Click here for the Ride&Drive Index!

Posted April, 2006

Road Test: 2006 Mini Cooper S

By Kevin S. Lowery

Once upon a time, the funky Mini was at the mercy of an old English company. But suddenly, a German fairy godmother, with the initials of BMW appeared. With a flick of her wand (and her pocketbook), the funky Mini was transformed from a homely nameplate into something a prince could love. Much better, it was, than any carriage or glass slipper. The funky Mini sped off, without delay, in the direction of the ball. Driver and car lived "Happily Ever After."

Years after this "Happy Ever After," I am amazed how the funky Mini Cooper's design never grows old — like Dorian Gray, only in metal and without a picture in the garage's attic. This year's model is no different. Under the hood, the base car is powered by a 1.6-liter inline four that produces 115 horsepower. Not much power by today's standards, but with only 2,300 pounds of car to propel it, it offers sprightly performance. A five-speed manual transmission is standard, and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with an "automanual" mode is optional.

The sporty Cooper S is assisted by a supercharger, allowing it to pump out 168 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, with a six-speed automatic optional. For those who need more performance, Mini offers the John Cooper Works package, which on the S increases output to 207 hp and includes upgraded brakes and a limited-slip front differential.

Four-wheel antilock disc brakes are standard on all Minis. The S model adds traction control. But if you equip either model with the Sport package or Checkmate package, you'll get Dynamic Stability Control. Other standard safety features include a flat-tire monitor, side airbags for front occupants and head curtain airbags for the front and rear. The convertible version features fixed roll bars perched just behind the rear seat. In government crash tests, the Cooper hatchback earned four stars (out of five) for frontal impacts and four stars for side impacts involving front occupants. In IIHS (Institute for Highway Safety) frontal-offset crash testing, the Cooper was named a "Best Pick" among small cars.

Inside, the Cooper's petite cabin is stylish with its metallic trim, tubular structures and speedometer in the center of the dash. Passenger and cargo space is predictably tight -- there's just 5.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity with the rear seats in use for the hatchback. Amazingly, the convertible has roughly the same amount of cargo space.

The Cooper is available as either a two-door hatchback or a two-door convertible with a power-operated top, and both are available in two versions — base and "S." The base Cooper is outfitted with 15-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery (cloth is a no-cost option), a tilt steering wheel, a centrally mounted speedometer, air conditioning with micron filtration, a six-speaker stereo with CD player and power windows, locks and mirrors. The Cooper S adds 16-inch wheels with run-flat performance tires, seat-height adjustment and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A wide range of customizing packages and options are also available.

You can expect lively handling from either Cooper. Additionally, the more performance-oriented Cooper S gets reinforced antiroll bars and firmer springs — its setup may be too stiff for some, but enthusiasts will love its tight reflexes around corners. Engine power is modest in both Coopers, but they get by just fine in traffic and the Cooper S loves to rev.

The base MSRP for the compact convertible is $21,950. The 2-door manual transmission convertible MSRP is $25,400. The compact coupe S has an MSRP of $17,450 and the 2-door hatchback with a manual transmission is an MSRP of $20,900. Our test car, with all the bells and whistles they could throw in, tipped the scales at more than $34,000!

We loved the overall exterior and interior design. The convertible is easy to open and compliments the funky ambiance of the car. But because it is small, there is very little room for drinks, tissue boxes or CD cases. I understand the reason for putting the instrument panel in the center — to easily convert right-hand cars to left-handed ones or vice versa — but I really hate it. It is too distracting and does not really help me keep my eye on the road any better than when it was placed behind the steering wheel. Go figure.

If you're looking for a car that still makes a dramatic statement, the Mini still is a great choice to compliment your unique personality. So on your way to the ball, stop by your closest Mini dealership before someone else nabs your "Happily Ever After." R&D