It is such a shame that cameras don’t catch the colour orange in all it’s glory cause this MINI Cooper S wears a coat that is eyeball searing shade of dayglo. Fortunately this little shoebox won’t be mistaken for a pylon any time soon. This thing is quick!
I’m somewhat ashamed to say that this was my first ever drive in a modern MINI and it’s already in its’ second generation. Why? Well, the opportunity just never presented itself. Over the past few cars I’ve heard terms like rollerskate, go kart, formula car applied to the MINI and I was eager to get on with MINI experience.
While MINI’s clad in this special colour may not be a hit with the introvert crowd, here in The Garage it’s a huge hit. Then again, we’re all over the bright colours. Inside, things are fun and funky all over. This is a track test, so we’ll save a full review for another day, but there were two niggly little things that bugged me. It took a while for me to find the power window switches, and the top of the tach is obscured by the steering wheel. The Tach moves with the steering column, so this can’t be fixed by adjusting the wheel. These really are minor quibbles for such a cool package, call them character builders.
Of the line, the Cooper S pulls hard using all 191 lb/ft of torque, while creating little torque steer. There is a nice raspy note from the exhaust and just the right amount of whine from the turbo. Accelerating into the first turn, the MINI felt nimble and light on it’s feet. Now up to speed and into the second turn, the Cooper S turns into a full blown giggle factory. As a guy who used to rally front wheel drive cars, I was in heaven. The MINI might just be the most responsive car I’ve driven. Ever! The chassis responds instantly to the tiniest throttle inputs, meaning that very little steering input is used through the turns. Set the car up for the corner, then you can steer it through turns with your right foot. Up on the banks, the MINI accelerated strongly and felt stable and smooth. While not the fastest top end car of the day, it makes up for that in the infield twisties.
On lap two, I decided to kick things up a notch and really attack the track. The first thing I discovered was another quibble, this one would require a modification. The rear view mirror is huge and you can’t see the next turn. As every driving instructor will tell you, it’s important to focus as far down the track as possible and that’s not possible with the stock mirror. I’m sure that there must be a funky, slim line mirror available for the MINI. The next thing I discovered is the Cooper S absolutely begs to be thrown around the track like a full on rally car. The more you throw at it, the harder it charges. On lower speed corners, the adept driver can use a bit of light left foot braking to get the car sideways while keeping the revs up with the right foot, ensuring some killer exit speeds. Ramping the car up the apex curbing with the throttle fully applied and the car explodes out through the exit of the turn. Through all of this, the driver is held firmly in place by the super supportive seats that have definitely been designed with high performance driving in mind.
Did I mention the MINI Cooper S might be the most fun one can have on 4 wheels with a roof? Now if I can just figure out how to order one in that awesome orange!
15 comments ↓
I own a 2004 Mini standard model and have been thinking of upgrading to the ‘08 Mini-S. You have convinced me!
Larry, you’ll love it!
I see many 08 Cooper S reviews as well as the new Clubman and Mini One and D, do you know if the 08 Mini Cooper S Convertable has been reviews or is it basically the same model as the 07?
One other thought… I know they have run flat spares, no idea how much they cost to replace, but imagine its not cheap. Is the Mini equipped with a jack or is there a specific jack you have to get if you decide to carry a compact spare in the back?
Steve, I drove the convertible on the track also, watch out for a review in the next week or so.
As for the jack, I’m not sure offhand. Many cars with run flats do not come with a jack. There are lots of options though. The biggest concern is in securing a jack, so that it doesn’t become a projectile in an accident.
Gary, thanks for the feedback… looking forward to hearing it!!! I ordered an 08 S convertible about 2 weeks ago and didn’t realize the spec sheet was actually on the 07(the mini build online is still 07 as well even though 08 production has begun). I wanted the sidewalk package first, but didn’t really like the brown leather interior color so pieced things together to get the options I wanted. Have been searching ever since to find out if the purchase was gonna be a good one or if I should have waited till the 09’s came out…main thing is there are limited bugs!
So after searching the WWW sites about the Mini S Convertible I haven’t seen any specific information about the 08, but rather just the 07. Is the 08 going to be the 07 just produced in the 08 production year? Is there a reason why the convertible hasn’t had any mods like the coupe has?
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Gary,
I came back to see the review on the Convertible but I can’t seem to link to it? In your opinion is the new S better being turbocharged or is supercharged the best of the two options? I ordered an 08 S Convertible and should get it within the next two weeks, but now I wonder if I should have waited for the Turbo version… but of course who knows if it will come out in 09 model year? Seems with other reviews the interior of the new hard tops seem to be under alot of flack as well? Should they have left well enough alone?
Sorry Steve, I never got around to writing about it. I’m doing it now.
Remember that I’ve never driven the earlier models, so it’s tough for me to judge the changes.
I own an 08 mcs, and it does come with a jack, but not sure why since it doesn’t come with a spare?!?!?!
hi
i own a mazda 3 that i fully built and installed a t3t4, this car is a 12.5 second car.
but i need to sell it.
and i have 2 cars in mind, mazdaspeed3 or mini S.
i do mostly drag racing.
which one do u recommend?
thanks
This review is spot on. The Mini Cooper S is a sports car, nimble and fun. The info I’ve seen provides answers to the following, but I am not a car guru:
1. No jack due to the run-flats; many blog posters have replaced the run falts to improve tire performance and decrease costs and simply keep a can of run-flat in their car. Keep in mind 4 years of roadside assistance is included in the purchase price.
2. Mini revamped in ‘07 the Hardtops, the convertible is due for an upgrade in ‘09.
3. The newest versions have been made complaint with European pedestrians laws and have changed slightly outside. Under the hood, and in the suspension, the performance has been upgraded dramatically. Many posts on these changes.
I just both a chili mini cooper s. It comes with 17 inch rims.I would like to put 14 inch wire wheels on it. Reason for putting 14 inch rims is I want to have a higher tire profile to protect the 14 inch mags against potholes which is fairly common here. Question, will my mini s still look good even with 14inch wire wheels on it?
Chito, I would think you’d have an impossible time fitting the 14’s over the brakes.
As for how wire wheels would look…style in the Philippines is regarded differently here in North America. Personally, I’d leave the wire wheels for the family jeepny!
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