Vehicle: 2005 Mini Cooper S with Works Package
Price as tested: CDN$39900

Performance: After the MCS received the upgrade of the Works Package, the hp has been boosted to 210 hp and torque to 181 lb/ft from 168 hp and 162 lb/ft, respectively. The result is a much faster car in every rev range. Better torque, better top-end without losing the refinement usually associated with this 1.6L SOHC 16-valver supercharged engine. The larger fuel injector and air filter have the desired effects of bringing the improved responsiveness and figures in this willing powerplant. Throttle response is quick if a bit light for my liking. As with the 6-speed gearbox, its throws are short and crisp while the clutch is light and progressive, while providing great feedback with decent clutch take-off point. Combined with the proper ratio of this gearbox, its simply a joy to drive.

Handling: MCS Works consists of a set of 205/45R 17″ run-flat tires, DSC-3 and LSD in its dynamic package. The LSD does provide a desired effect for controlling the Mini from too much understeer when flying into a corner. On the other hand, DSC-3 is uninstrusive enough to give driver enough oversteer fun until it rears its ugly head. As expected from Mini, the steering is sharp and precise with great driver feedback. Body rolls, understeer and oversteer are minimal. The vehicle’s cornering prowess is so exceptional that the body rolls are next to non-existence. However, my pet peeve has to be with its ride comfort. The 17″ run-flat tires have such a stiff sidewall that eats up all the nuts on the road. Its not only make the Works bouncy on small bumps, its equally rough riding on large bumps. There are some tires that can provide the same handling capability as these run flats elsewhere. If I am buying a Works, I would ditch those tires right away

Brakes: With standard ABS and 4-wheel discs, the brakes are as exceptional as its handling package. The stops are short and straight, there are no signs of fades after lots of hard stops under this hot weather. ABS won’t kicked in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: The interior is typical Mini affairs. The use of materials have improved since the facelift last year. In our Works, it got a tasteful carbon fiber trim as a substitute for standard aluminum trim.

Conclusion: The Works kit really does transfer a really good hot hatch into a great one. The engine feels much more responsive while the handling is even sharper than before. The best thing about this kit is it comes with factory warranty unlike some aftermarket kits. Anyone who is shopping for a Cooper S should take this kit as a serious consideration.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2005 MINI COOPER S W/WORKS PKG
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 1/5
Value-for-money: 3.5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5