We got our hands on the latest Mini Cooper S, which is now part of a dying breed of performance cars.
We gotta admit that we were pretty pleased when the latest-generation Mini Cooper S pulled up at our offices. It had been some time since we’d been behind the wheel of this likeable little hatch. And, full disclosure, we’ve owned two examples prior, both John Cooper Works versions of different generations. So, it’s safe to say that we are fans.
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Familiar Appearance
The revitalised Mini, under BMW ownership, is now in its fourth generation. The design team has, over the course of the nameplate’s various iterations, managed to keep the model’s signature appearance. At the same time the exterior looks have been constantly updated. Place a first-gen version next to the latest and you will notice the step change. This latest, F66, iteration looks fresh and modern with LED headlamps and funky LED taillamps that flash individual LEDs as the car is unlocked.
The stance is pure Mini with wheels pushed out to the extremities of the body for a four-square look. The bulbous nose and ‘floating’ roof (thanks to blacked out pillars) are now design traits that have been carried over for a few generations. This model still remains instantly recognisable. In our test unit’s shade of yellow one excited child at a local shopping centre excitedly shouted out: IT’S A BUMBLEBEE MINI, MUM!
Upgraded Interior
Plonking yourself down into the seat of the new Mini Cooper S is somehow also familiar, yet all new. We found a nice mix of materials around the cabin, from the material-based facia covering to the soft hide on the seats. The large circular instrument cluster is still centrally mounted, with nothing ahead of either front passenger. The cabin is largely devoid of buttons, we counted about half a dozen below the touchscreen interface. Most functions, even ventilation, are now controlled from within the infotainment system.
There is a start twist switch that works in unison with the remote fob. A stubby little rocker switch on the facia replaces a traditional gearlever. Below the switch panel is a wireless mobile phone charger. There is a small storage compartment between the front seats, which is ideal for phone storage when it doesn’t need to be charged. Rear-seat occupant space and boot volume are, as has always been the case, quite limited. This is definitely not a car for anyone who regularly carries passengers and/or lots of luggage.
Turbo Power
A 2,0-litre petrol engine powers the latest Mini Cooper S. This turbocharged unit produces a healthy 150 kW and 300 N.m of torque. A seven-speed DCT, that is connected to the front wheels, is the only transmission option. We found that the engine takes a bit of time to build up full boost from standstill, so one needs to preempt this trait with early throttle applications. Once on the boil it has enough urge to see off the national speed limit, and then some. Overtaking is also pretty effortless.
There are a number of, oddly named, driving modes to cycle through. However, the one marked ‘go-kart’ seemed well titled. Activating it is announced by an audible “WOOHHOOOO”, so there is no hiding it from your passengers. Go-kart mode sharpens throttle response, firms up the dampers, adds steering action heft and raises gearshift points. Additionally, there is a funky looking screen, which would be our default option if we could set it as such.
We mentioned the fact that the new Cooper S has no gearlever. There aren’t even paddle shifters on the steering wheel rim. As a result there is no way to take control over the transmission, which is a shame in a car with a sporting persona. It seems like quite an odd oversight from BMW’s engineers. We’d have really preferred a pair of paddles or, even better, a proper six-speed manual.
Darty Good Fun
Minis have been a formidable reputation for being nimble little toys. Thankfully the F66 keeps that alive. The short wheelbase and sharp steering action make this a really pleasant car to through throw a set of corners. The front-end grips admirably and there is a slight hint of oversteer from the rear axle when you really fling it around through tighter corners at speed. Although the steering action is razor sharp, the helm is pretty lifeless and one has to rely on instinct or your ears for an signs of grip bleeding away. Again, we’d have really enjoyed a third pedal and manual shifter to add to the driving experience.
Summary – A Dying Breed
There was a time when the hot hatch was a favourite among SA performance fans. We were spoiled for choice from various manufacturers. The likes of the Clio and Megane RS, Ford Fiesta and Focus ST, even the ubiquitous Golf GTI have all been removed from the local listings. This leaves very few, mostly very expensive options should you wish to buy a new hot hatch. Thankfully, the Mini Cooper S still has the hallmarks that made hot hatches so popular. It is fun to drive, compact and handles really well. And, when compared to most rivals, it almost seems well priced.
Model: Mini Cooper S
Price: R646 395
Engine: 2,0,litre inline four, turbopetrol
Transmission: seven-speed DCT, FWD
Max power: 150 kW
Max torque: 3o0 N.m
0-100 km/h: 6,6 sec
Top speed: 242 km/h
Fuel consumption:6,3 L/100 km