Performance, Ride and Handling
The Cooper S draws power from a 4-cylinder petrol engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology, which encapsulates twin-scroll turbo charging, direct injection, fully variable valve control, variable camshaft control. Displacing 1998 cc, output is rated at 141 kW/192 bhp at 4 700 – 6 000 rpm, with a maximum torque rating of 280 Nm at 1250 – 4750 rpm. It also comes with an overboost function, where torque shoots to 300 Nm for brief periods of time.
Two transmission options are available – a 6-speed manual gearbox with a rev-matching feature that automatically blips the throttle when downshifting (not available in India), and a 6-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters (the one we sampled). The Mini darts from 0–100 km/h in 6.8 seconds with the manual transmission; while the automatic transmission equipped variant does the same in 6.7 seconds. Top speed is rated at 235 km/h (233 km/h for the automatic). Power is sent to the front wheels.
Mash the throttle and all 1250 Kgs (dry) of Mini hurtle forward with genuine alacrity. Throttle response isn’t laidback at all, and is satisfyingly perky, considering the specifications, where it says ‘turbocharged’. Lag is perceptible, but this motor has a strong mid-range and an even stronger top-end. And all of that is usable, giggle inducing power that can be addressed upon anytime, making for a pretty addictive driving experience.
The exhaust note is an aural evolution of the original Mini, and is pleasantly raspy and crackly. It does, however, make that muted farting sound during gearshifts, something that has become the norm with new-fangled, blown-for-efficiency motors.
Up-shifts are lightning quick and seamless, especially in SPORT mode, which tautens up the drive-train characteristics and eases the interference of the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which is standard on the S, including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC).
The Cooper S also has three driving modes which are Mid, Sport, and Green — all allow one to drive the car very differently, from tightening the steering to altering the ride quality. The Green mode, for example, actually gives a physical aspect to driving “greener” by adding just the slightest bit of resistance to the accelerator to keep your lead foot from giving it the full beans.
Nobody refers to a Mini Cooper S because of its performance in a straight line – it’s the dynamics that call for a toast. Mini likes to call it the “go-kart” handling, and after a few sickening runs on the slalom course, we got a taste of what they’re on about. Minis have traditionally been fun-to-drive cars, right since their inception. The 2015 Mini Cooper S is no exception, and with the inclusion of modern-day driving aids and extra firepower, dynamics are unabashedly playful.
With reduced weight and increased rigidity, the new Cooper S changes directions like Pacman; the eagerness and the response to turn in is unlike any other front –wheel drive car that I’ve piloted. Under-steer? What’s that? The balance of the chassis is also spectacular, and so are the grip levels. The car reacts to inputs on the steering with tremendous alacrity, encouraging the driver to push harder and harder, till levels of fun overflow. A proper, point and squirt tool, the Cooper S.
FWD specific reverse donuts – no problem!
Look near you feet and you’ll chance across the good old steering rack making its way to meet the axle. A performance car with hydraulically assisted, electromechanical power steering in times like these is a Godsend, and happens to be one of the most responsive steering wheels driving a modern car on sale today.
The 2015 Mini range rides on revised suspension; which constitutes of a new single-joint spring strut front axle with aluminium swivel bearing , axle supports and wishbones made of high-strength steel; while the rear gets a multilink axle with space-saving geometry. Ride quality was pretty lucid in the confines of the air-strip, so an adventure on the road can only set opinions straight.
Braking performance is confident inspiring and potent, with just the right amount of pedal bite. Even while standing on the brakes from ludicrous, three-digit speeds, the Mini stopped in a straight line with minimal theatrics. The hydraulic 2-circuit brake system is aided with anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD) and Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
Verdict
The Mini Cooper S, for all intents and purposes, is a phenomenal automobile. It imbibes the thrill of driving, quantifiable heritage and distinctive looks. The performance and dynamics are truly addictive, and makes you wonder if it has just been purposefully built for having fun. But then you look around the beautifully designed, well put together cabin and the unique, instantly recognizable styling; we have a winner. At 34.65 lakh INR (all-India ex-showroom) though, it becomes more of a style statement in India, rather than being an accessible performance car for enthusiasts – which is a bit of a shame. However, at just 2 lakh INR more expensive than the diesel version, the Cooper S makes a lot of sense. The Mini Cooper S in undeniably unique, and also drives terrific – a true status symbol, like Issigonis would have said.
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