2003 MINI Cooper Review

Specifications

It Just Might Change Your Life

When my editor told me that the MINI Cooper S would change my life, I didnt believe him. I wondered how such a small machine could make such a big difference. But after a week of putting it through its paces, Ive shifted my views.

It didnt take long for me to fall in love with the tiny two-door, and even less time for gawking pedestrians and drivers of surrounding cars to acknowledge its presence. True, the MINI is one of the smallest cars out there but it might just be the one with the biggest heart.

It seems like everywhere I went the MINI was a hit. Whether filling up at the gas station or waiting at a stop light at a busy intersection, people responded with pointing fingers and big grins. Kids walking on the street would smile and yell “MINI”, then giggle and go on their way. Fellow MINI drivers offered nods and waves of camaraderie, while people would just start talking to me at random about its specifications.

My next door neighbor even told me that her “car wanted to make love to my car,” a rather odd but charming statement coming from an elderly woman. Maybe it was the Indie Blue Metallic exterior sporting the Union Jack on the roof that caught peoples eyes, or possibly its 17-inch 8-spoke alloy wheels enticed the car lovers in the crowds, or could it have been the twin chrome exhaust tips poking out from the center position of its lower rear fascia. Whatever reason, the feisty hatchback emanates the most positive aura when compared to any other car on the road.

But the biggest grin came from me, as its a blast to drive. The way it accelerates and handles is astonishing. The Cooper S is endowed with a supercharged SOHC 16-valve I-4 engine that delivers 163-hp at 6,000 rpm and 155 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. The superchargers whine while the engine exudes a flirtatious purr in every gear. With its standard 6-speed manual transmission the S is zippy quick, going from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds.

During my test period the Cooper S experienced a myriad of road conditions. I planned a “mini” golfing road trip from Vancouver, BC, Canada to Kelowna, smaller city in the provinces desert-like interior. Rather than the usual route I chose to take HWY 99 from Whistler (yes North Americas #1 ski resort) up to Lillooet, driving along the Duffy Lake Road, and so on. As I ascended the snake-like road my exterior temperature gauge indicated 37ºF outside, and dropping. Then everything turned white, I couldnt believe it. Its May and there was snow on the ground! But no need for fear, the MINI handled like a dream in the slippery and snowy conditions, in and out of tight turns. Although the 205/45R17 performance run-flat tires - part of the Sport Package - are not recommended for winter use, they gripped and hugged the road well, keeping the Cooper S from slipping and sliding. In ideal conditions, like the sunny days experienced during the Vancouver portion of the test, it handles amazingly.

The road I took was not the smoothest, but was definitely the most fun. All the dips and bumps turned a Sunday drive into a rollercoaster ride, but without any discomfort. The MINIs stiff front MacPherson strut suspension and independent Z-axle rear suspension kept the ride quite smooth even in such unfavorable conditions. The S also includes Sport Suspension II calibration for no additional charge.

The MINIs steering is also fantastic, accurate at low and high speeds. In fact, the Cooper S is equipped with vehicle-speed sensitive power-steering, increasing boost at lower speeds making it easier to park while stiffening it at highway velocity for a more direct feel. The shift lever is also close ratio, so when shifting its not an eternal stretch from gear to gear. When braking on the windy roads, the ventilated 4-wheel discs slowed the Cooper S down in a flash, assisted by standard ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD). This really enhances the MINIs sports car feel.

Speaking of sports cars, I had the privilege to drive the Sea-To-Sky highway, the road from Vancouver to Whistler, in the Cooper S a few times. I mentioned in my previous review of the Dodge Neon R/T that this road is anything but straight, but boy does this car iron out the turns. Its center of gravity is so low to the ground, that executing corners at high speeds is no problem. But beware, the MINI Cooper Ss Panther Black leatherette seats (leather is optional) are elevated so that youll feel higher off the ground than you actually are. It is imperative to go over speed bumps and railway crossings at a very low speed to prevent it from bottoming out.

While low to the ground it feels tall inside. My 64″ boyfriend had no discomfort issues. Theres lots of headroom, legroom, and people room. Even with two adult bodies in the backseat, theres still space to move around. However, theres no room for a pair of skis or surfboard in the interior, youll need a roof rack for that. But good news for golfers, two bags fit into the cargo area when the rear seatbacks are folded flat. In fact, there was room left for shoes and other gear. When the seats are upright the trunk is not too roomy, but will store small backpacks and other items easily. Ironically the glove compartment has more room in it than I have ever seen before, and its illuminated and even cooled!

Getting back to the Kelowna road trip, tunes are essential when driving for long periods of time. I decided to stay in touch with the British roots of the car (proudly displayed on the roof), so played an eclectic mix of The Cult and Spice Girls. While I dont usually listen to these artists, their music enhanced the MINI experience and was ideal for testing the 6-speaker premium sound system. When driving at night, the Xenon headlights were fabulous. The high beams are beyond potent causing me to switch them off immediately when noticing oncoming traffic.

Some other standard features that impressed me were the chrome toggle electric window lifts, polished aluminum and leather shift knob, digital clock integrated into the roof liner, exterior temperature display located on the tachometer, and the keyless remote entry system. Additional standards features include antilock brakes (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), a Tire Pressure Warning system (TPW), Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T), front driver and passenger-side airbags, as well as side thorax airbags for the driver and front passenger.

I really dont have any serious complaints to lay on this fabulous little four-seater. Im not even going to vent about the power window switches not being on the door because theyre so cool it just doesnt matter. I will say that when stopped at a traffic light, its sometimes hard to see the lights above due to the low windshield. My vision was obstructed by the wide headrests and thick B-pillars too. It was hard for me to see the left side blind spot making me rely solely on the left side exterior mirror, but that could also be because of my seating position. I also found that the seats did not recline as much as I wanted them too, forcing me into more of an upright driving position than Im used to (probably better for the back). Also, because the Cooper S only takes premium unleaded gas, fuel bills could be more than anticipated, but the fuel economy is superb at 24 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Whats more, premium fuel performs better and goes further for the money.

When a guy asked me how much the MINI Cooper S costs, he was a little thrown off by the price. I then asked him, “Where else can you get such a peppy car with tons of standard features, xenon headlights, a supercharged engine, and a vehicle enhanced with BMW technology for so little?” He agreed. The base price of the MINI Cooper S is $19,425. The price went up slightly as tested, as it included the optional sports package that comes with DSC II (Dynamic Stability Control), foglights, and the 17-inch S-Spoke alloy wheels. I agree, its not the most modest price tag but it is well worth it. If youre contemplating buying the Cooper S but are holding back from sticker shock, I say buck up because youll have no regrets.

During my week with the Cooper S, all I had was fun. I loved seeing peoples faces light up with a smile when I drove down the street. I loved the positive feedback from drivers on the road, and I must admit I loved all the attention. The MINI makes its owner stand out in a crowd and that is, for me, an essential part of buying a car. It targets the young and old, tall and short. Its a remarkable vehicle that definitely lifts the spirit. It just might change your life.