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2008 Mini Cooper S
2008 Mini Cooper S
Speedy Sprite
The Mini Cooper S is the sportier version of the neo-classic Mini Cooper, for those who like to drive aggressively and then squeeze into a tight parking spot.
After five years on the U.S. market, Mini recently redesigned its models. The redesign includes more powerful engines and updated styling inside and out.
A confluence of factors prompted the current redesign: Stringent new European safety laws require more space between exterior body panels and hard points underneath, to reduce the likelihood of injury if a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist at low speeds. The previous generation was due for a spiffier interior, with higher-quality materials and a sleeker design. Mini’s German parent company, BMW AG, also adopted new engines, produced jointly with France’s PSA Peugeot Citroen.
The refreshed Mini Cooper S is definitely an evolution, not a revolution. Only the most rabid devotees could spot the current version’s changes at first glance. The car’s basic profile remains the same, with a proportionately long wheelbase, wide track and short front and rear overhangs. The Mini Cooper S is distinguished from the base model (which is reviewed separately) by a slightly different hood and front-end treatment, as well as a larger rear spoiler.
The Mini Cooper S comes amply powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder engine. The all-aluminum engine utilizes BMW technology that makes it fuel-efficient, while turbocharging makes it considerably quicker than the base car.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard; an optional six-speed automatic transmission can be shifted manually via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. The automatic also has a sport mode that shifts more aggressively.
The Mini Cooper S has an upgraded sport suspension that sharpens the car’s reflexes at the expense of some ride comfort. Run-flat tires are standard. These allow a driver with a flat to keep driving at a reduced speed to reach a safe place to pull over, or possibly to reach a repair facility where the tire can be fixed or replaced.
The Mini’s antilock brakes benefit from a host of advanced functions found on much pricier BMWs. These include cornering control, hill assist, brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. Stability control is optional for added surefootedness under varying conditions and handling situations.
The Mini Cooper S interior retains many distinguishing features, some of which may deter buyers, like the oversized and center-mounted speedometer. The same circular gauge also incorporates the audio system display and the optional navigation array. The car’s unique toggle switches are split between the center console and a space just above the windshield.
The seats in the Mini Cooper S are stylish and comfortable, and they feature a model-specific upholstery pattern. The rear can accommodate two adults, but it's cramped and hard to access. The cargo area is small, but it can be expanded with the split-folding rear seat backs.
Front, front-side and side-curtain airbags are standard. A number of unique custom paint schemes and interior color combinations are available to further dress up the Mini Cooper S, along with a litany of practical, performance and purely cosmetic accessories.
Is the Mini Cooper S for You?
| Buy the Cooper S if | You like to think small; you live in a densely populated city; high style and high efficiency are priorities; you enjoy nimble, sporty handling with an extra dollop of speed over the standard Mini Cooper. |
| Keep Looking if | You need seating for five; you need a large trunk; you feel safer in large cars or trucks. |
| Who Fits? | The interior passenger space is roomier than you might think. Two adults fit comfortably in the supportive front seats, while two more can squeeze in the back without too much discomfort. But like most coupes, rear-seat access is awkward and rear foot-room is minimal. |
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| Did You Know? |
The original Mini Cooper was sold only briefly in the United States during its 1960s heyday, but it was offered in the U.K. and elsewhere in one form or another through the late 1990s. BMW bought and relaunched Mini as a line of premium small cars in 2001 (as 2002 models), updating the vehicles’ classic styling and proportions with contemporary underpinnings. It quickly caught on with trendy urban dwellers, motoring enthusiasts and those looking to downsize their rides without compromising cachet. |
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