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

5 out of 5

Running costs

Demand is high so residuals are rock solid and BMW offers a fantastic servicing package that provides five years maintenance for just £100. Petrol and insurance are reasonable too. Going over-board on the options, not specifying the TLC package or outright neglect are the only ways you'll lose much money on one. The TLC pack was extended to cover an eight year period in 2004 for £450. Older cars can also be upgraded.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

10,000-12,500 miles (depending on use).

Warranty

Three years mechanical, six years bodywork.

Road tax (12 months)

£270.00 - £270.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

2 out of 5

Green credentials

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
    216
  • L
  • M

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

Cooper S is quite a polluting model. With an average of 209 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions are a touch high for a sports hatchback. It's worth noting that the line-up does not feature any diesel models, which typically produce less carbon dioxide than petrol engines with similar power outputs. The range is not very frugal, averaging 32 mpg.

Find the exact engine and CO2