2006 Mini Cooper Review

A MINI with a Maxi Sports Car Soul

A few of my more recent road tests (New Beetle Convertible, Honda Civic Coupe DX-G and this weeks MINI Cooper S Checkmate) have focused on small cars packing big fun factors. In its own unique way each car is entertaining, purposeful and full of character. In which car Id prefer to greet a sunny day would depend on my mood at the time and the nature of the road that lies ahead; one thing for certain, none of these rides would disappoint, especially when the MINI is a Cooper S Checkmate.

The Checkmate MINI was introduced at the Frankfurt Auto show in late 2005 and was highlighted at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in early January 2006. Its extra “attitude” is available on both the Cooper and Cooper S variants, however Checkmating either MINI adds more than just attitude. 

Although the limited edition Checkmate package is mostly visual, it includes performance enhancements such as Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), 17-inch Flame Spoke alloy wheels and front and rear fog lights. Checkerboard side decals, silver bonnet stripes, a silver roof and mirror caps, plus special Checkmate cloth/leather interior trim aggrandize the MINIs bulldog image. My tester was sent further upscale with a Premium Package that added chrome interior adornments, a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats, an auto dimming mirror, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.

Not yet done, this weeks ride was also fitted with MINIs Cockpit Chrono Package, which is more than a fancy way of saying “on-board computer gadgetry.” It includes a center-mounted console display with oil pressure and temperature gauges. Stand-alone options included a traction-boosting limited-slip differential and a sound-boosting Harman Kardon premium audio system. In total, thats a lot of gear for a diminutive 2-door, 4-seat hatchback.

Juxtaposing this diminutive size was the 168-horsepower and 162 foot-pounds of torque growling beneath my Checkmates short hood. The SOHC, turbocharged Cooper S powder keg displaces a mere, 1.6 liters (98 cu in), but you wouldnt know it. When connected to MINIs slick shifting 6-speed gearbox, its capable of hurtling the 2,673 lb mass of the hot MINI from a standstill to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. In that brief time the mighty little mill will twice hit its redline of 6,800 rpm while emitting one of the hottest snarls to be found in a stock from-the-factory exhaust system. As well as sounding more “aftermarket” than not, the pipes blat out a wonderful rally car-like
popping noise when the right foot is raised, making this powerplant as
much fun audibly as it is practically. Drive-by-wire throttle inputs are responded to instantly, often with more punch than anticipated once the tachometer has surpassed 3,000 rpm. The net result is immediate snap off-the-line and decisive passing power at any legal speed.

Of course, some assertive gear mixing is necessary to coax every scintilla of thrust from the compact mill. Few gearboxes lend themselves to this chore better than the MINIs 6-speed example; shifts are short, notchy and precise with gear ratios that fit properly together and work in harmony with the Cooper S engine. Clutch actuation in my tester was light and progressive, contributing to smooth starts and taut shifts. Once underway, the Cooper S Checkmate takes on a sports car persona. It rides and handles like a high achieving, purpose built sports coupe. The result is a ride thats notably firm. A soothing ride this is not, an incredibly agile ride this is, thanks to the Cooper S sport-plus suspension setup.

Steering response in the athletic Checkmate is instantaneous and lively, with feedback so outstanding nothing can obfuscate its message. Supporting the Checkmates lightening-quick, speed-sensitive steering is a full set of powerful antilock disc brakes featuring cornering brake control (CBC). Although the MINI is built in England, the precise actuation of these binders feels more Germanic than British in ethnicity, which makes sense given MINIs BMW parentage. However, exacting brake performance is but the beginning of the Checkmates commitment to safety and occupant protection.

Augmenting safety is an electronic traction control system paired with the Checkmates Dynamic Stability Control program. Should these sophisticated electronic aids fail to keep the MINI free of impact, its set of six standard equipment airbags will cushion blows directed at front seat occupants from ahead, aside and above. Rear seat passengers are covered by second row, airbag head protection alone. This array of inflatable devices is neatly concealed in one of the “coolest” retro cabins to date. I absolutely love the tachometer and speedometer, both of which sit as external units dressed in chrome housings and mounted on the steering column. Next in the unique arrangement is an antiquated-looking, mid-dashboard-mounted large circular assembly comprised of several gauges and numerous warning lights.

If the sophisticated throwback cabin is deficient in any way, its by the absence of an armrest. Granted such a plebian device might spoil the cabins appearance, it would do wonders to improve comfort on long trips. And so would longer front seat cushions. I know space in the MINIs cabin is a finite resource, but a little better support under long thighs would be welcome. Add severely limited rear seat legroom and the need for a second grande-size cupholder up front (where to put it I dont know) to my list of cabin shortcomings, and the compilation is complete. On the positive side of the ledger, enter excellent side-bolstering in the front seats, the use of high quality materials throughout and excellent interior fit and finish. Along with these attributes, include in the thumbs-up list the MINIs split folding rear seats that transform it into quite a useful cargo carrier. In fact it would be fair to conclude that the MINI Cooper S Checkmate is a highly capable sports car imbedded in the shell of a small, but versatile wagon hatchback. And let me tell you, that is one tough shell.

I was very impressed with the structural rigidity of the MINI; its humble two-square design might just as well have been etched from a concrete brick- it feels that solid and well put together. Rattles are non-existent and suspension noise is less than I have experienced in some pretty exotic rides costing considerably more. I give the MINI engineers full credit for sparing the Cooper the hollow, tin drum effect that often plaques subcompact hatchbacks without over-insulating the drivers connection to the car and roadway. Its the sense of being immersed in the mechanization process that makes the MINI Cooper S Checkmate so enjoyable to drive, although its firm ride can become tiresome when all one wants is a serene drive home through heavy traffic on weather-eroded streets. But hey if you want serenity, the Checkmate is not for you. This is a vehicle that stands out in a world of blandness like an inferno in a nighttime desert.

As with a mischievous but cute little imp, the Cooper S Checkmate is hard not to love. Its one of the best examples of retro-styling combined with modern technology and cutting-edge performance in todays diverse car market. Granted pricing is on the steep side for a car that has significant cargo and accommodation limitations, but any such concern is banished once the key is twisted. And if the euphoria of driving the Cooper S Checkmate is not enough to keep the chin up when the monthly payment comes due, a gentle reminder that its potent 168-horsepower mill delivers superb fuel economy should.

Within the fuel stingy Cooper S Checkmate lives the soul of a sports car. Numerous option packages and standalones allow the Checkmates soul to be perfectly matched to that of its owner, even if a boost in horsepower and performance is required. In such a case the John Cooper Works Package will hike the Checkmates supercharged output by 40-horsepower to a wicked 208 ponies while raising its torque from 162 foot-pounds to 180. Also included in this package is a limited-slip differential, enlarged front brakes, twin exhaust pipes and an accompanying certificate of authenticity. But be prepared to pony-up for the extra ponies, the John Cooper Works Package adds a whopping $6,300 to the price of a Cooper S.