If you’re seeking a zippy little ride that’ll keep you grinning from ear to ear, shift your gaze on over to the 2005 Mini Cooper. But which trim level will serve you best? Well, that depends on what you want out of a car, though the S never disappoints.
What does the S trim on the 2005 Mini Cooper come with?
The S trim offers a whole lot of sporty fun with its supercharged four-cylinder engine and six-speed manual gearbox. It’s not just about performance either. The bigger rims and rear spoiler give it a much more aggressive appearance.
That’s definitely not all you need to know about the S trim on the 2005 Mini Cooper. Thankfully, we’re here to spell it out all out to hopefully help you decide if this is the best car for you.
Getting Back into the Groove with the Mini Cooper
BMW brought the Mini Cooper back in action in 2000 to provide the world with an endlessly adorable hot hatch. Designed to pay homage to the original, this little car features a small footprint, athletic stance, and puppy dog eyes.
While they’re now firmly in the third generation, there’s something to be said about the magic of the first gen, dubbed the R53. While the first iteration was plenty cute enough, the Mini got a facelift just in time for its 2005 release. They also decided to go all out by transforming the coupe into a convertible for those who want to cruise around town with the top down.
The base Mini Cooper got a sufficient 1.4L four-cylinder engine that got the job done but wasn’t a whole lot of fun. While zingy, it only made 115 horsepower and 111 lb-ft of torque without mods. For those who wanted something a little more powerful, they created a 1.6L engine and equipped it with a supercharger, creating the beloved S trim.
The Sporty S Trim Ramps up the Spirit of the Mini
Thanks to its supercharged powerplant, spirited drives are always on tap for the 2005 Mini Cooper S. The increased displacement and forced induction come together to bump up its power to 168 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque.
Although they made their automatic transmission optional on the S trim for the first time this year, the six-speed manual is still the better choice. While adeptly rowing through the gears on your own, you can wring every last bit of power out of the engine, especially while moving through the corners.
To set the S apart from the rest, they went beyond sheer power to make it look the part.
This trim received:
- Central hood scoop
- Wide wheel arches
- 16-inch rims
- Fog lights
- Rear spoiler
When put all together, these exterior design elements promise to let everyone know just what they’re up against.
The airbag suite and other safety gear largely remained the same as it was already more than capable at the base level. They did add traction control to the S trim just in case the supercharger’s raw power catches you by surprise.
Ready to Buy a Mini Cooper? Let Vehicle History Help
By now, you’ve likely got your heart set on a 2005 Mini Cooper S as your next car. If so, get ready to go on a ton of test drives and inspect each car for sale from nose to tail.
Also, remember to get VINs and plate numbers to check Vehicle History. The results could help you avoid a disaster by revealing accidents, title issues, and other major faults in each car’s past.
