MINI Cooper S (02-06) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Strapping a supercharger to the MINI Cooper has elevated performance to a level that most other road users don’t expect. Those cutesy looks suggest a funky shopping car. This rather rubs salt into the wounds of other performance car drivers when they get left for dead on a twisty road. It takes a keen eye to pick out the bonnet scoop that is the only reliable visual indication the this is the hot Mini rather than just a tarted-up One. John Cooper can add a ‘Works’ performance pack that makes the MINI virtually untouchable on a country road.
4.5 out of 5

Other MINI reviews

3 out of 5

Comfort

You can get grown-ups in the back but if one person is tall then there are going to be complaints. Feels refined when cruising and certainly an improvement on most hot-hatches. Standard seats aren't the most comfortable but will suffice for shorter journeys. Extra supportive bucket seats are available on the options list - they're great but not cheap.

2.5 out of 5

Practicality

Has the practical advantages of a hatchback with split-folding rear seats, but ultimate practicality has been sacrificed in maintaining traditional Mini styling cues.

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How does the boot space compare?

315 litres
252 litres
237 litres
MINI Cooper S (02-06)
150 litres
3.5 out of 5

Behind the wheel

BMW has had a crack at trying to recreate the character of old Mini while delivering a good quality environment. Some would say its funky, others might say its overdone. Either way you'll soon forget the interior once you've got your toe down on the accelerator.