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| Fantastic steering, short shifting and great stopping power enhance the sports car feel. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
The MINI's steering is also fantastic, accurate at low and high speeds. In fact, the Cooper S is equipped with vehicle-speed sensitive power-steering, increasing boost at lower speeds making it easier to park while stiffening it at highway velocity for a more direct feel. The shift lever is also close ratio, so when shifting it's not an eternal stretch from gear to gear. When braking on the windy roads, the ventilated 4-wheel discs slowed the Cooper S down in a flash, assisted by standard ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). This really enhances the MINI's sports car feel.
Speaking of sports cars, I had the privilege to drive the Sea-To-Sky highway in the Cooper S a few times. I mentioned in my review of the
Dodge SX 2.0 R/T that this road is anything but straight, but boy does this car iron out the turns. Its center of gravity is so low to the ground, that executing corners at high speeds is no problem. But beware, the MINI Cooper S's Panther Black leatherette seats (leather is optional) are elevated so that you'll feel higher off the ground than you actually are. It is imperative to go over speed bumps and railway crossings at a very low speed to prevent it from bottoming out.
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| Good news for golfers, there's space for two bags with room left over. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
While low to the ground it feels tall inside. My 6'4" boyfriend had no discomfort issues. There's lots of headroom, legroom, and people room. Even with two adult bodies in the backseat, there's still space to move around. However, there's no room for a pair of ski's or surfboard in the interior, you'll need a roof rack for that. But good news for golfers, two bags fit into the cargo area when the rear seatbacks are in their upright positions amazingly enough. In fact, there was room left for shoes and other gear. When the seats are upright the trunk is not too roomy, but will store small backpacks and other items easily. Ironically the glove compartment has more room in it than I have ever seen before, and it's illuminated and even cooled!
