Nothing says “Cool Britannia” quite like the 2010 MINI Cooper S. It’s a bit bigger and much more refined than its 1959 predecessor, but with all the right styling cues. The base Cooper is a fantastic ride. However, the S trim will give you a turbocharged kick in the seat.
So, what does the 2010 MINI Cooper S offer?
The Cooper S adds a turbocharged version of the Cooper’s 1.6L 4-cylinder engine with 172 hp on tap. Other upgrades include 16-inch alloy wheels, a stiffer suspension, sport seats and fog lights.
Ready to dive into our review of the 2010 MINI Cooper S? You’ll learn just how the S trim sets itself apart from the rest of its stablemates in the MINI lineup, plus what to expect if you want to purchase one of your own.
Bite-Sized Fun With the 2010 MINI Cooper S
There’s already a video review of the 2010 MINI Cooper S available, but we’ll give you a detailed rundown of the model’s features and how the trim level differs from others within the MINI stable.
At first glance, you won’t mistake the classic looks of the 2010 MINI hardtop for anything else. The Cooper S ups the ante with a few welcome flourishes, starting with the flashy chrome brightwork near the front fenders that proudly bear the “S” designation and a rear spoiler.
The Cooper S also trades in the lesser Cooper trim’s 15-inch wheels for a beefier set of 16-inch alloys.
Choose one equipped with the optional Sport package and you’ll find 17-inch wheels, upgraded xenon headlights and a pair of hood stripes just to drive home the Cooper S’s sporty nature.
That’s fitting considering the firmed-up suspension that also comes with the hot hatch. This makes the Cooper S a sharp handler, although the tradeoff is a noticeably stiffer ride.
Inside, the 2010 MINI Cooper S keeps its unique styling cues, for better or worse. Let’s face facts – you might find yourself befuddled by the haphazard layout of the Cooper S’s dashboard. The various controls for the single-disc 6-speaker audio system and climate system are scattered underneath the huge speedometer.
Take the audio volume control, for instance. Here’s a hint – it’s not where you’d expect it. What you’d think was the volume dial actually controls the FM/AM tuning and CD track selection. The volume dial is actually down lower on the center stack below the CD player.
Aside from the unusual controls and instrument cluster layout, the 2010 MINI Cooper S offers plenty of headroom and legroom for folks up front. The regular Cooper’s cloth seats are upgraded to leatherette-trimmed front bucket seats with 6-way manual adjustment in the Cooper S.
The back seat can be a bit tight, but at least it folds down 50/50 on the 2-door hatch and convertible for a respectable 24 cu-ft and 23.3 cu-ft of cargo space, respectively. The convertible comes up short on trunk space with the rear seats up, however.
But you probably won’t be thinking about any of that as you wind out the 2010 MINI Cooper S’s 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. With 172 hp and 177 lb-ft., it’s a huge step up from the non-turbo 1.6L’s 118-hp mill.
Take your pick of the standard 6-speed manual, which includes a handy hill start assist feature, or opt for the 6-speed automatic. EPA-estimated fuel economy is an impressive 29 combined MPG and 27 combined MPG, respectively.
These days, the 2010 MINI Cooper S goes for a hair under $8,700 and $10,480, depending on condition, making them a great value for hot hatch aficionados everywhere.
Don’t Forget Your Vehicle History Report
With its zippy handling and impressive power, the MINI Cooper S can’t help but put a smile on any driver’s face. What’ll leave an even bigger smile is the Vehicle History report you get before you buy. Know the ins and outs of your next vehicle before you buy.
