2015 Mini Cooper S Review : Classic Funk

Inside Story

The moment you step inside, it feels rather special, and for those in the know, its bristling with heritage and evocative design cues. The ambiance is vehemently retro, with a sumptuous, well built aura. The up market, soft-touch plastics feel nice to the fingertips, while the trademark circular theme dictates the design of the centrally positioned display unit, instrument cluster, outermost HVAC vents and the knobs for the dual-zone climate control. Judicious use of chrome trimming and generous use of leather in the upholstery ups the premium ante.

The most noticeable change from the last generation’s interior is that the new car does not have the centrally mounted speedometer. The new car has a more conventional speedometer in front of the steering, with a tachometer and fuel gauge on either side. Also, electric window switches and door lock controls have now been re-positioned on the door pad rather than being low on the center stack. The center console is littered with an array of cool, toggle switches which bear a period touch.

The cosseting front seats now feature optimized spatial comfort, and a new design with larger adjustment range at front and longer seat surface at rear (+ 23 millimetres). As compared to its predecessor, there’s more shoulder room and foot space as well as increased comfort for rear passengers. Rear seats are still a squeeze, while luggage compartment volume has been increased by 51 litres to 211 litres. The rear backrest is foldable with a 60 : 40 split, while one can set the mood with the optional lighting package with LED interior lights and orange-colored ambient lighting

The small diameter, leather wrapped steering wheel is chunky and feels great to wrap your palms around – an indicator of the Cooper S’s playfulness. The seating position is just right, while the almost-flat windscreen and narrow pillars don’t ensure their is no blind spot.

The new, centrally positioned optional color display is a generous 8.8 inches in size which displays navigation, entertainment, telephone and vehicle functions using MINI Controller in centre console. A 4-line TFT display comes as standard. A new party trick is the circular LED ring on the outer edge of the display. For visual feedback, it glows and changes color in response to real-time interaction between the driver and the car – depending on how you’re driving, or the music you’re listening to.

The newly structured MINI Connected in-car infotainment program also comes with additional functions like Emergency Call and MINI Teleservices, typical MINI functions such as Mission Control, Dynamic Music, Driving Excitement and MINIMALISM Analyser. An online connection also allows the use of social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, foursquare and Glympse.

Standard safety features include front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, 3-point automatic seat belts on all seats, with belt tensioners and belt force limiters at front, ISOFIX children’s seat mounting at rear, Run Flat Indicator and partially active engine compartment lid to optimise pedestrian protection

Other driver assistance systems include MINI Head-Up-Display, parking assistant, rear-view camera and Driving Assistant including camera-based active cruise control, collision and pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection.

Optional equipment list include rain sensor with automatic driving light control, heated windscreen, Park Distance Control, Comfort Access, electrically operated glass roof, roof rails, electrically heated and folding exterior mirrors, interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, seat heating, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, MINI navigation system, Professional navigation system, MINI Radio Visual Boost, Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, DAB tuner, DVD changer.