Vehicle: 2007 Mini Cooper S with Technology Pkg, Premium Pkg, Sport Pkg and Chrome Line Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$37790

Performance: Instead of using a blower as its predecessor, Mini decided to put a turbo into the new S. Mini claims the use of turbo would improve its much-criticized fuel economy and acceleration of its supercharged predecessor. This little 1.6 liter DOHC 16-valver 4-cylinder engine is good for 172 hp and 191 lb/ft of torque. Despite of the turbo lag around 1600-1800 rpm. Its a smooth powertrain right from the low to top end. Its maximum torque of 191 lb/ft starts to arrive from 1600 rpm to 5 grand is impressive. The single biggest improvement is the use of the overboost function or “Sport” button in the center console. With the press of a button, the torque jumps from 177 to 192 lb/ft of torque. However, I still prefer the smoother and silkier delivery of power of the outgoing blower than this turbocharger. 192 lb/ft of torque going through this chassis has created slight torque steer during acceleration, that’s something we never experienced in Minis before. In the outgoing car, even the Cooper S works and GP didn’t encounter any torque steer. Just like all Minis come before, the throttle response is quick. With its standard 6-speed stick shift, it works relatively well with this little turbo motor. The clutch is light and progressive. Unfortunately, the throw still pretty long even if the gates are sharp and precise.

Handling: Mini has always been regarded as one of the best handling front-drivers in the world, the new one is no exception. Thanks to BMW’s genius in chassis and suspension tuning, the new S handles as sharply as any Minis have come before. The steering is sharp and precise, with proper weight and feedback. There are tons of grip thanks to our tester’s optional 17″ wheels in the sports package. However, this 17″ run-flat tires have huge problem on holes and roughness of what we called Vancouver roads. With its stiff sidewall, an even stiffer suspension and springs on the new S’s sports package, its ride is even rougher than the outgoing car. Despite Mini claimed they have sorted out the busy ride quality on the outgoing car, its ride is still nothing more than rough. Mini’s sports suspension rides even rougher on small bumps and holes than large ones. Stay with base 16″ wheels for better ride quality if you treat Mini as a daily driver. That’s because 17″’s ride is simply unbearable. Despite of my harsh criticisms on its ride quality, Mini engineers still managed to produce a very balanced chassis. Thanks to its excellent DSC-3 and right tuning, both the over and understeer are extremely well-mannered.

Brakes: With S’s standard 4-wheel discs, ABS and EBD. Mini’s braking prowess remains intact with its new iteration. The braking distance is short while pedal feel is simply excellent.

Interior: While the previous car was heavily criticized for its cheap interior pieces, the new one finally received materials that are worthy of its admission. Yes, there are still some cheap pieces in minor areas. But for places where you can actually touch, those hard pieces have gone for something soft and supple. The instrument cluster remains very much a Mini. We have been smitten with its neat design of optional auto climate control that resemble Mini’s wing badge. The seats are comfortable and supportive.

Both the cargo space and backseat remain tiny in the Mini. One can only called Mini as versatile after fold down the rear seats.

Conclusion: Its hard to replace an icon that has sold over 800000 copies over the last 5 years. With the introduction of the 2nd generation Mini Cooper, BMW manages to bring more to the party. A more efficient turbo engine, a stiffer chassis which makes it handles even better; as well as an interior that it has been crying out for.

Here lies the rough, however. If you are buying a Cooper S mainly as a daily driving instead of going full-out at a race or autocross tracks, stay with the standard suspension and 16″ wheels. That’s because it doesn’t worth to get the harsh ride with the equally capable handling dynamics.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2007 MINI COOPER S
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Performance: 4/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 4/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 4/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 2/5
Value-for-money: 2/5

Overall rating: 4/5