Always a favourite of mine the Go-Kart-like MINI Cooper continues to be an absolute blast, but the 170bhp Cooper S version is simply superb.
You know the saying, 'If it ain’t broke don’t fix it’, so why has BMW decided to mess with the MINI? Thankfully the new MINI has only changed slightly on the outside while under the bonnet you’ll find more efficient engines.
MINI has grown with new panels everywhere plus a new front end. The headlights are positioned higher to comply with new safety regulations regarding pedestrian safety. The grille is new, as are the taillights. Only an ‘anorak’ will spot further differences. All the points of contact with the car are top quality making the MINI a class act. MINI is a car that can mingle with Mercs without looking inferior.
Inside, the cool toggle switchgear gets a few more levers thanks to a new roof-mounted cluster. The large centrally mounted speedometer is even larger and now features some of the stereo controls, although the volume/on/off button is positioned below the main preset buttons (a BMW trait). Overall the stereo is better integrated and superior to the old car’s. I have concerns about stereo steering-wheel-mounted controls which are not standard fit, they should be.
The front-wheel-drive car’s rev counter is as ever mounted behind the steering-wheel. A nice interior touch concerns the cabin’s ambient light. Using one of the roof-mounted switches you can select one of five colour choices. Ergonomically the MINI is a bit of a mess in the sense that you will have to learn the unique MINI layout. The MINI remains a strict four-seater but there is more room in the back. The hatchback’s boot remains tiny and suitable for only a few shopping bags.
On the road is where the fun really starts. The handling is direct and precise. On B roads the ride can be a little choppy but I recently did over 400k in one day on a range of surfaces with no problems whatsoever.
The new marginally more expensive MINI is quieter thanks to a new steering set up. Happily the old noisy steering motor is gone. Engine-wise BMW has developed with the French giant PSA (Peugeot/Citroen) a new range of small engines. The Cooper gets a new 1.6 litre 120bhp (up 5bhp) unit that is peppy and economical while the Cooper S gets a turbocharged 1.6 litre unit (170bhp). The exhaust note under power is tasty but hardly a substitute for unique sounding 1.6 litre supercharged engine. The new engines are less ‘tweakable’ by regular punters, which means to get more power you will have to go the official MINI route.
Cooper S has a ‘sport’ button that remained on during my week with the car. ‘Sport’ sharpens the car’s responses and releases all the horsepower.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard. Good news for MINI One fans as 1.6 will be replaced with a more road tax friendly 1.4 litre. A diesel will follow as will a new convertible. There is no official plan for a ‘Traveller’ estate version but expect one.
MINI is a fun car that allows you enjoy driving well within the speed limits. Santa I’ll be good!
Michael Sheridan
