and a lot of special exterior trim. Inside, the S adds sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Mini allows buyers great leeway in making the car their own. Color options outnumber those in a bag of jelly beans and can be topped with a roof that's either body-colored, black or white. (White is traditional.) Checkered flags and flags of different nations are available as giant roof decals, including the classic Union Jack and the Star-Spangled Banner. Wheels can be white or silver. Order our Mini in classic Red with the traditional white roof or the equally traditional Union Jack. Silver gives the Mini a classy Aston Martin look.

Major options include a Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT ($1250), automatic air conditioning ($300), and a Harmon Kardon Sound system ($550) with eight speakers. Other options are grouped into packages: The Sport Package ($1250) includes Dynamic Stability Control, rear spoiler, fog lamps, sport seats, and larger alloy wheels. The Premium Package ($1250) includes sunroof, automatic air conditioning, on-board computer and cruise control. The Cold Weather Package ($500) provides heat to the seats, mirrors, and windshield-washer jets, along with rain-sensing wipers and an auto-dimming mirror. Other options include leather seats ($1250), Xenon headlamps ($500), and a navigation system ($1600). Many of the features on the Cooper S can be added to the regular Cooper. Mini customers can build their car online (at miniusa.com) with colors, options, and accessories.