MINI Cooper S (06 on) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
Last Updated: 13 June 2011
Better to drive. More space. Less fuss. That's what makes this MINI Cooper S different from the one it replaces - even though it may look virtually the same. Most of the changes are under the skin and they help make it better than ever. There's a new turbocharged engine, updated interior and every body panel is different - though not so you'd notice. But the best bits have been kept, so it's fantastic to drive, fun and even sensible to own - it depreciates slowly and is cheap to service. This means it's a hot hatch that appeals to the head as well as the heart. The addition of the MINI SD in 2011 (Sports Diesel) to the Cooper range isn't about re-inventing the popular model, but more tweaking and adding another feather to the cap of one of the best-loved cars in the UK.
4.5 out of 5

Other MINI reviews

3 out of 5

Buying new

There are a vast number of ways in which you can make your MINI your own. Most aspects can be personalised, so you can change the colour of the roof, add bonnet stripes, specify a full-length sunroof and choose from a range of alloys. But you'll struggle to get a discount. We'd think that the tlc servicing pack should be a must buy. Not only does this make MINI ownership more comfortable, it will also make it easier to sell.

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3 out of 5

Buying used

It's not easy to spot the changes between this and the old car. Most of them are subtle and not instantly visible. Yet all the body panels are different, as are the engines and the interior has a different look. The quickest way to tell if a MINI is a new one is to look at the headlamps: the indicators on the later one are inside. Also be aware that air conditioning wasn't standard before January 2009 but it's an essential option. Avoid any cars without it.

  • Boot/Load Space MINI Cooper S (06 on)
  • Interior MINI Cooper S (06 on)

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See 70 used MINI Cooper Ss for sale, starting at £6,950

4 out of 5

Selling

MINI has long been the darling of the used car market: it’s the same if you’re selling privately or to a dealer. So there should be no problems when you come to dispose of yours. Cars that shift quickest will have the tlc pack (and be up-to-date with the servicing) and have some choice options and accessories: the Chili Pack, for instance, is always popular.