Special edition MINIs->ke57 are nothing new to us, so when word spreads that the brand is going to release a new limited run model, we shrug our shoulders because we pretty much have an idea of what to expect. The only time a special edition MINI catches our attention is when the car looks stunning enough to make us want to actually buy one.

For better or for worse, the Cooper->ke629 Mat Edition fits that description to a tee.

The good news is that we absolutely love it, despite the minimal changes done to it relative to other special edition MINIs. The matte black paint finish usually has something to do with it, but in this case, the overall stealth and sleek look certainly makes it a barn-burning, head-turning, smoke-belching piece of machinery.

The bad news is that it’s going to be run on only 250 units making it a little more difficult to scoop one up. Unfortunately, though, that’s not even the worst part. As if the 250 units isn’t bad enough, the cars are being sold exclusively in France. Yep. France. Land of the Louvre and the Eiffel.

So much for getting our dibs in on this special edition MINI…

Details on the MINI Cooper Mat Edition after the jump.

2011 MINI Cooper Mat Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2011 MINI Cooper Mat Edition
  • Engine/Motor: 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
  • Horsepower: 147 horsepower
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Apart from the matte black exterior paint finish and the checkered covers on both side mirrors, the MINI Cooper Mat Edition doesn’t have a whole lot of striking features that significantly differentiate it from other Cooper models.

On top of the exterior paint, the special edition Cooper also has a special numbering signifying its slot in the 250 units on the side air intakes as well as a numbered key ring.

Performance

The new Cooper S is powered by a new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine and a new 2.0-liter engine, capable of producing around 147 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-60 in seven seconds with a fuel consumption of 48.7 mpg.

For the Mat Edition Cooper, MINI is making it available on a wide range of Cooper variants, including the standard Cooper->ke629, the Cooper D, and the Cooper S John Cooper Works.

Pricing

No official word yet on the pricing, but we’re forecasting an amount of somewhere around 20,000 or about $26,000 based on current exchange rates.

Competition

With the advent of sports hatches continuing to grow these days, MINI has made it perfectly clear that they are of the premium level. So, essentially, they compete with only a few brands that can reach that very same level. On that end, one model that can stake a claim to the Cooper’s metaphorical title of best premium hatch is the Audi A1.

Audi’s premium hatchback also comes with two TDI units and two more small displacement TFSI gasoline burning power plants that produce 122 horsepower. It’s not as powerful as the Cooper S, but in terms of star quality, the A1 can stand toe-to-toe with the best MINI has to offer, including the France-bound Mat Edition.