Getting back to the Kelowna road trip, tunes are essential when driving for long periods of time. I decided to stay in touch with the British roots of the car (proudly displayed on the roof), so played an eclectic mix of The Cult and Spice Girls. While I don't usually listen to these artists, their music enhanced the MINI experience and was ideal for testing the 6-speaker premium sound system. When driving at night, the standard Xenon headlights were fabulous. The high beams are beyond potent causing me to switch them off immediately when noticing oncoming traffic.
Some other standard features that impressed me were the chrome toggle electric window lifts, polished aluminum and leather shift knob, digital clock integrated into the roof liner, exterior temperature display located on the tachometer, and the keyless remote entry system. Additional standards features include antilock brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), a Tire Pressure Warning system (TPW), Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T), front driver and passenger-side airbags, as well as side thorax airbags for the driver and front passenger.
I really don't have any serious complaints to lay on this fabulous little four-seater. I'm not even going to vent about the power window switches not being on the door because they're so cool it just doesn't matter. I will say that when stopped at a traffic light, it's sometimes hard to see the lights above due to the low windshield. My vision was obstructed by the wide headrests and thick B-pillars too. It was hard for me to see the left side blind spot making me rely solely on the left side exterior mirror, but that could also be because of my seating position. I also found that the seats did not recline as much as I wanted them too, forcing me into more of an upright driving position than I'm used to (probably better for the back). Also, because the Cooper S only takes premium unleaded gas, fuel bills could be more than most would anticipate in such a small car, but its fuel economy is superb at 9.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway. What's more, premium fuel performs better and goes further for the money.
 |
| The Mini Cooper S has an impresssive list of standard features, enhancing the overall experience. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
I really don't have any serious complaints to lay on this fabulous little four-seater. I'm not even going to vent about the power window switches not being on the door because they're so cool it just doesn't matter. I will say that when stopped at a traffic light, it's sometimes hard to see the lights above due to the low windshield. My vision was obstructed by the wide headrests and thick B-pillars too. It was hard for me to see the left side blind spot making me rely solely on the left side exterior mirror, but that could also be because of my seating position. I also found that the seats did not recline as much as I wanted them too, forcing me into more of an upright driving position than I'm used to (probably better for the back). Also, because the Cooper S only takes premium unleaded gas, fuel bills could be more than most would anticipate in such a small car, but its fuel economy is superb at 9.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.5 L/100 km on the highway. What's more, premium fuel performs better and goes further for the money.