Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
For years the stylized S on the backside of any Mini model has signified a very worthwhile performance upgrade, not to mention other goodies to go along with its increased price point. The best part is the received reward is much greater than the money needed to move up from the base Cooper, which is why there are so many S-badged Minis zipping around town.
And they certainly zip quickly. Under the stubby little Mini hood is a direct-injected and twin-scroll turbocharged version of Mini’s heady little 1.6-litre four-cylinder, complete with 60 more ponies than the base Cooper at 181 horsepower and 63 additional pound-feet of torque at 177,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
JCW aside, the Cooper S is still great fun to drive through town or out on the open road. It’s the automotive equivalent to a five-hour energy drink, a small container that’s filled full of eye-popping power. While a short-shifting six-speed manual is standard, Mini outfitted my Cooper S Convertible tester with the optional six-speed automatic, but don’t start boohooing on my account. For sure I love the total
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
I took opportunity to do just that in the pastoral area where my partner and I went to shoot photos. She always enjoys going quickly in a capable car, and the ease that a Mini Cooper S Convertible takes to curves will make anyone feel safe and secure. We wound our way through the beautiful countryside, only a trace of fall colours showing on the few deciduous trees scattered between myriad evergreens, the formers’ leaves still holding fast yet trying their best to match the golden yellow of the twisting lane divider on the inky black stretches of pavement ahead, below and behind.
Our
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Superb braking is something most would expect from a car that only weighs 1,295 kilos as tested, Mini having upped the Cooper S Convertible’s front rotor diameter by 14 millimeters over the base model to compensate for the sportier drop-top’s stronger performance. The automatic-equipped S Convertible will hit 100 km/h in just 7.4 seconds and the manual in a mere 7.2, which is 3.4 and 2.4 seconds faster
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The Cooper S Convertible’s abbreviated 2,467-mm wheelbase means that cowl shake and structural shimmies won’t occur at all, such issues left to less rigid longer wheelbase drop-tops. Mini’s ragtop is tight like a little drum, critically important for its raison d’etre, which of course is weaving through serpentine ribbons of tarmac with unbridled enthusiasm. As you’ll already know if you’ve read my Mini Cooper Convertible review, I gave the Cooper S Convertible a fun factor of nine out of 10 (the base Cooper Convertible got an eight and JCW received full marks with a 10), as it leaves a grin on your face even when filling up at the pump.
Yes,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Both models will make you rethink your priorities when it comes to baggage, however, as there’s only 170 litres of cargo space in the tiny trunk. But three’s a crowd anyway, right? Lay the 50/50 split-folding rear seats flat and all of a sudden you and your significant other will have 660 litres of gear-toting space at your disposal, which is more than ample for a weekend (or weeklong) getaway.
Traveling
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
My tester featured the aforementioned six-speed automatic transmission that comes packaged with a stylish leather-wrapped sport steering wheel featuring paddle-shifters for $1,300, as well as an $1,850 Wired Package that adds USB and Bluetooth streaming audio, smartphone integration, voice recognition, Mini Connected (which is easily one of the best infotainment systems in the industry, especially if you’re pairing up an iPhone), and a navigation system, all integrated within
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
A standalone option included on my test car was a $750 Harmon/Kardon audio system upgrade that delivered impressive sound, while Mini also included proximity sensing keyless Comfort Access for $390, front fog lights for $250 and rear fogs for $100, plus a $750 Bi-Xenon Headlights with Headlamp Washer package that makes a crystal clear difference while night driving. Lastly, my Cooper S Convertible was coated in a brilliant White Silver Metallic paint costing $590, while the ultra-cool Black Star Bullet alloy wheels added an extra $250 on top of the $990 required for the Sport Package, the latter of which includes the sport
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Additional packages are available, including one that will even dress your Cooper S Convertible in JCW duds, adding everything but the more powerful engine, or alternatively a Mini Yours package that replaces the Cooper S Convertible’s performance-first black on black look with classy light grey detailing inside and out.
While
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)