MINI Cooper S : First Drive

Conceived as a common man’s mode of transport, the original Mini (badged both as an Austin as well as a Morris and also on occasion a Wolseley!) was a compact car that was literally a lot smaller than any other hatch around at the time. It ran on small ten inch wheels (incidentally the same size as those sported by the Bajaj Chetak scooter!) and to many it looked like a toy car, however it proved its worth and rose to an iconic status (style, packaging, engineering, performance et al) over the years with everyone from all walks of life wanting to own one.

In fact the Mini has been rated as the second most influential car of the 20th century, bested only by the Ford Model T! The bottom line was that Mini offered something else from just being a car. It had a personality, a quirkiness that suited the common man and elite alike. Even the Beetles couldn’t stay away from the Mini, car and skirt alike! When spoken about, most Mini owners referred to their car with a personalized name, as if part of the family. Such was, and yet remains, the craze known as Mini, and even marketing gurus still find themselves hard pressed in trying to justify the vehicle’s meteoric run at the box office. It’s literally a brand like no other, and while it has been owned by many, it is BMW that has taken the brand to new heights literally by re-inventing it for the present day and age.

Under BMW’s ownership, MINI has had a new lease of life, albeit with a slightly different spin. While retaining attributes of the original, it was decided that the MINI (note the way it is spelt now, all caps one word says all for a grown up modern version) for this generation should be the ultimate premium hatch. The task sounds easier than what it eventually worked out to be. The new MINI had to offer elements that were intrinsic to the original’s DNA, yet come across as new age and offer all the goodies associated with modern cars. The exercise worked out to be the ultimate retro makeover and the translation of the original to the new is a case study today. While the MINI of today has moved into premium territory, it still packs in its original quirkiness and British humor which is visible in its design cues, drive, brand perception as well as customization options (which includes a MINI done up in cow skin, but that is a different story).

No doubt, there is just something about a MINI hatch that draws you towards it. I mean there are good looking cars available from other marques across the globe, but the MINI hatch draws you in. It has one’s undivided attention and before you know it, you are drooling over its adorable looks. The large headlights, the sculpted hood with a neat air intake, the large wheels, the iconic silhouette, the characteristic rear and tail lamps all function as independent brand ambassadors to the MINI. The styling of the MINI is probably its most distinguishing factor amongst other small cars, and also it’s most convincing aspect as well. You just can’t help falling in love with a car that looks like this!

If the exterior design got you staring, the interiors ram home the retro theme. The large speedometer is definitely retro and so are the numerous push button controls and a number of items that need explaining out of the owner’s manual. While ergonomics might be questioned, the entire retro aura overshadows any shortcomings and the end result is a dashboard that looks uber cool with all those buttons. The fit and finish, for this style icon is exemplary to say the least. Despite being a small car, the MINI boasts of high end luxury car build quality. This is unique to a small car and no wonder it turns on the drool appeal. While inside, I should add that the MINI is deceivingly comfortable up front. From the outside the MINI looks too small for a tall person, however the unique driving position allows you to sit lower and upright, making it rather easy to fit in comfortably. The upright windshield and flat roof work their magic in this regard. The seats are well crafted and offer great lateral support, but this doesn’t extend to the rear. Firstly, getting into the back is a bit of a task, and the MINI’s micro dimensions don’t deliver a lot of space. Regardless, it’s a bit of a squeeze and the back seat is best reserved for little kids or bags.

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MINI has ensured that their package isn’t just skin deep and that the up market package is suitably complimented by an equally entertaining engine. The Cooper S comes fitted with a turbocharged 1.6 litre four-cylinder engine which produces a rather generous 184 bhp @ 5,500rpm and solid 240Nm of torque surging from 1,600rpm right up to 5,000rpm. The low torque peak translates to power being delivered to the wheels at the simple caress of the accelerator pedal. Obviously the turbocharger is doing its business in ensuring ample power is on tap which literally slams the car forward in a strong linear fashion. Complimenting the engine is the six-speed manual gearbox that is rather slick, however finding reverse can be a slightly difficult task. Apart from that, the gearbox ensures you get the most out of your drive experience and as you belt down a straight, you find yourself redlining before switching gears each time. The bottom line is that the MINI Cooper S is an absolute blast to drive.

Adding to this zest in terms of power delivery is the spot on handling that the car offers. With the wheels located at the farthest corners possible on the body, the MINI literally reacts like a go-cart and can be hustled through corners like nobody’s business. There is no doubting the fact that the chassis of the MINI is a capable design that allows a driver to push the vehicle hard without it breaking into a sweat. The car’s low center of gravity and extremely well tuned suspension geometry contribute to its dynamic drive; however let’s not forget the sophisticated traction control system on board that also assists in ensuring that the entire experience behind the wheel remains fun and a hundred per cent safe. The steering is firm and offers ample input, but at times it does feel a bit heavy and doesn’t really offer the level of feedback that one would expect from such a performer. It does get the job done but a little more input would have been welcome on this front.

Seated in the driver’s seat and gunning the Cooper S through the British countryside, I couldn’t get enough of how the MINI handled the endless twists and turns while I unleashed the engine to my heart’s content. Piloting a MINI down those roads left a lasting impression of a car that offers a drive experience that will literally smear a mile long smile across your face. It’s an engaging drive that is very different from what any other hatch can offer. While the car’s power delivery and handling are a rage, the downside is very poor ride quality. While it’s difficult to make out on smooth city roads, the typical rough B-roads in Blighty did toss up a borderline harsh ride. It’s a trade off for all that performance oriented set up and I highly doubt anyone would really complain about it.

The MINI Cooper S proved to be a great introduction to an iconic brand. I got to experience first hand why a healthy population worldwide would rather own a hatch than a three-box sedan! Only MINI can do that, and I won’t shy away from stating that I have been bitten by the bug and that a MINI definitely features on my wish list of cars. It’s truly a cult brand with a strong following. The history, the brand association and perception all come together in this retro package that offers an experience like no other. Owning a MINI isn’t just about having a car; it’s about having a personality in your garage. A MINI is a state of mind and I got to learn that from the driver’s seat.