2003 MINI Cooper S

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/03/2003 (8423 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IF you think that people smile big when they see a MINI Cooper on the road, have a look at the ear to ear grin on the lucky person behind the wheel.

The MINI is one of those rare vehicles that is instantly recognizable by just about everyone who lays eyes on it. But more importantly, it provides a driving experience that few competitors at its price point can challenge. And that’s particularly true in the case of the supercharged Cooper S, the subject of this review.

The Lineup

Owned by BMW but assembled in true-to-heritage Oxford, Great Britain, the MINI is offered in Cooper and Cooper S trim levels. The Cooper S starts at $29,950 and gets a significant boost in horsepower compared with the base Cooper (read on) along with 16-inch wheels and a few other goodies.

My tester was an electric blue Cooper S equipped with the premium package (multi-function steering wheel, cruise control, heated seats, automatic climate control), white wheels, and fog lights for an as-tested price of $32,120.

The Powertrain

Powering the S is a version of the transversely mounted 1.6-litre motor found in the base Cooper that has been augmented by a mechanically driven supercharger. In blown form, this unit produces 163 hp at 6,000 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm, up from 115 hp and 110 lb-ft. Mated to a slick shifting six-speed manual, it delivers power to the front wheels via equal-length driveshafts designed to reduce torque steer — that annoying side-to-side pull that front-drivers are prone to under hard acceleration.

A MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension each enjoy the benefits of reinforced stabilizer bars to reduce body roll under cornering loads. Being a more performance-oriented model, the Cooper S’s suspension is calibrated with firmer spring rates than the base model. Braking force is provided by discs at each corner, vented in front. An alphabet soup of electronic helpers make the most of the available braking performance: anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), and cornering brake control (CBC) are all utilized to give the driver the best possible shot at avoiding potential trouble. Rounding out the roster of electronic helpers is ASC+T (automatic stability control plus traction).

Runflat tires are standard equipment on the Cooper S and eliminate the need for a space-robbing spare tire.

Inside and out

While the MINI is small by today’s standards — riding on a brief 97.1-inch wheelbase, it gives up an inch in height and almost two feet (!) in overall length to the Honda Civic Hatchback — it’s a giant compared with its ’60s namesake. Credit a more commodious passenger compartment and enhanced safety and handling design for the increase in size.

The S differentiates itself from the base Cooper with numerous function and styling based enhancements, including a functional hood scoop, larger standard wheels and a roof- mounted spoiler.

Ever-trendy silver is the theme inside, but with a few twists: most of the dash is dressed in an industrial ‘alloy patina’ finish that looks like somebody took a grinder to it. Gauges are black on silver in daylight, switching to amber on a dark background at night.

Paying homage to the original Austin car of the same name, a small tachometer sits perched atop the steering column. The speedo is directly in the centre of the dash at the top of the centre stack and I found it difficult to reference with just a glance — and that’s all it should take.

The seats are well-suited to spirited driving, as they grab hold of their passengers and don’t let go. The standard leatherette upholstery, while not my favourite (I prefer a nice cloth to imitation leather), is almost rubbery in its texture and keeps passengers from sliding around. Not well-suited to anything, though, are the seat heaters in the MINI, which come on way too strong. Try cooking a frozen roast under a broiler and you’ll get the idea.

Rear seat room is generous considering the exterior dimensions of the MINI, although it’s not terribly easy to get back there. Legroom is adequate, and width-wise it’s good for two. Behind the rear seat is just 150L of cargo space, which expands to 670 with the split seats folded.

The Driving Experience

The MINI isn’t just another cutesy face on the automotive landscape. It was engineered to perform, and does so in such a way that grinning commences the moment the key is turned and doesn’t fade until after the driver has walked away and the MINI is out of sight.

The blower completely alters the character of this car, giving it bags of low-end grunt that don’t let up. Under acceleration, the supercharger emits a subtle whine that lends to the unique character of this funky ride. Throttle response is first-rate, thanks to its fully electronic drive-by-wire throttle management.

Working the six-speed stir stick through its gears is a pure joy; the clutch engages smoothly and the slick, short-throw shifter seems to find the gears on its own. Braking response is confidence-inspiring, utilizing a firm pedal feel and a linear relationship between pedal pressure and braking force.

But the best part of the MINI driving experience is the steering response. MINI claims go-kart-like handling and gives the MINI the steering characteristics to back that claim up. Mere twitches of the wheel result in a change in direction, but don’t make the car feel nervous. This kind of balance is hard to come by: it still knows where straight ahead is, and at the same time there’s no on-centre numbness to dilute the experience.

There is one major area that disappointed me, however: refinement. I think the refinement of the drivetrain is beyond reproach at this price point. But the general build quality of the vehicle — exacerbated by the stiff ride — left me wanting for more. Naturally, ride quality suffers at the expense of razor-sharp handling. But when that same stiff ride results in body creaks and a couple of rattles in a brand new car, it reduces the perception of quality that this otherwise excellent vehicle exhibits.

To Sum It Up

While it’s clear that function follows form in the MINI, it’s a remarkably well-packaged vehicle considering its minute dimensions.

The MINI Cooper S is a point-and-shoot pocket rocket with a reasonable price, even with options, that is stylish, practical, and one of the best handling front-drivers I’ve sampled.

Shopping Around

The Cooper S is a niche vehicle that appeals to the emotions — style and fun-to-drive are at the highest priorities. Accordingly, its list of competitors is short but filled with character:

Acura RSX Type S ($31,300)

Chrysler PT Turbo ($27,700)

Honda Civic SiR ($25,500)

MazdaSpeed Protege ($26,995)

Pontiac Vibe GT ($26,765)

Subaru WRX ($34,995)

VW GTI 1.8T ($26,330)

VW New Beetle GLX ($30,200)