154 comments. That's not bad really, certainly more than I was expecting when I wrote about the arrival of 'OOV', my new
MINI Cooper S
. Reading through the comments it seemed that there was a clear three-way divide, those that love the new turbo MINI, those that prefer the previous supercharged version and those that discount it completely because of image. Have a look back over the previous thread if you haven’t done so already as it makes interesting reading.
I've had OOV for a few months now, and I have to make a bold statement that will either meet with approval, or some may feel its time for me to go to my room and think about what I have said. So with a deep breath....here goes. The MINI Cooper S is one of the best cars I have ever driven. Without wishing to sound like a show off, my employment history has been almost entirely in the motoring industry, and in that time I have driven a lot of cars. So why does this one make such an impression? Why do I sit in the PH office preaching how I have the best car of the team?
For those that haven’t driven a MINI, let me tell you that these cars handle fantastically well, add in the LSD as I have and it becomes a car you can literally point and squirt. I can't wait to get it onto a track day as I think it will be an absolute blast. The steering feels just right, the small size makes positioning the car easy, and the brakes work consistently well even after hard punishment. It makes a fantastic noise with some loud bangs from the exhaust when changing gear after a hard drive, the interior feels like it will last forever - a big improvement over my old Z4 coupe - and, best of all, I look forward to driving it every single day.
A few weekends ago I borrowed an SL55 from P1 International as I felt that I could do with a fix of V8 fun and a bit more power. While the 55 was fantastic in every way I found myself looking forward to collecting the MINI as I drove the SL back to the P1 office in Leatherhead. The return drive to PH Towers in the MINI was probably faster than in the 55, and I certainly had a bigger smile on my face. I enjoyed the AMG SL but it was good to be back in the CS.
Have I been brainwashed by my local MINI dealer? Is there a CD that someone plays while I am asleep to make me think only good thoughts? No, sadly there are some small issues worthy of mention.
OOV likes a drink that’s for sure. OK so I like to drive hard and living in London means I spend most of my time changing gear and varying my speed. I also have the bike rack on permanently as my flat is too small to store it in, but I am getting mid 20's mostly and with the small tank I know my fuel station staff well enough for them to be added to my Christmas card list.
Speaking of its thirst, I checked the oil the other day and I am ashamed to say that it had barely any showing on the dipstick. After driving new cars for the last few years the weekly oil check is something that I just don’t do anymore. Something made me check the levels and I am pleased I did. I have topped it up and the level remains constant- I must get to the dealer to find out why it used so much oil after 1500 miles?
So what's next? Well I was considering adding 18-inch JCW wheels, but that’s been knocked off the list for two reasons. Firstly I like the subtle look of my 17- inch 'crown spoke' wheels, and secondly I worry that an extra inch will ruin the handling that I love so much. In fact, I am wondering if a set of 16- inch wheels with sticky tyres and the JCW suspension kit might be a worthwhile investment. I will have the JCW power upgrade and exhaust but I won't be having the 'works' badging to keep suitably stealth. In fact I may remove the Cooper S badge too?
To all those who don't get this car, try and blag a drive in one. It's like an MX-5, easy to mock until you actually drive one. Image is an issue and I would be lying if I said I enjoy watching the latest MINI ad campaigns or seeing a stickered up promotional company car pass by, but OOV and I are perfectly happy being subtle. I think I’ll enjoy this car for a long time to come.