The engine in the Cooper S benefits from the countless hours and dollars parent BMW has poured into engine development; it offers direct fuel injection, fully variable valve control, an intercooler for the turbo and a steady torque band that stretches all the way from 1,600 to 5,000 rpm.
Most impressively, with the engine's overboost function, the 177 lb-ft of torque briefly jumps to 192 lb-ft for quicker getaways. Estimated time to run from 0-100 km/h has, as a result, dipped from 7.4 seconds for the old Cooper S to 7.1 seconds for the new. Top speed is rated at 225 km/h and average fuel economy is estimated to be 6.9 litres per 100 km.
But enough with the statistics, how does the thing drive? Answer: very well indeed.
The inherent go-fast functionality of the car has remained intact and the fun-to-drive ratio has been boosted by the new engine. Powering along the auto route south of Barcelona, the MINI soared to a very high rate of speed quickly and stayed there with no trouble at all. And along the country roads that wind through the foothills and the farmland, the engine displayed no turbo lag.
Through the many tight turns, the car's stiff chassis, aggressive stance and independent suspension (McPherson struts up front and longitudinal struts connected to a central arm rear axle), combined with anti-roll bars all around, saw the MINI grab tarmac better than almost any car in any class. The '07 car also features a new electric electromechanical power steering system that delivered even more precise turn-in and response.
Should the car's 175 horsepower leave drivers with too little time to make use of its prodigious handling capabilities, the braking system is ready to save the day. The front discs are vented, 294 mm in diameter; the rear discs: solid, 259 mm. The brakes are further enhanced by a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms: ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and CBC (cornering brake control). The Cooper S also boasts a standard traction control system (ASC+T), an optional limited slip front differential and optional stability control (DSC).
New Cooper S owners have the choice of two transmissions: a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Our test cars were all manuals, which suited the situation just fine. The automatic does offer an optional sports button for even faster shifting, but purists will likely stick with the stick shift.
Mechanically, the 2007 Cooper S is a little wonder that packs a massive amount of driving fun into a very small package. Aesthetically, the second-gen version picks up where the first left off, adding a touch of muscularity to the mix.
As far as complaints go, there's little room for criticism when you're talking about an improved version of an already great car. Sure, the speedometer is gargantuan and, yes, to the untrained eye, the "new new MINI" will be identical to the "old new MINI."
Apart from these issues, the biggest criticism will probably revolve around pricing as the current MINI models on the local lot are anything but inexpensive. Still, pricing for the 2007 MINI Cooper S has yet to be announced, so we could be in for a pleasant surprise.
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| (Photo: MINI) |
But enough with the statistics, how does the thing drive? Answer: very well indeed.
The inherent go-fast functionality of the car has remained intact and the fun-to-drive ratio has been boosted by the new engine. Powering along the auto route south of Barcelona, the MINI soared to a very high rate of speed quickly and stayed there with no trouble at all. And along the country roads that wind through the foothills and the farmland, the engine displayed no turbo lag.
Through the many tight turns, the car's stiff chassis, aggressive stance and independent suspension (McPherson struts up front and longitudinal struts connected to a central arm rear axle), combined with anti-roll bars all around, saw the MINI grab tarmac better than almost any car in any class. The '07 car also features a new electric electromechanical power steering system that delivered even more precise turn-in and response.
Should the car's 175 horsepower leave drivers with too little time to make use of its prodigious handling capabilities, the braking system is ready to save the day. The front discs are vented, 294 mm in diameter; the rear discs: solid, 259 mm. The brakes are further enhanced by a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms: ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and CBC (cornering brake control). The Cooper S also boasts a standard traction control system (ASC+T), an optional limited slip front differential and optional stability control (DSC).
 |
| (Photo: MINI) |
Mechanically, the 2007 Cooper S is a little wonder that packs a massive amount of driving fun into a very small package. Aesthetically, the second-gen version picks up where the first left off, adding a touch of muscularity to the mix.
As far as complaints go, there's little room for criticism when you're talking about an improved version of an already great car. Sure, the speedometer is gargantuan and, yes, to the untrained eye, the "new new MINI" will be identical to the "old new MINI."
Apart from these issues, the biggest criticism will probably revolve around pricing as the current MINI models on the local lot are anything but inexpensive. Still, pricing for the 2007 MINI Cooper S has yet to be announced, so we could be in for a pleasant surprise.
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