STAR of the MINI stable, the Cooper S joined the squad as a tribute to the glory days of British hot wheels.
Although owned by BMW the Cooper S is still made in Britain and is a raceaway success.
Cooper S comes with increased power and performance, a beefed up look and extra equipment, complemented by a great line-up of factory-fit options and aftermarket accessories.
Two such accessories are proving a great hit for supporters of Queen and country - Union Jack and St George's Cross roof flag decals. The MINI Cooper S costs £14,500 on the road. Adding a flag to the roof takes the cost up a further £95 (plus fitting).
Perhaps more important to enthusiasts is the fact that state-of-the-art supercharger and intercooler technology pushes the standard 1.6-litre MINI engine to an impressive 163bhp, breaking the rarely attained 100bhp/litre mark.
Stiffer suspension, uprated brakes and a new six-speed gearbox complement the increase in power, guaranteeing an exhilarating driving experience.
MINI Cooper S is easily recognisable by the air intake on the bonnet which channels cool air over the supercharger. Other exterior features include 16" alloy wheels with run flat tyres, rear roof spoiler, chrome-plated fuel cap and centrally mounted twin exhaust pipes.
Inside, the Cooper S has sports seats, leather steering wheel and a chrome and leather gearstick all as standard.
In addition to the much-loved MINI trait of personalisation that roof flag decals offer, there is a wide selection of options available and the five year/ 50,000 mile MINI tlc service pack is also available.
I'm lucky enough to have sampled both the original Mini Cooper S and the latest. Both cars may bear the same name but they are totally different in terms of driving and character.
The original, with its large bore exhaust, milked just about every drop of performance and fun the old Mini concept could offer. In its day it was exhilarating and challenging, but it does pale almost into insignificance in the face of the latest offering, now marketed through BMW dealerships.
The new MINI Cooper S is a totally different type of performance car to the original. It pays homage in terms of retro features, but really deserves individual recognition as a performance car rather than merely to be regarded as a modern tribute to a British sporting icon.
Market confidence in this car is astonishing. Its residual values are the envy of the UK car market and the Cooper S has a very rosy future among those who want updated MINI values, and the new generation to whom individuality and pure fun are governing factors when lashing out on a new car.
FAST FACTS
MINI Cooper S
Price: £14,500
Mechanical: 163bhp, 1,598cc, supercharged, 4cyl engine driving front wheels via 6spd gearbox.
Max speed: 126mph
0-62mph: 8.0secs
Combined mpg: 33.6
Insurance group: 15
CO2 emissions: 202g/km
BiK rating: 22%
Warranty: 3yrs/ unlimited miles; 6yrs anti-rust