What do you get when you mix funky styling with fun handling and ample amounts of power? The answer is the Mini Cooper S, a modern-day homage to the legendary Mini that dominated 1960s culture in the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.
What are some key Mini Cooper S specs?
Here are a few that definitely stand out:
- Available in 2-door and 4-door hardtop as well as 2-door convertible
- A 2.0L turbocharged engine with 189 hp on tap
- An EPA-estimated 26 mpg in town and 35 mpg on the highway
The Mini Cooper S slots itself between the more pedestrian Cooper and the more potent John Cooper Works and Works GP trims. Here’s what you want to know about this refreshingly fun car.
Mini Cooper S Origins
Developed in 1959 by Morris engineer Sir Alec Issigonis, the Mini would go on to become an icon of its own. The tiny 4-seater’s innovative drivetrain layout, smart packaging, affordable pricing and thrifty fuel consumption earned it kudos from countless buyers of the era.
After more than 5.3 million Minis were built over a span of decades, BMW took over the reins and developed a new Mini for the modern era. The end result is a car that shares a lot of the original’s looks and charm while offering modern power and conveniences.
The Mini Cooper S offers a punchy counterweight to the standard Mini. The model also pays tribute to its namesake of old and its legendary rallying and road-racing career.
What Sets the Mini Cooper S Apart?
The 2.0L TwinPower Turbo engine serves as the beating heart of the Mini Cooper S. The twin-turbocharged 4-cylinder unit is also found in a number of BMW vehicles, including the 3-Series.
With 189 hp on tap, the Cooper S offers significantly more power than the 134 hp Cooper, but is left in the dust by the 228-hp John Cooper Works. Then again, the Cooper is missing a cylinder and a 1/2-liter of displacement while the JCW enjoys various engine tweaks.
If you’re a purist, then chances are you’ll go for the 6-speed Getrag manual transmission. However, the 7-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission is no slouch. The advanced transmission can crack off gear changes in an instant while offering smooth performance.
These features propel the 2-door and 4-door Mini Cooper S from 0 to 60 in 6.5 seconds. The convertible is only 0.2 seconds slower thanks to its slightly heavier curb weight. Top speeds for the Mini Cooper S range from 142 mph to 146 mph depending on the configuration.
The Mini Cooper S is also surprisingly fuel-efficient. EPA estimates vary from 27 mpg to 30 mpg, depending on your chosen configuration. With the Cooper S’s 11.6-gallon tank, that gives you plenty of range to travel far and wide with no worries.
Other Noteworthy Features for the Mini Cooper S
Do you want a 2-door, 4-door, or convertible? With the Mini Cooper S, you can choose whichever one suits you best. The longer 4-door model gives you 1.5 inches more rear legroom and slightly more shoulder room overall. The 2-door offers slightly more front headroom, however.
The 4-door Mini Cooper S also gives you more trunk space – 13.1 cubic feet versus the 2-door’s diminutive 8.7 cubic feet of space. Choose the convertible and the soft top cuts that trunk space down to a scant 5.7 cubic feet, so plan on packing light.
At least the rear seats fold down to open up more space for larger and bulkier items. Available goodies for the Mini Cooper S range from heated and leather-trimmed seats to LED exterior lights, dual-zone automatic climate control and navigation.
Mini Cooper S Pros and Cons
Every car has its upsides and downsides. The Mini Cooper S is no different, but reading about them can help you make up your mind about buying one:
Pros:
- Addictively fun to drive
- Ample amounts of horsepower and torque
- Surprising amounts of room with the 4-door model
- Impressive fuel efficiency
- Offers that classic British styling you can’t pass up
Cons:
- Navigation and 18-inch wheels are costly extras
- The convertible offers little trunk space compared to the other models
- Maintenance can get a bit spendy, plus the dealer network is sparse
Don’t Forget Your Vehicle History Report
The Mini Cooper S is a fun car with surprising amounts of comfort and versatility for its size. But even a new car like the Cooper S deserves a Vehicle History report. Get one and safeguard yourself from accidents, branded titles and other potential headaches lurking in its history.
