Cheeky little Mini is no ordinary motor

2:02pm Thursday 16th October 2008

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TURNING heads in the high street is no easy task for the smaller vehicle that isn’t shaped like a door wedge and doesn’t cost the earth.

But BMW’s Mini still manages to do just that even after seven years of production. And if the car happens to wear the Cooper S badge you’ll never be short of admirers.

For the S is special with BMW having obviously spent money on building in plenty of entertainment value because the Cooper is one of those rare cars that makes you grin every time you turn the steering wheel.

Eye-catching motors have looks that are a little out of the ordinary and the Mini’s cheeky face is a brilliant blend of the old and new yet is crafted in such futuristic fashion.

Of course, you expect performance from a car with the famous Cooper name and the S’s free-revving 1.6-litre 16-valve petrol motor with a turbocharger and a six-speed manual gearbox certainly doesn’t want for power. It pushes out 175bhp at 5,500rpm.

Off the line it hits 62mph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 139mph. Behind the wheel you have to keep a close check on your speed. You can shoot up to 30mph almost as soon as you dap your foot down and the motorway limit of 70mph seems a doddle with the car always having so much more power to give.

The performance figures are impressive enough in themselves but it’s the sheer joy of driving such a responsive set of wheels that pleases time and time again.

Because of its tremendous road-hugging ability you can push the S into bends with complete confidence and such is the mid-range punch that you can literally be pushed back into your seat and find yourself approaching bends at speeds that will make your eyes water. Fortunately, it takes a lot to unsettle this solid and well-equipped little mover.

Chassis dynamics are where this car shines. Handling is sharp, though at fast speeds the steering could be more positive.

Those fat tyres and the wheel-at-each corner layout help provide masses of grip over twisty routes with the minimum of drama. So the S is a car that will flatter the ordinary driver and inspire confidence while it will satisfy the very capable and enthusiastic. Added to the thrill of the performance is a compliant ride that smoothes out ridges and ruts.

For an engine that offers such ability around the rev band, it remains relatively quiet. With an eager right foot it can sound rather like Louis Armstrong’s gravely voice but generally it remains quiet and the manufacturers have obviously done a great job keeping out wind and tyre noise to add to the comfort of the easy-to-live-with cabin.

You’ll love or hate the interior. But the retro cabin is airy, full of character and most will agree that the makers have got everything right for this reinvented icon. The quality, fit and finish and general layout inside the Cooper is really impressive.

The car holds five though rear leg space is not so generous for large adults. However, the Clubman offers more space and practicality with generous rear cargo room and handy pockets for your shopping and carrying needs.

Besides a warranty cover for three years’ unlimited mileage there is an optional five-year or 50,000-mile service pack for a one-off price of £150. A three-year extension is available at £380 which means that servicing costs are taken care of for eight years or 80,000 miles for the fixed price of £530.

With today’s high garage charges, this is a bargain.

At-a-glancE.

BMW Mini Cooper S Clubman 1.6-litre turbo petrol.

Price: £17,220 (on the road).

Top speed: 139mph.

0-62mph: 7.4 seconds.

Fuel: 44.8mpg (combined).

C02 emissions (g/km): 150.

Verdict: Highly desirable. Brilliant performance, ride and handling.

Tops for safety, security, quality and reliability.