The Cooper (whatever the version) is an extremely agile car. The steering has the direct feel of a go-kart, with the just right amount of power assistance, and will get you giggling in no time when you pick up the pace. With its diminutive size and manoeuvrability, the MINI handles like no other car on the road.
I just wish the racing-spec brakes wouldn’t squeal every time I slowed down around town, as it becomes a little annoying. I imagine a 20-year old rustbucket making such noise, not a brand-new, $40,000+ car. And the shift lever isn’t an example of precision; stumbling in the reverse gate while trying to downshift to first happens on a regular basis.
Glamour interior
On the outside, the John Cooper Works treatment is actually pretty subtle compared to a Cooper S. The car gets red-painted brake calipers, exclusive 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, and JCW badging front and rear. That’s about it. By the way, this year’s redesign of the convertible eliminates the ungainly, exposed trunk hinges.
Inside, the overall appearance is unconventional, with its huge centre-mounted speedo, instrument pods tacked on the top of the steering column and old-school toggle switches. Everywhere you look, you’ll see circular design patterns: air vents, door panels, shifter, speakers, name it. Every time someone climbs in for the first time (or the second or third time, for that matter), you’ll see him or her crack a smile.
Leatherette seats are standard, although our test car is wearing optional Lounge Leather trim. Space for two is good, but four adults will sit awkwardly because there’s so little legroom in back. When the top’s down, no one should complain, though.
Speaking of which, the view out the back window is complicated with the roll bars, and there are massive blind spots due to the limited window panes, so backing out of a parking space at the shopping centre is a challenge. Trunk space isn’t all that great, but sufficient for running errands.
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| Inside, the overall appearance is unconventional, with its huge centre-mounted speedo. |
I just wish the racing-spec brakes wouldn’t squeal every time I slowed down around town, as it becomes a little annoying. I imagine a 20-year old rustbucket making such noise, not a brand-new, $40,000+ car. And the shift lever isn’t an example of precision; stumbling in the reverse gate while trying to downshift to first happens on a regular basis.
Glamour interior
On the outside, the John Cooper Works treatment is actually pretty subtle compared to a Cooper S. The car gets red-painted brake calipers, exclusive 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, and JCW badging front and rear. That’s about it. By the way, this year’s redesign of the convertible eliminates the ungainly, exposed trunk hinges.
Inside, the overall appearance is unconventional, with its huge centre-mounted speedo, instrument pods tacked on the top of the steering column and old-school toggle switches. Everywhere you look, you’ll see circular design patterns: air vents, door panels, shifter, speakers, name it. Every time someone climbs in for the first time (or the second or third time, for that matter), you’ll see him or her crack a smile.
Leatherette seats are standard, although our test car is wearing optional Lounge Leather trim. Space for two is good, but four adults will sit awkwardly because there’s so little legroom in back. When the top’s down, no one should complain, though.
Speaking of which, the view out the back window is complicated with the roll bars, and there are massive blind spots due to the limited window panes, so backing out of a parking space at the shopping centre is a challenge. Trunk space isn’t all that great, but sufficient for running errands.
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| Leatherette seats are standard, although our test car is wearing optional Lounge Leather trim. |