Thanks to a new deal between Mini and Apple Computer, Cooper owners can enjoy the benefits of their iPods while driving. The vehicle’s sound controls will operate the iPod, which in turn will be charged by the Mini’s battery.

A base model, with a 115-horsepower, 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine connected to a five-speed manual transmission, is $17,500 and the 168-horsepower, supercharged Cooper S, starts at $21,150. Both base and S models can be ordered with a soft convertible top.

Mini Coopers come standard with a basic AM/FM sound system with a single-disc CD player, with the option of adding a cassette player or Sirius satellite radio. Both companies collaborated to design a Mini-specific adaptor that allows an iPod to be connected to a cable in the car’s glovebox. After a simple installation by your Mini dealer, the Cooper’s sound controls will operate the iPod, which in turn will be charged by the car’s battery. Pricing for the adaptor has not been released, but a similar product for BMW sells for $149 (plus installation).