The previous Cooper S was twitchy and tenacious (which were typical characteristics of a MINI) when you were in the mood for performance-oriented driving, but it could also be rather tiresome when you weren't.
Still, MINIs have always embodied what it stood for - exciting, energetic and edgy - and the latest MINI Cooper S (codenamed F56) continues this very essence without coming across as a typical three-door hatch that prioritises form over function.
In other words, shortcomings of this party-goer of a hatch, such as the lack of rear space, overly stiff setup and constant cabin rattle have been addressed. Plus, having a price tag of $176,300 (as of 9th May 2014) means it's marginally cheaper than the Golf GTI, the full fat 185bhp version of the Audi A1 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250 Sport. And that's an achievement BMW has successfully cleared.
But more relevantly, this car here has a bigger ambition. Underpinned by a new modular platform that will formulate not only the refreshed MINI lineup, it will also form the basis to the new generation of front-wheel drive Bimmers.
Still, MINIs have always embodied what it stood for - exciting, energetic and edgy - and the latest MINI Cooper S (codenamed F56) continues this very essence without coming across as a typical three-door hatch that prioritises form over function.
In other words, shortcomings of this party-goer of a hatch, such as the lack of rear space, overly stiff setup and constant cabin rattle have been addressed. Plus, having a price tag of $176,300 (as of 9th May 2014) means it's marginally cheaper than the Golf GTI, the full fat 185bhp version of the Audi A1 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class A250 Sport. And that's an achievement BMW has successfully cleared.
But more relevantly, this car here has a bigger ambition. Underpinned by a new modular platform that will formulate not only the refreshed MINI lineup, it will also form the basis to the new generation of front-wheel drive Bimmers.
Exterior
In terms of styling, the MINI won't be scoring high points. The front fascia is fussy, with chrome bits in places that are better off plain black, although it's highly unlikely that a casual observer would notice such minor differences.
More crucially, the hot hatch has grown a fair bit. At 3,850mm x 1,727mm x 1,414mm (L x W x H), the car is now 7mm taller, 44mm wider and 121mm longer than the outgoing model.
Although the MINI isn't so 'mini' now, you cannot deny that there are few other cars (such as the Beetle and the 911), or the lack thereof, that can pull off such an everlasting 'retrolicious-classic' styling like the Austin Mini.
Interior
Dig beneath the skin and a greater sense of individuality abounds. Firstly, sound ergonomics now prevail over forced quirkiness, which make the MINI more effective, mature and agreeable.
For example, the electric window switches and door lock toggles are now located on the door console instead of the centre stack.
More noticeably, the central speedometer has also been shifted to the steering column, with a tachometer and fuel gauge on either side.
Even the ignition button has been replaced by a cool-looking flip-like switch on the centre console. It's all these attention to details that add up to make the MINI an easier car to interact with.
Dig beneath the skin and a greater sense of individuality abounds. Firstly, sound ergonomics now prevail over forced quirkiness, which make the MINI more effective, mature and agreeable.
For example, the electric window switches and door lock toggles are now located on the door console instead of the centre stack.
More noticeably, the central speedometer has also been shifted to the steering column, with a tachometer and fuel gauge on either side.
Even the ignition button has been replaced by a cool-looking flip-like switch on the centre console. It's all these attention to details that add up to make the MINI an easier car to interact with.
The MINI is also roomier than before, especially at the back. Where it used to be only suitable for kids or your barang barang, adults can better fit in here now over short hauls, thanks to the longer wheelbase of 2,595mm (an increase of 28mm over its predecessor).
As with the previous model, the overall visual feast is still apparent in this MINI. But we do reckon the best upgrade is the BMW iDrive-like system, which basically has all the connectivity and controls you will find in a Bimmer. It's even completed with a touchpad controller that can be found on newer BMW models.
As with the previous model, the overall visual feast is still apparent in this MINI. But we do reckon the best upgrade is the BMW iDrive-like system, which basically has all the connectivity and controls you will find in a Bimmer. It's even completed with a touchpad controller that can be found on newer BMW models.
Drivetrain
What hasn't changed in the MINI is its nimble nature that makes it such an entertainer, especially when it has a sweet disposition of devouring tarmac and carving corners with no perceptible roll or dive.
The upgrade from a 1.6-litre engine to a bigger and beefier 2.0-litre one is a good move. Drill the throttle down the North-South Highway and you can feel all 192 English 'horsemen' and 280Nm of torque sent to the front wheels in an instantaneous and seamless manner.
Such response gives the hot hatch an instant appeal on the road and more so when its unrestrained character is enchanting enough to make you indulge it.
The generous amount of torque just doesn't let up through the rev range and it just keeps pulling and pulling, accompanied by an aggressive-sounding exhaust note.
Having a direct and well-weighted steering wheel helps a lot in this case too. Thus, darting in and out of traffic is childishly addictive.
Flick the driving mode to 'Sport' and the MINI is immediately stiffer, stronger and more sensitive to your every input. Lift off the throttle and downshift by way of the gear lever (our test car didn't come with paddle shifters) and there's a slight burble from the exhaust.
Conclusion
After driving the MINI Cooper S, we're not too sure if the there is another hot hatch that offers this much fun behind the wheel.
There's the Golf GTI but it feels more matured than the MINI. Then there's the 185bhp Audi A1 Sportback but that feels far too sophisticated (and more expensive too) and less fun to pilot.
In a way, the MINI is no longer 'raw'. It rides smoother (thanks to wider front and rear tracks of 32mm and 24mm respectively), provides better performance figures, is better upholstered and comes with more space.
The car may have grown but deep down, the soul of a Mini is still intact.
Conclusion
After driving the MINI Cooper S, we're not too sure if the there is another hot hatch that offers this much fun behind the wheel.
There's the Golf GTI but it feels more matured than the MINI. Then there's the 185bhp Audi A1 Sportback but that feels far too sophisticated (and more expensive too) and less fun to pilot.
In a way, the MINI is no longer 'raw'. It rides smoother (thanks to wider front and rear tracks of 32mm and 24mm respectively), provides better performance figures, is better upholstered and comes with more space.
The car may have grown but deep down, the soul of a Mini is still intact.
