Harman Kardon does it again. The optional sound system of the Mini is booming with strong base and a rich sound and makes top-down cruising even more pleasurable.
I really like the fatty steering wheel; it has great grip and good feel. The short-throw shifter is also tons of fun to guide through the gates thanks especially to its huge chromed ball.
Technical
Two versions of the same SOHC 1.6L inline-4 cylinder are available for
both the Cooper and Cooper Convertible. In basic form, the 1.6L puts out 115 hp at 6 000 rpm and 110 lb/ft of torque at 4 500 rpm. The S has a top mounted inter-cooled supercharger that boost power up to 168 hp at 6 000 rpm and 162 lb/ft of torque at 4 000 rpm. Transmission choices reside between a 5-speed manual or automatic for the base engine and between a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic for the S. The automatic box replaces the CVT previously offered as an option. The Mini's suspension is fully independent featuring a multi-link rear end. All Coopers have 4-wheel disc brakes and electrically assisted power steering.
On the road
I love the whine of the supercharger; I could easily live with it for the rest of my life. The boosted little 1.6L engine is a rare pleasure in a car of this size. Below 2 000 rpm, there is a considerable dead spot in the power band, similar to lag from a turbocharged motor. Once "in boost", the Mini surges forward with vigour. A rainy day that requires cruising with the top-up and the A/C on basically ruins everything: engine power is seriously affected especially in the lower rev range. My time behind the wheel returned an average of 9.5L of fuel per 100 km. This is quite good considering that the throttle was never really feathered...
The 6-speed transmission's gearing is exceptionally long: 60 km/h can be reached in 1st and 105 km/h is possible just before the rev limiter in
second. Another point that delights me about the Cooper S is the fact that the diminutive 1.6L burbles and backfires on compression.
I love a car that has guts but what I really appreciate are good, solid performing brakes. The Mini has excellent brake pedal feel and very strong stopping power. Driving the Mini, and it has been said many times, is like steering a go-kart through a track. Lateral grip is very strong and turn-in is immediate. The ride is fairly choppy and almost harsh on rough roads but hey, this is a Fun Mini, not a plump 750i.
Safety
The Mini has standard dual front air bags, available ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for frontal and lateral impacts for all occupant positions. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category.
I really like the fatty steering wheel; it has great grip and good feel. The short-throw shifter is also tons of fun to guide through the gates thanks especially to its huge chromed ball.
Technical
Two versions of the same SOHC 1.6L inline-4 cylinder are available for
 |
On the road
I love the whine of the supercharger; I could easily live with it for the rest of my life. The boosted little 1.6L engine is a rare pleasure in a car of this size. Below 2 000 rpm, there is a considerable dead spot in the power band, similar to lag from a turbocharged motor. Once "in boost", the Mini surges forward with vigour. A rainy day that requires cruising with the top-up and the A/C on basically ruins everything: engine power is seriously affected especially in the lower rev range. My time behind the wheel returned an average of 9.5L of fuel per 100 km. This is quite good considering that the throttle was never really feathered...
The 6-speed transmission's gearing is exceptionally long: 60 km/h can be reached in 1st and 105 km/h is possible just before the rev limiter in
 |
I love a car that has guts but what I really appreciate are good, solid performing brakes. The Mini has excellent brake pedal feel and very strong stopping power. Driving the Mini, and it has been said many times, is like steering a go-kart through a track. Lateral grip is very strong and turn-in is immediate. The ride is fairly choppy and almost harsh on rough roads but hey, this is a Fun Mini, not a plump 750i.
Safety
The Mini has standard dual front air bags, available ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution and seatbelt pre-tensionners. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) awarded the car 4 out of 5 stars (a good result) for frontal and lateral impacts for all occupant positions. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has rated it a "Best Pick" in its category.