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

4 out of 5

Safety

The MINI was awarded five stars by Euro NCAP for adult occupancy crash safety and the Cooper S comes with all the kit you'd expect as standard. That includes dual front, side and curtain headbags and Isofix child seat mounting points. Security-wise there's remote central locking, and alarm and an immobiliser. For the first time, there's a keyless entry and start system.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

Visit Euro NCAP for more info

  • Adult Occupant Rating

    5 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    3 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    2 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

When the previous MINI was launched in 2001, some of the early cars suffered from glitches; others were simply unreliable. These problems were quickly ironed out and MINI now has a very good record. This is likely to continue with the new car.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.