MINI COOPER S
Zippy Tech
With new technological features, the Cooper S is more than just a facelift.
What's new?
Mini's mid-life update is more extensive than you might expect from a brand that loves employing the most microscopic of changes, as it has done in the previous generation.
In order to make the facelifted hatchback more noticeable to the average punter rather than just to Mini collectors, designers have inserted, among others, prominent chrome-like air vents in the front bumper for the Cooper S range-topper.
Then there's an uprated petrol engine promising more performance and better fuel consumption at the same time, thanks to new tech like twin-scroll turbo, direct-injection and valve-lifting called Valvetronic in Mini (and BMW) speak.
The next thing that has been enhanced is the centre instrument cluster that features the so-called Mini Connected in which users with iPhone4 can hook up to get tech-savvy. Mini says six in 10 of customers in Thailand use that advanced mobile phone.
Lastly, the suspension setup has been softened after clients complained of stiff ride. According the people at Mini Thailand, there are three levels that can be requested from the factory: normal, sport and sport-plus. This updated Cooper S moves down to the intermediate setting from the most extreme.
Cooper S remain a brisk small car on the move.
What's cool?
Okay, we'd be telling you a fib by suggesting that performance is now better than before when the number of ponies have risen to 184hp from 175, cutting the 0-100kph time by 0.1sec. However, we did notice some improvement in fuel economy, which Mini claims at an 11% rate.
Whatever, the Cooper S is still a joy to drive. You don't need to rush the accelerator; a light to moderate tap on it is enough to get you zipping past others on the road in the usual Mini fashion. And just like before, you can engage into Sport mode for a more engaging driving experience.
The decision by Mini to soften the suspension for the Cooper S can be felt, both when trundling along city speeds and over high-speed undulations. A dose of ride comfort would be welcomed by many enthusiasts in Thailand.
The Cooper S still offers a kind of driving experience that's unrivalled, thanks to its go-kart-like handling, naughty engine sound when pushed and responsive brakes.
After years being behind the wheel of Minis, attention from others on the road and kerb is still generous. Couple that with a stylish and playful interior (night ambience lighting and twin pop-up sunroof are really gimmicky), you will always feel special in the Cooper S.
Fascia is attractive but flawed to use, as ever.
What's not?
Not everyone is going to exactly like the cosmetic touch-ups. But, in the end, we'll leave it to you dear readers to decide.
Despite the new multimedia enhancements, don't expect the car to help navigate you when there's actually an icon on the screen. Mini says the software isn't ready yet and the whole idea of the digital pack initially is to allow drivers to tweet and websurf when they like.
While the more compliant suspension is always a good thing for real-world motoring, hard-footed drivers used to fully exploiting the Cooper S's potential will now get closer to the edge than usual when cornering or braking hard from high speeds.
The need to look cool also comes with a drawback: the 17-inch wheels shod with low aspect ratio tyres can be felt at all times and you can feel it vibrate pronouncedly over poor road surfaces.
The rest are the usual shortcomings already prevalent since the pre-facelift era: cramped rear legroom, heavy doors, fascia that has sold function for appearance and a hefty price of B2.89-3.09m depending on Look.
Engine is more powerful yet more frugal.
Buy or bye
It's quite easy to sum up that the Cooper S has now become more relevant than ever to the real-world buyer with its freshened looks, better fuel economy, a dose more of comfort and multi-media enhancements.
In fact, we won't be surprised if one day it shifts further away from what it was conceived to be from day one.
But make no mistake: the Cooper S is still a great car to drive and be in. It continues to feel special which makes this update worthwhile to Mini fans.
Just make sure that you crave for nothing else available in the Thai market at such prices because there are several interesting alternatives like the Mazda MX-5, VW Scirocco and the just-launched Peugeot RC-Z.
iPhone4 compatibility for Mini Connected.
Suspension setting is slightly softer now.
INSIDE AND OUT
The mid-life updates have not only been applied to the Hatch but also the Clubman and Convertible model ranges.
Not only that, the Cooper and One engine variants have also been improved but to a lesser extent than the Cooper S, explaining why fuel economy is basically the same among all three motors.
From left: Convertible, Hatch and Clubman.
Mini says the unique engine features of Cooper S help achieve its remarkably bigger performance yet same fuel consumption of the Cooper and One (see graphic).
Since the One and Cooper are targeted at an audience less concerned about driving performance, the two get the so-called Normal suspension setup. The One, in particular, gets cushier tyres and is only available for Hatchback.
The Clubman and Convertible come in Cooper and Cooper S guises costing between B2.79-3.29m and B2.89-3.29m respectively.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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