M
Mike1
Guest
MINI Cooper S Coupe - Review
In 1961 the first Mini Cooper entered the world after leaving the factory for its first time. Many assumed that this overly small, unimaginative vehicle would pass like a breath of wind into non existence. It seems astonishing though that although 50 years have passed since the original launch the Mini euphoria is still very much alive. Aided by hugely successful sales records, successful motorsport heritage and millions of joyful miles the Mini Cooper is still just as successful as the original and even more accomplished than ever before.
The modern MINI is a truly fantastic little car. If I was to liken this car to a celebrity it would be a mixture of Paris Hilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Stuart Little. Looks that attract crowds, lots of muscle below and for its size it has a big heart and soul. Already we can see that the new Mini captures the true essence of what the original was reminiscent of.
However, with 2010 drawing to a close and 2011 coming along the genius's at MINI started becoming creative... Initially they created and launched the Countryman which saw MINI sales worldwide increase astronomically followed by renderings of the MINI Scooter, Coupe and Roadster.
We have waited, deliberated and some have even gone as far as to pay a deposit for a car that didnt exist - Ladies & gents, the MINI Coupe exists and it is a simply fantastic thing.
Hors d'oeuvre first. The Cooper S engine, the same engine used throughout the range has been pumped up to 135kw with 260NM torque available from 1600 to 5000RPM. I have never driven a car that entices me to go fast and then leaves me in a fit of giggles. I have never driven a car that delivers such a fantastic driving experience and leaves you wanting so much more. This car is Superman in Ballerina attire. Its that good!
The uprated engine is superb, delivering instant torque, power and of course a bit of wheel spin as the front tyres scream, begging for traction. The body and overall feel of the Coupe is sharper, harder and more purposeful leaving you with the impression that the new Coupe is a no frills, no compromise MINI. This car is about performance, agility and fun.
The chassis of the Coupe is taken directly from the MINI Convertible sporting 200kg worth of re-enforcements further adding to the rigid body yet not affecting the performance as one would expect. In corners the Coupe felt sure footed leaving the driver to further exploit the handling and prowess of this wonderful little car.
So, its a MINI but it isnt - Its hardcore and I love it!
The interior, much like the newer facelifted MINI's in the range is retro, yet functional with black buttons, finishes and red stitching (test car had the optional JCW cosmetic kit). The black headliner further enhanced the feeling of quality and my only complaint was the rather high seating position which you don't always associate with a sporty Coupe. I would have liked it if the seat could go lower - But I am just being petty now.
Visibility was surprisingly good with PDC fitted as standard for those who may struggle. The boot, a useable feature for the first time in a MINI (with two doors) is quite large with a convenient door between the cockpit and the boot for easy storage of handbags, notebooks and of course for larger objects.
So, it looks great, goes like hell and its a practical 2 seater - Where do I sign?
With all cars there are always drawbacks, things which might just bother you. I liked that this is a MINI with no compromise, a MINI that breaks the norm and a MINI that delivers a fantastic driving experience. However, due to the extremely rigid body the suspension is excessively hard, and the seating position simply doesn't suit the nature of the car and its slanted roof and windscreen. The upgrades both cosmetically and mechanically are exceptionally good but I was a bit upset that the Coupe didn't feel as unique as the Countryman. It felt like a MINI without back seats whereas the Countryman has a complete different feel, personality and driving style.
The thing is, once comfortable you do begin to notice the attention to detail. The sporty dials and finishes. The racing decals and Cooper S badges were a subtle reminder that you are in fact driving a small nuclear powered rocket and for such a small car the interior is extremely spacious.
You are either going to hate or love the MINI Coupe.
I loved it, even with its flaws it is MINI to its core even though its a far cry from the original car designed by Sir Alec Issigonis so long ago. An icon and no doubt a future classic. This car gives you an idea of what it was like in the 1970s and the original origins of this car, the retro yet modern looks, rebellious attitude and the way you feel connected to this car when you drive it is something that most brands in this price range cannot offer.
The Mini although not perfect seems to penetrate your heart and claim it for itself. This is infatuation at all levels. This to me is what defines how good a car is. I like this car a lot!
Thank you to Nathan at Auto Atlantic for letting me drive the MINI Coupe, your time is appreciated. I hope you liked the pictures I took!
For anyone who has any questions you can contact the Auto Atlantic Team, (Mbali, Janice or Clinton) on 021 402 7800.
