The pioneers in the automotive world goes on and on with many emerging and fighting for a spot on that list. We have Henry Ford, Charles Rolls and Frederick Royce, Enzo Ferrari, Ettore Bugatti and Karl Benz, all of which founded what we know as the greatest brands in the automotive world. But this list will be screaming for justice without the inclusion of Sir Alec Issigonis, the man responsible for the influential development of the MINI.
There's no doubt that, over the years, technological advancement and the development of human minds have allowed the world to witness the best creations of automobiles. Some chose to be contemporary, some chose to be elegant while some chose to be insanely exclusive. The MINI, well, the original one that was launched as the Morris MINI Minor and the Austin Seven, became known as the Austin MINI, and was an icon the moment it was launched in 1959. We reckon it's not just due to the straight-up styling, but the cutesy size of the car too. Ever since then, the word 'icon' has been sticking around the British marque (apart from the Volkswagen Beetle Type 1) despite its massive changes.
Now that the car is growing bigger and stronger (and I do mean it as a literal expression), MINI hasn't lost its touches yet. Despite the similarities from one modern generation to the next, the BMW-owned automaker is eager to highlight the aesthetic changes made to the latest Cooper and the Cooper S.
Exterior
Subtle yet effective tweaks to the bodywork add up to give the MINI Cooper S an overall modern look without compromising on the iconic roots. The headlights now sport a chromed perimeter surrounding it while the grille is now finished in wire mesh, giving it a tighter and neater fascia. But what really draws your eye to the face is the restyled bumper that is more aggressively shaped with classier fog lamps and larger air intake that has cut-outs on either side of it.
There's no doubt that, over the years, technological advancement and the development of human minds have allowed the world to witness the best creations of automobiles. Some chose to be contemporary, some chose to be elegant while some chose to be insanely exclusive. The MINI, well, the original one that was launched as the Morris MINI Minor and the Austin Seven, became known as the Austin MINI, and was an icon the moment it was launched in 1959. We reckon it's not just due to the straight-up styling, but the cutesy size of the car too. Ever since then, the word 'icon' has been sticking around the British marque (apart from the Volkswagen Beetle Type 1) despite its massive changes.
Now that the car is growing bigger and stronger (and I do mean it as a literal expression), MINI hasn't lost its touches yet. Despite the similarities from one modern generation to the next, the BMW-owned automaker is eager to highlight the aesthetic changes made to the latest Cooper and the Cooper S.
Exterior
Subtle yet effective tweaks to the bodywork add up to give the MINI Cooper S an overall modern look without compromising on the iconic roots. The headlights now sport a chromed perimeter surrounding it while the grille is now finished in wire mesh, giving it a tighter and neater fascia. But what really draws your eye to the face is the restyled bumper that is more aggressively shaped with classier fog lamps and larger air intake that has cut-outs on either side of it.
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Changes to the rear are no less significant. Taillights have been modified a tad, with rings looking similar to BMW's headlamps while rear fog lamps appears to be more sleek with a longer and thinner outlook.
The slight change of gleaming chrome finishing to the twin exhausts in the centre, however, is not noticeable. But alike to other sporty cars in its segment such as the Golf R and Renault Megane RS where the tailpipes are located in the centre of the diffuser, the MINI Cooper S tempts you to believe that it can set the roads on fire upon acceleration.
Although the new Cooper S does not sport big differences as compared to its previous one, visual emphasis is now strongly gained on the car. It has the style and aggression it requires from its exterior that warrants the S-badges on the sides of the shell.
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Interior
The fashionable theme from its previous model continues inside with the signature tachometer centrally-mounted on top of the steering column that's directly in the driver's line of sight and the retro speedometer mounted above the audio system. A 6.5 inch screen, which MINI calls the Visual Boost, is now framed within the speedo and it's controlled similarly to how BMW's iDrive system works - via a knob.
Surfaces are mostly soft to the touch and of high quality and the most soothing feature remains intact - changing the interior lighting from soothing blue to hot pink in five different clicks. Apart from sending you right back to the 70s', the brown leather upholstered seats provides sufficient head and legroom for front passengers with superb visibility.
Although the huge and latest MINI Countryman is a remedy, the rear seats of the Cooper S are still challenging, giving rear occupants a comical lack of legroom. It's still useable, definitely, but long distance driving may prove to be a tad uncomfy for the people at the back. As with the boot space, it's sufficient for your weekly groceries but if bags or luggage are required, knocking the rear seats down could be a better solution.
The fashionable theme from its previous model continues inside with the signature tachometer centrally-mounted on top of the steering column that's directly in the driver's line of sight and the retro speedometer mounted above the audio system. A 6.5 inch screen, which MINI calls the Visual Boost, is now framed within the speedo and it's controlled similarly to how BMW's iDrive system works - via a knob.
