The exciting new Cooper S, though "imitative" of the original Mini, happily does not share the "endearing" quirks of its older namesake. Instead it "modernizes" the enjoyment that comes from driving a small, nimble, responsive urban-centric car.
Nostalgia may play a part in some of this new car's appeal, but talk to owners of old Minis and the conversation is often one of warm memories punctuated by muttered curses.
The new Mini, in contrast, starts every time you turn the key; MacPherson struts and a brilliant rear multi-link suspension have supplanted the problematic Hydrolastic system; the fuel and spark, once plagued by an incendiary reputation, now has Siemens silicon-based brains and an ultra-precise electronic throttle; the formerly brittle gearbox is now a precision six-speed; the heater works; the lights go on...hey, it's an entirely different car!
The engineering artists responsible for the Cooper S have exercised just the right amount of bravado mixed with restraint to make this car agreeable to all levels of driver skill, and yet it's challenging to those who fancy themselves Paddy Hopkirk at full chat in the Monte.
The Cooper S is as balanced as any front-driver I can remember-both in terms of its handling and styling. It's immediately pleasing to the eye. The creative team, led by designer Frank Stephenson, borrowed many of the original Mini's familiar planes and angles, stretching them over a platform bulging with technological brilliance.
Despite spending all of five hours behind the wheel, I consider the Cooper S to be the most rewarding car I've driven in many years. It's an old soul in a hot, young body, the perfect reincarnation. It's more than just a pretty nod toward a simpler, happier past-it's a genuine sports hatch with plenty of potential for more.
Of all the current retromobiles, the Mini seems to make the most sense; it's a terrific blend of utility and fun. The original Mini's compact dimensions made it city-friendly (especially important in Europe), the cabin was almost unnaturally spacious, and it was highly maneuverable and not especially slow. The new Mini is all this and more; the Cooper S raises those qualities to gland-stimulating levels. It feels as tight as a rally car and packs enough grunt to run circles around most automobiles in its price range.
The Cooper S packs several potent upgrades unavailable in its lesser brethren, centered around a force-fed version of the iron-block, aluminum-head motor built as a joint project with Chrysler in Brazil. The compact 1.6-liter mill is capped with a Roots-type supercharger running a healthy 12 psi, the compression ratio reduced from 10.6:1 to a safer 8.3:1. Mini engineers wisely equipped the engine with an intercooler, fed through the pronounced hood scoop, and the Siemens computer features active knock control and constantly monitors the combustion-which means the Cooper S can eat almost anything coming out of the pump. However, I'm betting some 100 octane would make the S very happy.
Bore and stroke of the S engine are the same as in the Cooper and Mini One, but because of increased thermal and mechanical loads imposed by the supercharger, special modifications were made to the crank, connecting rods, pistons and valves. Additionally, an oil/water heat exchanger and splash oil cooling of the pistons provide more heat relief. If I don't miss my guess, this engine is stout enough, and so understressed, that it could easily be punched out to 2 liters. And more boost? Why not?
As it comes from the factory, the Cooper S makes 163 bhp and 155 lb-ft of twist at 4000 rpm. These numbers are modest, but the power is delivered with stunning linearity-mash the gas and this baby starts screaming, literally. The combination of gear noise, faint supercharger whine and sport-tuned dual exhaust yodel a gorgeous song. Just revving the eager little engine at a red light is aural stimulation. Come the green, and an overeager foot yields clouds of tire smoke until the exceptional Dunlop SP8000s grab hold.
Rowing the stubby shifter of the six-speed gearbox is an exercise in precision, each selection punctuated by a faint snick-snick. Although the final drive ratio was not available at press time, in sixth gear (a true overdrive) the tach showed around four grand at 80 mph. Despite the decent torque, you really need to shift the Mini Cooper S; it seems happier that way-and it's a lot of fun, not work. If you want an automatic, you'll have to settle for a Mini Cooper. Only the manual six-speed is available with the S.
It was a bit of a surprise that Mini chose Portugal as the place to launch the Cooper S-until I started driving on the roads. In that corner of the world they define the term serpentine, and the village lanes are as narrow as an oxcart. In other words, it was the perfect environment for a small car with great big brass balls.