Mini Coupé Cooper S test drive

Mini Coupé Cooper S

MINI gives the small car segment another fascinating injection of variety with the presentation of the first two-seater in the brand’s current model range. The MINI Coupe represents the faithful transposition of the brand’s sporting DNA into a cutting-edge vehicle with a new interpretation of the super-compact sports car class; unrivalled handling agility and the best performance figures of any model in the MINI line-up.

First “three-box” MINI with strikingly stepped rear end in the classic style of a Gran Turismo; sporty, flat Coupe silhouette; sits a full inch lower than MINI Hardtop; new, faithful expression of the hallmark MINI design language; distinctive steel “helmet roof” with integral roof spoiler; first MINI with an active rear spoiler to optimize airflow at higher speeds; rear spoiler extends automatically at 80 km/h (50 mph).

A chassis set-up, weight balance and body structure geared squarely to providing unbeatable driving fun gives the car’s go-kart feeling unrivalled depth; Electric Power Steering and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) as standard, DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) optional (standard on MINI John Cooper Works Coupe); innovative pedestrian protection systems and measures to enhance body rigidity shift the car’s weight balance slightly further forward, giving the front-wheel-drive MINI Coupe optimized traction; agility and safety boosted by increase in torsional rigidity using carefully targeted, model-specific strengthening elements.

Test Drive

Strict two-seater concept with extended stowage and loading capacity behind the driver and passenger seats; large, variable-use luggage area; large through-loading facility into the passenger compartment; wide and extremely high-opening tailgate makes loading easier.

Interior design clearly emphasizing two-seat layout; oval recesses in the roof liner provide extra headroom for the driver and front passenger; sports seats fitted as standard (MINI Cooper S Coupe, MINI John Cooper Works Coupe); two-piece luggage compartment cover in striking, three-dimensional design.

Exclusive color and materials concept; roof in contrasting color as standard; a new interpretation of the optional Sport stripes in the same contrasting color on the bonnet, boot lid and rear apron, and in body color on the roof; anthracite roof liner as standard; new upholstery variants, exterior mirror colors, trim strips and color lines offer additional scope for customization.

High-quality standard equipment and innovative options underlining the premium character typical of the brand, yet unique in the segment; speed-sensitive power steering, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats, air conditioning and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player and AUX IN connection as standard; optional equipment includes black headlight housing, xenon headlights, Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access, automatic climate control, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and exterior mirrors, storage package, preparation for a rear luggage carrier rack, the John Cooper Works Pack and exclusive options from the MINI Yours range; a variety of entertainment and communications functions unparalleled in the segment: Harman Kardon sound system, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation, USB audio interface; innovative MINI Connected functions – including web radio, Google local search and Google Send to Car services, reception of RSS news feeds, plus in-car use of Facebook and Twitter – available in conjunction with the MINI Visual Boost radio or MINI navigation system.

Latest generation of four-cylinder engines, including the most powerful gasoline units in the MINI range; engine technology underpinned by the development expertise of the BMW Group / derived directly from motorsports; six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard, six-speed automatic optional for MINI Cooper S Coupe and MINI Cooper Coupe.