The MINI fun-drive has made its way across Canada, via Montreal, Toronto and ending in Vancouver. The event is intended to attract customers to the MINI, beyond the target group of 25 to 35 year-old males. During the morning I spent at the Vancouver event, I espied a wide variety of participants, many of whom were women. And regardless of gender, age or driving prowess, all participants expressed the greatest interest in throwing the sporty Cooper S through the cones. Of least interest was the CVT automatic (constant-variable transmission), however it was certainly the most unique of the test fleet and didn't escape a tour of the track under my watch. The CVT Cooper shifted with well-defined, yet smoothly executed shifts when the manual sport mode was selected: otherwise no detectable shifting takes place as the belt and cone system moves seamlessly through its range.
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| The MINI fun-drive is intended to attract customers to the MINI, beyond the target group of 25 to 35 year-old males. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
The MINI Cooper produces a comfortable 115 horsepower and is the entry level MINI. It can be lifted from a dealer's lot for $25,200 in base form, which by the way is very nicely equipped. Move up to the Cooper S and the reins control an invigorating 163 supercharged horsepower. Exterior goodies including 16-inch wheels, a functional hood scoop and twin exhaust tips. The Cooper S moves off the showroom floor for $29,950.
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| The dealer installed John Cooper Works package transforms the already speedy Cooper S into a fire-breather. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
If even greater speed is your need, the Cooper S can be transformed into a fire-breather by adding the dealer installed John Cooper Works package. This performance upgrade includes a stronger supercharging unit, a reprogrammed engine management computer, a new head featuring polished ports, plus a free-flowing exhaust system that imparts a throaty growl to anyone questioning the little guy's authority. The John Cooper Works package will tack $8,760 onto the Cooper S price tag, but that includes installation and tax. I predict the numbered and plated John Cooper Works package will also add a collectible dimension to the Cooper line.