The Cooper S is like a healthy, naughty, playful little puppy. The moment you set it free, you find out just how quick, nimble and agile it is. BMW and MINI’s secret-agent driving team of Kenneth and Wong had more devious things planned: a 0-100-0 performance test bed, as well a gymkhana course layout complete with a full circle and slalom section to make sure we did find out exactly how it was. The response is phenomenal and everything from the steering feedback to the suspension set-up is spot-on for fun. It’s quick off the line – a claimed 6.7 seconds to 100 km/h – and can hit a top speed over 230 km/h. The brakes are good, too, and can shed speed like the puppy sheds hair in your living room. The Cooper S pulls your face off when you step on the pedal and does so in a straight line, although its light weight means it does feel quite dramatic.
The cornering is hard and quick and the MINI turns in tight, changing direction like a puppy on three legs, and hits the apex, exiting with as much excitement, eager for the next one. The rorty exhaust note and the eager, revvy engine send the brain euphoric signals egging the urge to push harder.
There’s never a dull moment in the S and that, in itself, is justification for getting one. The price-tag? Rs 34.65 lakh (ex-showroom). Worth it? Well, if you want an iconic hot hatch which goes as good as it looks, with more road presence than a diamond-studded SUV, there’s nothing better out there.
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NEED TO KNOW: MINI Cooper S 3-door
Price: Rs 34.65 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi)
Engine: 2.0-litre, turbocharged, direct injection, in-line four
Max Power: 192 PS / 4,700-6,000 RPM
Max Torque: 280 Nm / 1,250-5,000 RPM
Transmission: Six-speed, automatic, front-wheel-drive
Weight: 1,220 kg
