McPherson spring struts at the front in conjunction with the reinforced stabiliser bar as well as the very direct electrohydraulic steering (with only 2.5 turns of the wheel from lock to lock) provide that driving experience similar to a go-kart aficionados of the MINI have always enjoyed so much. With both drive shafts being exactly identical in length, there are no unpleasant load change reactions on the steering wheel even in fast bends. ASC + T traction control with the option for individual deactivation whenever required also makes sure that the substantial power provided by the engine is conveyed safely to the road at all times. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III) is also available as an option.
Like the front axle, the multi-arm rear axle quite unique in this segment of the market is supported by a reinforced stabiliser bar ensuring optimum roadholding at all times even in fast bends on a bumpy surface. The MINI Cooper S literally sticks to the ground, with hardly a feeling of understeer. To keep the car's driving behaviour as neutral as possible also through a good balance of weight between the front and rear axle, the starter battery is fitted at the rear of the car, and not in the engine compartment.
The agile suspension is rounded off by 16-inch light-alloy wheels running on 195/55 R 16 tires fitted as standard. As an option the top-of-the-range MINI may also be fitted with 205/45 tires running on highly attractive 17-inch S-spoke wheels.
ALWAYS REMAINING ON THE SAFE SIDE
To keep its supreme power and performance under control even in extreme situations, the MINI Cooper S comes as standard not only with brake control systems such as ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC), but also with ASC + T Automatic Stability Control offering the driver the freedom to deactivate ASC + T whenever he wishes. DSC Dynamic Stability Control is also available as an option.