If you want a sporty little hatchback with a big personality, let the 2009 Mini Cooper win you over. You will have to choose your ideal trim level to dial in your ownership experience. Out of all the options, the S is the most popular choice, and for good reason.
What is the S trim for the 2009 Mini Cooper all about?
Well, excellent performance, for one. But it doesn’t end there. It’s also known for its superb fuel efficiency, endlessly adorable appearance, and ultra-fun, go-kart-like handling characteristics. It really doesn’t get better than that.
If you’re dying to know more about the 2009 Mini Cooper S, you’re in luck. We’re here to share all the info you need to know about this trim level to help you make the best buying decision possible.
A Long Line of Fun in a Mini Package
When the all-new Mini Cooper hit the market in 2000, it instantly gained a loyal following. Everyone loved that it had all the personality of the original but offered a much more modern build. BMW managed to retain its small footprint and spirited driving style without compromising on comfort or safety.
For the second generation, they re-engineered many different aspects of the build to improve its safety, comfort, and performance even more. They initially rolled out the base and S trim levels in 2006, then brought the Mini One to market the next year. The diesel-powered Cooper D followed later in 2007, as did the race-inspired John Cooper Works edition.
As with the first-gen Mini Cooper lineup, all of these trims were offered in both the hatchback and convertible body styles. In either configuration, these cars are a blast to drive down the straights and through the corners, especially at the S trim level.
The Perfection That’s the S Trim Level
Of all the trim options, the S offers the perfect balance of power and fuel efficiency. You never have to feel like you’re compromising when driving this car either. The build centers around the upgraded 1.6L Prince engine that they developed during the second gen revamp. It’s largely the same engine as the one used in the base model except it’s turbocharged.
With its twin-scroll turbo, this engine produces 172 horsepower and 177 lb-ft. All that power will take you up to 60 in less than six seconds, allowing you to merge on the freeway with ease. For the most control over your powerband, you’ll want to get this car with its iconic six-speed manual gearbox.
The newly designed automatic is no slouch either, however. With its new design, this automatic doesn’t shift through the gears until hitting redline, which wrings every last bit of power out of the engine through every gear.
Every last bit of the second-gen redesign is meant to make the build faster, safer, and a whole lot more fun. They used more aluminum parts to drop its weight, put in a new rear axle, and installed an electric power steering system. The power steering allows for on the fly adjustments that tighten up the handling while improving throttle response at the push of a button.
As if all that is not enough, the S trim comes with aggressive exterior style cues, like its central hood scoop. At the other end, the twin exhaust tips exit at the center of the bumper to let everyone know just what they’re dealing with as you zip down the road.
Ready to Buy a 2009 Mini Cooper? Run a Vehicle History Scan
If you have your heart set on buying a 2009 Mini Cooper S, get ready to go on your car shopping journey. Lots of test drives, inspections, and Vehicle History scans are in your future.
You’ll just need to grab the license plate number or VIN of each car you might want to buy to see what lurks in their history. Then, you can rule out the rides that have been involved in accidents or have other faults that might detract from their function or value.
