Few cars typify fun and driving enjoyment in a small yet practical and crucially, somewhat affordable package, wrapped in an unmistakable silhouette as the MINI and in Cooper S form, hikes up driving enjoyment to 11.
The current MINI platform, internally designated as the F55/56/57 (depending on body style) was released in 2013 and I was very fortunate to be present at the global launch in the United Kingdom. Assembled in the main MINI Oxford Plant, it is built atop the BMW Group’s UKL1 modular platform with a transverse engine location up front that suits either front-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations. It has grown in every direction from its predecessor, and carries a rather portly 1,300-1,350kg weight for the three-door models.
In the case of the Cooper S, the engine is the B48A20 twin-power turbo four-cylinder engine that outputs 190hp and 280 Newton-Meters of torque. Driving the front wheels exclusively for the Cooper S is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission which is enough to dispatch the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 seconds.
On the highway and in traffic, the MINI swallows up the miles efficiently, without complaints and rather smoothly, you can forget its character. The steering is light, the brakes a tad over-assisted and the throttle, in its most efficient mode drivers forward motion smoothly to minimize fuel consumption even more. Seating position is first-rate with excellent ergonomics and support for the driver, with all controls within easy reach. The interior is very focused for driving yet retains its playful character as it isn’t too overbearingly serious about being a proper driving machine.
The only negative side for daily driving the Cooper S are the seats which my wife would constantly complain about as being too hard, too stiff and too ‘racey’ for the daily commute.
But the MINI truly comes alive when the road gets tight and twisty – the tighter and twistier, the better as the ‘character’ of the Cooper S shines even brighter. On the track, the MINI is just unstoppable, like the proverbial Energizer Bunny that keeps going, and going and going to your heart’s content after each lap.
The over-assisted brakes come alive, the steering delivers feelsome precision and the suspension which felt pliant is actually firm and stable. On bumpy roads, you’ll feel a bit of the harshness from the 17-inch wheels and 205/45R17 Kumho Ventus S1 Evo3 tires, but the amount of grip available is stupendous. You can induce a bit of lift-off oversteer before the electronic driving aids spoil the fun but this hint of tail-happy behavior is what gives the MINI its sharp responses on track and on winding roads should you really be giving it the beans, unleashing its full potential.
Of course, you can’t be driving 10/10ths all the time, and the latest MINI models finally come with a better, simpler multimedia infotainment system. The previous models required you to download a proprietary app to your phone to allow better seamless mobile device integration. The latest ones are far simpler, requiring a regular wireless or wired connection to your Apple or Android device to enjoy CarPlay or Android Auto on the 8.8-inch screen on the center. There is an available 211 liters of trunk space, but drop the rear seats and you end up with a more useable 731 liters. The rear seats are just enough for kids to be honest, and even then, it’s a bit of a stretch as we took our two nieces, aged 10 and 11 to the mall during Holy Week weekend and they were complaining of how tight the rear seats were, given that we were in the car for nothing more than 15 minutes from their home to the mall.
Truthfully, the MINI is best for single people, couples without kids or empty nesters who want a second stab at their youth.
The MINI Cooper S is definitely not for everyone. It’s for people who want a true Jekyll and Hyde personality that is smooth and enjoyable for the daily commute, not to mention efficient, thanks to delivering a combined 11km/liter in mostly city driving. Yet, it is exciting and engaging when the road and conditions beckon. It’s not blindingly fast against the stopwatch, but immeasurably fun behind the wheel.
