The MINI Cooper: More smiles to the gallon
By Michael Binstock
Acorn Automotive Editor

THREE MINIS- In the center, an original 1999 Classic Mini flanked by a new 2002 MINI Cooper (left) and a 2002 MINI Cooper S (right)

The MINI Cooper S made its U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show back in January but we’ve seen the smallest car available in the U.S. flitting around locally for a lot longer. Could this have anything to do with BMW having their design center in Newbury Park?

The MINI Cooper S, powered by a four-cylinder, 163–horsepower supercharged and intercooled engine, has been on sale since April but is still in short supply, so I was privileged to get my hands on one for a week. The MINI Cooper S is the most powerful model in the MINI range with a top speed of 136 mph.

While the non-supercharged MINI Cooper moves from 0 to 60 in a very respectful 8.5 seconds, the MINI Cooper S reaches the magic 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, but given the car’s small size, it seems much quicker and a lot faster.

When BMW took over manufacturing the classic Mini in the 90s, they promised a new MINI that would keep the traditions of the classic Mini icon. This is an all-new car built to 2002 standards and specifications but keeping the DNA of the original Minis introduced in the 1960s.

The classic Mini Cooper S was developed by John Cooper and dominated European rallying in the mid-60s. The car won the 64, 65 and 67 Monte Carlo rally, driven by Paddy Hopkirk. The car was controversially disqualified in 66 after finishing first, second and third.

The true meaning of the "S" designation is lost in time. It’s believed that designer Sir Alec Issigonis and John Cooper disagreed over "Sport" or "Special" so "S" simply came to mean "S".

This is one of the best handling cars I have ever driven. With a Sports Plus suspension and a very smooth-shifting, precise six-speed Getrag gearbox, the MINI Cooper S is definitely a driver’s car, tailored to the needs of the true enthusiast driver, as I found out on a spirited drive through the Cachuma Pass to Solvang. This road is made for a car like this.

The MINI Cooper S features the very latest BMW Group technology but with a decidedly British flavour. The driving force beneath the beautifully curved bonnet, with a working air-scoop is a four-cylinder power unit, which in naturally aspirated form offers outstanding responsiveness. In the MINI Cooper S, a mechanically driven supercharger and intercooler further enhances the 16-valve motor’s performance.

At 6,000 rpm, the compact 1.6-liter transverse-mounted engine develops a maximum output of 163 horsepower.

The MINI’s handling has been compared to a go-cart. Benefiting from Sports Plus suspension, the MINI Cooper S is tailored even more directly to the requirements of the dedicated motorist, with superb handling and performance on both twisting roads and long, fast freeways.

Opening the doors, the driver and passengers are immediately greeted by alloy doorsill strips proudly bearing the logo "MINI Cooper S." The modern interior, with its "retro" look took me a while to get used to, and I wonder what the MINI would look like with a monochromic interior? MINIs designers state that they have set a new benchmark for small cars with the unique MINI design language being born out by high-quality textiles, surfaces and leather. The instrument panel and doorframes are finished in Alloy Patina to complement the silver door trim, with black carpets and matching upholstery.

This is a small car but to accommodate people of all sizes, the driver’s seat and steering column are height adjustable. For a small car, there was ample luggage space with a very practical 50:50 folding rear seatback. I’m told that a 26" TV will fit, but I didn’t try it. Like the original, there didn’t seem to be a lot of room between the pedals and I caught my foot once or twice. In the 60s we didn’t wear gigantic tennis shoes, like we have now.

The MINI Cooper S is a car to be driven fast. Consequently, the "S" offers a very high standard of passive safety, ensured by the high level of body stiffness and "intelligent" frontal airbags. To optimize their function, the two airbags inflate according to the severity of an accident, interacting with the pyrotechnic belt tensioners and belt force limiters , keeping the risk of injury to a minimum. Side airbags in the front seat backrests and the AHPS 2 (Advanced Head Protection System) ensure a high standard of occupant safety in a side collision. With the AHPS 2 tubular head airbags extending from the front to the rear roof pillars in the event of a collision, both front and rear occupants are well protected in such a situation.

Another standard safety feature is the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) on the starter battery at the rear, interrupting the flow of electric power in a severe impact.

Tire pressure is an important ingredient in vehicle stability and safety. The MINI Cooper S features a standard tire monitoring system that utilizes the ABS system to constantly monitor the rotation of the tires and the MINI Cooper S is the only car of its size in the world to be fitted as standard with run-flat tires for optimum safety in the event of a puncture. These tires enhance the car’s active safety by keeping it stable after a blow out. The tires have reinforced sidewalls that allow the driver to proceed at speeds up to 50 mph for more than 90 miles, even with the tires completely deflated.

This is a good-looking car with design cues from the original. The "S" logo has been designed to resemble a series of bends in the road and is proudly displayed on the car’s side grille and incorporated in the rear MINI logo.

From the working air-scoop at the front to the twin chromed tailpipes and the roof spoiler, the MINI Cooper S shows its performance pedigree. This is a car to be driven and driving it produces a broad smile from drivers, passengers and other motorists. To sum up my week with the car, it’s a blast.

There’s still only a limited number of the MINI Cooper and "S" available and you still have to pay a premium to get one. Universal City MINI on Lankersheim Boulevard is our local dealer, at this time. If you’re interested, give them a call at (818) 505-7455.