Surfaces are mostly soft to the touch and of high quality and the most soothing feature remains intact - changing the interior lighting from soothing blue to hot pink in five different clicks. Apart from sending you right back to the 70s', the brown leather upholstered seats provides sufficient head and legroom for front passengers with superb visibility.
Although the huge and latest MINI Countryman is a remedy, the rear seats of the Cooper S are still challenging, giving rear occupants a comical lack of legroom. It's still useable, definitely, but long distance driving may prove to be a tad uncomfy for the people at the back. As with the boot space, it's sufficient for your weekly groceries but if bags or luggage are required, knocking the rear seats down could be a better solution.
That said, the S's most enviable interior trait is the panoramic sun roof that opens up with a touch of a button. Not only does it enhance the airy atmosphere, it 'enlarges' the cabin and helps rear passengers cope with the tight space over long driving distances. And even when the sun emits its typically scorching rays, it doesn't heat up the interior like what you would expect.
The feel-good quotient is still there when you're in the MINI. The chromed flicks located at the centre console remind you that it's neither a typical German nor Japanese hatchback. That's exactly why the MINI is still labelled as an icon till today. It gets you thinking, wondering and feeling and in an out-of-the-box sort of way, it influences your lifestyle.
The feel-good quotient is still there when you're in the MINI. The chromed flicks located at the centre console remind you that it's neither a typical German nor Japanese hatchback. That's exactly why the MINI is still labelled as an icon till today. It gets you thinking, wondering and feeling and in an out-of-the-box sort of way, it influences your lifestyle.
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The Drive
On the go, the car makes a convincing growl when driven hard. Not quite as stirring as what you would experience from the Golf R but, instead, from the GTI.
The 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharger powerplant sends 184bhp and 240-260Nm of power and torque to the front wheels, allowing it to take a mere 7.2 seconds to hit the century mark. While the performance boost may not seem like much on paper, it is clearly felt on highways.
Performance is further enhanced to a whole new level when the twin tailpipes pop and crackle like firecrackers when you ease the pressure on the accelerator, tempting the driver to push even harder for musical entertainment. It just wants to rev, especially in the mid-range, making it a concert hall on wheels.
Around congested town, the MINI Cooper S makes manoeuvring easy with a steering feel that does without the whole video game feel. And because it's so realistic, you'll relish every bend you can find. Its quick and nippy steering wheel and low squat body allow the hot hatch to attack curvy roads with abandon and twisty turns like it's glued to the tarmac while resisting rolling motions as if the law of physics does not exist.
The only downside is the lack of engagement from the paddle shifters which is a very small quibble because even if you care for manual manipulation, the six-speed automatic does a relatively good job when left to its own devices.
On the go, the car makes a convincing growl when driven hard. Not quite as stirring as what you would experience from the Golf R but, instead, from the GTI.
The 1.6-litre twin scroll turbocharger powerplant sends 184bhp and 240-260Nm of power and torque to the front wheels, allowing it to take a mere 7.2 seconds to hit the century mark. While the performance boost may not seem like much on paper, it is clearly felt on highways.
Performance is further enhanced to a whole new level when the twin tailpipes pop and crackle like firecrackers when you ease the pressure on the accelerator, tempting the driver to push even harder for musical entertainment. It just wants to rev, especially in the mid-range, making it a concert hall on wheels.
Around congested town, the MINI Cooper S makes manoeuvring easy with a steering feel that does without the whole video game feel. And because it's so realistic, you'll relish every bend you can find. Its quick and nippy steering wheel and low squat body allow the hot hatch to attack curvy roads with abandon and twisty turns like it's glued to the tarmac while resisting rolling motions as if the law of physics does not exist.
The only downside is the lack of engagement from the paddle shifters which is a very small quibble because even if you care for manual manipulation, the six-speed automatic does a relatively good job when left to its own devices.
Conclusion
Despite experiencing some wind intrusion as well as road noise from the 17 inch wheels, they are not at all distracting. After all, most cars do give in to these noises at illegal speeds.
If you're looking for sheer driving pleasure, the Cooper S does a good job in providing it. It's all about its cutesy looks and performance capabilities (and cute looks do work). But if practicality weighs more, perhaps a GTI would be a better choice.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Despite experiencing some wind intrusion as well as road noise from the 17 inch wheels, they are not at all distracting. After all, most cars do give in to these noises at illegal speeds.
If you're looking for sheer driving pleasure, the Cooper S does a good job in providing it. It's all about its cutesy looks and performance capabilities (and cute looks do work). But if practicality weighs more, perhaps a GTI would be a better choice.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
