License to thrill

Let’s get it straight. The Mini Cooper S is an out-and-out head turner. Sure, it’s compact but its huge presence leaves many big and luxurious cars looking small as far as attitude is concerned. There is more to the Mini than just being a car for all seasons —from the flower-power generation to the current age of technology. Believe it or not, the Cooper S gives you a celebrity image. The Beatles swore by it, so much so that their lead guitarist George Harrison used his Cooper S as a canvas on which he got psychedelic motifs painted, including Sanskrit mantras and shiny gold wheels, while Paul McCartney incorporated several features from the Aston Martin, including a California Sage Green metallic paintjob and taillights in his Mini. Now, if the fab-four from Liverpool were fixated with the power of the Mini, you need to forgive a mere mortal like myself if I get all awed and inspired by the current generation Cooper S.

What makes it even more special is its blistering 1.6-litre turbo charged petrol engine, which packs a power punch of 184bhp. Press the ignition button and the initial growl makes you realise that you have a beast lurking under the chic retro hatch’s bonnet and the exhaust note adds that extra edge to the Cooper S. Step on the pedal and without batting an eyelid you see this mighty Mini coasting over 150kmph and crossing the 200kmph barrier with such ease that you wonder what was the fuss all about. Weighing just 1,165kg, you can imagine how the power-to-weight ratio works in favour of the Cooper S. The six-speed automatic gearbox is precise and ensures that there is no lag or power surge. The short-ratio gears play perfectly to the engine’s game plan to make sure the Cooper S is a small car with big attitude in the power department. With so much fun at your service, reality always has its way of crashing in as an SUV owner rolls down the window and asks us that eternal Indian question: “Boss, what’s the mileage?” Are you kidding me? Thanks to the traffic signal turning green at the right time we didn’t need to get into this embarrassing topic.

After getting away from the maddening crowd, we were floored by the way Cooper S charged into corners like a go-kart on afterburners. This front wheel drive marque stays planted on the road, not once did we feel that the front tyres might lose grip. The car’s light and responsive steering wheel brings a big smile to the face and loads of feedback makes it a joy to tame sharp twists and turns. The paddle shifts are precise and well-placed that make the driver feel more connected to the car. The brakes take responsiveness to a different level all together.

If the Cooper S has a major negative point then it has to be the ride quality, which is bit on the harsher side due to the stiff suspension. The run-flat tyres transfer more bumps than you would like. On flat tarmac there's nothing to complain, but when you’re nearing potholes it’s better to ease off on the accelerator or be prepared for a jarring experience.

The interiors are a mix of swanky retro design and elegant upmarket feel. The huge analogue speedometer takes the centre stage on the dashboard which also doubles up as an infotainment display. With such a big interface one wishes that it was touch enabled. Don’t get us wrong, we love the signature Mini knobs even though they are ergonomically challenging as one ends up focusing more on the buttons than on the road. But then this is a lifestyle car, so if you need to set the temperature then just park the Cooper S to the side of the road. This two-seater gets comfortable and supportive front seats. They are large so it can easily accommodate tall drivers. The rear seats can accommodate two small children at best unless you want to make adults feel like canned Sardines. The ideal way is to look at the rear as an additional luggage space. It's also difficult to climb into the back due to the limited space. But, then we are talking about the Mini Cooper S — its style par-excellence in power not space.

Great things come in small packages and this showstopper makes the masses drool and women go weak in the knees. The power leaves the rest of the wannabes eating dust. The Cooper S is the king in the handling department as no turn or twist is a challenge. This lifestyle car is a pleasure to drive in packed traffic as it easily manages to zigzag its way home. But for all the praise one has to keep the stiff suspension in mind. We also suggest let the rear seats be used as extra luggage space.

Mini Cooper S

Engine: 1.6 turbo petrol DI

Max power: 184bhp@5500rpm

Max torque: 240Nm@1600rpm

Gearbox: 6-speed auto

Wheelbase (mm): 2595

LxWxH (mm): 3714x1683x1407

Top Speed: 223kmph

0-100kmph: 7.2s