[Flitzi]

MINI2 gets behind the wheel of the new MINI Cooper.




This was the first time we'd driven the new MINI Cooper. After testing the MINI Cooper S quite some time ago, it seemed a little strange to be finally getting our mitts on the new Cooper, which is after all the best selling model in the MINI range and as such you may have thought the Cooper deserved more of a fanfare than it has received at launch.

We drove the MINI Cooper in the mountainous regions outside Barcelona, which proved a terrific test ground with it's curves and undulations. The new Cooper, very much like the MINI Cooper S, is slightly more powerful, more comfortable and more refined to drive and passenger in than the outgoing model.

The new, Hams Hall produced engine has quite a different character to the Tritec engine in the first generation MINI Cooper. The extra five or so HP doesn't tell the full story in terms of performance either. The engine feels sharp, smooth and more agile. Power delivery in particular feels more consistent across the rev range, if you're cruising in sixth gear there's still a little something there if you blip the throttle, even while making your way up a steep mountain pass.

The more time we spent in the Cooper (and it wasn't really long enough), both as passenger and driver, the more we found to like about it. The feel of the plastics is very good, arm rests in the doors are now really nice and chunky, most things feel very solid and tactile. The sports seats were very comfortable indeed, and the range of adjustment, especially for the driver with the new, fully adjustable steering column, was top notch.

When it came to ride quality and handling, once again revisions made on the second generation MINI were all positive updates. The car is more comfortable and ride less jarring (our test car had the optional Sports Suspension), but the handling and cornering of the car is very assured, probably more so than the first generation, and is exceptionally good fun in the twisties!



The new MINI Cooper is an excellent update of an already exceptional little car. We're sure that the success and passionate following of the MINI will continue at a pace with the next generation. We couldn't find fault either on it's own merits or against the 2001-2006 MINI Cooper.

Article: MINI2 - Images © BMW