Keep it MINI. :thumbs:
Mike
In 1961 the first Mini Cooper entered the world after leaving the factory for its first time. Many assumed that this overly small, unimaginative vehicle would pass like a breath of wind into non existence. It seems astonishing though that although 50 years have passed since the original launch the Mini euphoria is still very much alive. Aided by hugely successful sales records, successful motorsport heritage and millions of joyful miles the Mini Cooper is still just as successful as the original and even more accomplished than ever before.
The modern MINI is a truly fantastic little car. If I was to liken this car to a celebrity it would be a mixture of Paris Hilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Stuart Little. Looks that attract crowds, lots of muscle below and for its size it has a big heart and soul. Already we can see that the new Mini captures the true essence of what the original was reminiscent of.
However, with 2010 drawing to a close and 2011 coming along the genius's at MINI started becoming creative... Initially they created and launched the Countryman which saw MINI sales worldwide increase astronomically followed by renderings of the MINI Scooter, Coupe and Roadster.
We have waited, deliberated and some have even gone as far as to pay a deposit for a car that didnt exist - Ladies & gents, the MINI Coupe exists and it is a simply fantastic thing.
Hors d'oeuvre first. The Cooper S engine, the same engine used throughout the range has been pumped up to 135kw with 260NM torque available from 1600 to 5000RPM. I have never driven a car that entices me to go fast and then leaves me in a fit of giggles. I have never driven a car that delivers such a fantastic driving experience and leaves you wanting so much more. This car is Superman in Ballerina attire. Its that good!
The uprated engine is superb, delivering instant torque, power and of course a bit of wheel spin as the front tyres scream, begging for traction. The body and overall feel of the Coupe is sharper, harder and more purposeful leaving you with the impression that the new Coupe is a no frills, no compromise MINI. This car is about performance, agility and fun.
The chassis of the Coupe is taken directly from the MINI Convertible sporting 200kg worth of re-enforcements further adding to the rigid body yet not affecting the performance as one would expect. In corners the Coupe felt sure footed leaving the driver to further exploit the handling and prowess of this wonderful little car.
So, its a MINI but it isnt - Its hardcore and I love it!
The interior, much like the newer facelifted MINI's in the range is retro, yet functional with black buttons, finishes and red stitching (test car had the optional JCW cosmetic kit). The black headliner further enhanced the feeling of quality and my only complaint was the rather high seating position which you don't always associate with a sporty Coupe. I would have liked it if the seat could go lower - But I am just being petty now.
Visibility was surprisingly good with PDC fitted as standard for those who may struggle. The boot, a useable feature for the first time in a MINI (with two doors) is quite large with a convenient door between the cockpit and the boot for easy storage of handbags, notebooks and of course for larger objects.
So, it looks great, goes like hell and its a practical 2 seater - Where do I sign?
With all cars there are always drawbacks, things which might just bother you. I liked that this is a MINI with no compromise, a MINI that breaks the norm and a MINI that delivers a fantastic driving experience. However, due to the extremely rigid body the suspension is excessively hard, and the seating position simply doesn't suit the nature of the car and its slanted roof and windscreen. The upgrades both cosmetically and mechanically are exceptionally good but I was a bit upset that the Coupe didn't feel as unique as the Countryman. It felt like a MINI without back seats whereas the Countryman has a complete different feel, personality and driving style.
The thing is, once comfortable you do begin to notice the attention to detail. The sporty dials and finishes. The racing decals and Cooper S badges were a subtle reminder that you are in fact driving a small nuclear powered rocket and for such a small car the interior is extremely spacious.
You are either going to hate or love the MINI Coupe.
I loved it, even with its flaws it is MINI to its core even though its a far cry from the original car designed by Sir Alec Issigonis so long ago. An icon and no doubt a future classic. This car gives you an idea of what it was like in the 1970s and the original origins of this car, the retro yet modern looks, rebellious attitude and the way you feel connected to this car when you drive it is something that most brands in this price range cannot offer.
The Mini although not perfect seems to penetrate your heart and claim it for itself. This is infatuation at all levels. This to me is what defines how good a car is. I like this car a lot!
Thank you to Nathan at Auto Atlantic for letting me drive the MINI Coupe, your time is appreciated. I hope you liked the pictures I took!
For anyone who has any questions you can contact the Auto Atlantic Team, (Mbali, Janice or Clinton) on 021 402 7800.
Keep it MINI. :thumbs:
Mike
raise: :thumbs:
