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MINI COOPER S - Fleet Week
27.03.2002 |
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COOPER S Class Leader
We know the front seats are unwieldy. You're right there's no legroom in the back if you want two six footers in the front. Yes, it goes against the grain of original designer Issigonis' brief. But does a single potential buyer of the new MINI, or indeed its latest go-faster Cooper S range-topper, give a stuff? Doubtful.
Welcome to another winner from the BMW stable, made in Britain.
As good as the One and Cooper versions of the MINI are, they both lack pep in the acceleration department. The Cooper S rectifies this. The same 1.6-litre petrol engine has been tweaked again to produce 163PS and 0-62mph in 7.4scs. That's quicker than a 180PS Audi TT (7.9secs). Despite this extra power 33.6mpg is not unreasonable and 202g/km equates to a 22% tax band.
To counterbalance this power in such a small car, BMW made sure the MINI is up to the handling and safety side of the job. An array of standard gadgets to aid cornering, stability and traction make it almost impossible to unsettle; a low centre of gravity and long wheelbase and wide track also help. Despite an extra stiff ride, it's not unpleasant to tootle around in, unlike some other hot hatches.
To differentiate from the 19,000 MINIs already on the road, the S gets a bonnet air intake scoop, rear roof spoiler, twin exhaust and colour-coded bumpers and grille. There's S-only electric blue and dark silver metallic colours too.
Things to improve? The six-speed gearbox is a little stiff to use, and the interior is still plasticky - especially the brushed aluminium trim. Don't opt for the satnav option when it comes out either - it's too obviously BMW and its squareness doesn't look right in the round space where the centre mileometer normally sits. But with the £100 servicing deal and 2000 orders in place the June 8 launch great RVs look secure.
By Guy Bird page 17 Fleet Week Wednesday 27th March 2002.