Spot The Difference

Last updated: 21/12/2006 - 13:07

Mini’s new Cooper S can only be described as the tough little brother – because it packs a little punch - chunky bad boy of the classic mini.

We tested the new Cooper S variant, which has always been loads of fun but in the past never quite gave you the confidence you needed to really throw it about like you know it deserved. When it comes to this new chunky 'bad-boy' version I can say - with a grin on my face – that this is something quite different!

Chunky Bad Boy

On first sight you would be hard pushed to notice the immediate differences, I spent the first half hour playing ‘spot the difference’ given the new one looks so much like the old one! Finally I was able to circle the subtle differences: the nose is a tad longer, there’s now a cool one-piece grille, the new headlamps look ‘funky’ and the front bumper has had a bit of restyling. Those who look closely will also spot that the taillights have changed for this new model too – as have the rear pillar ‘lips’ that aid stability at higher speeds.

Mood Lighting

Once inside the car is where the changes become more apparent to the eye. BMW seemed to have removed the cheap plastic feeling and replaced it with quality that makes you feel special. Backlit airbag signs, centre-ceiling console, door handles and door pockets creates way for Mini's mood lighting with choices of orange, pink and blue. When changing the mood lighting I found myself wishing the dashboard would change colour too.

Remaining the same is the Mini’s selection of cars. The Mini One, on sale in a few months’ time, costs £11,595, the Cooper is £12,995 and the Cooper S is £15,995. The Coopers go on sale on November 18. Soon there will be a Mini diesel — this time - with a better engine and an automatic variant. The convertible continues unchanged for the time being.

The sporty Cooper S has boundless amounts of energy being a supercharged little ‘bad boy’; capable of producing 163bhp. Even packing such a punch the new Mini delivers surprisingly excellent fuel consumption. The Cooper certainly doesn’t lack enthusiasm and clearly never fails to please.

Even though side by side the new and old Mini look similar, the new Mini showcases a familiar mix of new and old. It’s fantastic to drive and even provides good space as a backseat passenger, however the boot space remains a little on the small side.

So, it’s good news for one of Britain’s best selling small cars – the same but much much better.

Further Information

Follow this link for more information and full specifications of the new Mini Cooper S.

Follow this link for the Mini Cooper S on the official Mini website