2007 Cooper S, a very short Test Drive
Discussion
Had a very short test drive in the new Cooper S today. Not given much scope to evaluate it much as it was heavy traffic in Wimbledon, down the A3 and past all the 50 mph gatsos, then just as we get to the derestricted zone, err! I mean National Speed Limit, the salesman heads me off, down the Esher turn-off, to turn back on the roundabout and head home. 
I was gunning it for the roundabout too but some doddering old fool in a Honda got in the way.
Well the ride of the car reminded me a bit of my Boxster, very stiff suspension and 17 ins run flat tyres, that feeling that the car is ready to spring forward and handle anything. It felt very planted at speed, did manage
mph for a short burst, it gave you the feeling of driving a much larger car but when you turned the tiny steering wheel it was as zippy as a Go Kart.
The acceleration was very impressive, even in 6th gear, once again it seemed like you were driving a much bigger engine, not a little 1.6, admittingly turbo-charged of which I could not detect any noticable lag.
I did like the ultra big speedo but once driving I have to say that it was too much of an effort to glance over to look at it, as it was much easier to look at the rev counter which had a digital speedo built into it anyway.
Sitting in the car I did like the general look, fit and feel of the interior, the sports seats were comfy but the central bit with the CD, heating and AC controls looked a bit naff and cheap but once again you don't really look at these things when you are driving.
Once near the garage the sales guy asked me to really take it easy on the speed bumps as this particular model had the John Cooper Works Aero Kit thus making it very easy to ground the body work. Even without the extra plastic you'd have to take it easy as the suspension is so stiff. Certainly would not specify the Sports suspension which this car did not have.
I did like the car and would have to spend a day on my own in it to see if I would really want to buy it, but I could feel its potential for alot of fun and with a number of goodies, it could be had for around £20K.
At least I don't have to slow down for speed bumps in my 1998 Beemer, which the guy in the 2005 330 found to his cost. Oh! that sound of scraping expensive metal and plastic
I was gunning it for the roundabout too but some doddering old fool in a Honda got in the way.
Well the ride of the car reminded me a bit of my Boxster, very stiff suspension and 17 ins run flat tyres, that feeling that the car is ready to spring forward and handle anything. It felt very planted at speed, did manage
mph for a short burst, it gave you the feeling of driving a much larger car but when you turned the tiny steering wheel it was as zippy as a Go Kart. The acceleration was very impressive, even in 6th gear, once again it seemed like you were driving a much bigger engine, not a little 1.6, admittingly turbo-charged of which I could not detect any noticable lag.
I did like the ultra big speedo but once driving I have to say that it was too much of an effort to glance over to look at it, as it was much easier to look at the rev counter which had a digital speedo built into it anyway.
Sitting in the car I did like the general look, fit and feel of the interior, the sports seats were comfy but the central bit with the CD, heating and AC controls looked a bit naff and cheap but once again you don't really look at these things when you are driving.
Once near the garage the sales guy asked me to really take it easy on the speed bumps as this particular model had the John Cooper Works Aero Kit thus making it very easy to ground the body work. Even without the extra plastic you'd have to take it easy as the suspension is so stiff. Certainly would not specify the Sports suspension which this car did not have.
I did like the car and would have to spend a day on my own in it to see if I would really want to buy it, but I could feel its potential for alot of fun and with a number of goodies, it could be had for around £20K.
At least I don't have to slow down for speed bumps in my 1998 Beemer, which the guy in the 2005 330 found to his cost. Oh! that sound of scraping expensive metal and plastic
I went for a test on Friday, was hoping not to like it but I now have to have one!
It was the Cooper S but didn't have the sports suspension. I thaught that I would miss the sound of the supercharger but didn't really.
As the sailsman said, it's built like a BMW this time - I agree.
I was lucky enough to have a bit of town driving, a mile or so of country road (this is what sold it to me) and then a duel carageway.
The MINI sailsman was great, knew everything and never once pushed me to buy the car.
It was the Cooper S but didn't have the sports suspension. I thaught that I would miss the sound of the supercharger but didn't really.
As the sailsman said, it's built like a BMW this time - I agree.
I was lucky enough to have a bit of town driving, a mile or so of country road (this is what sold it to me) and then a duel carageway.
The MINI sailsman was great, knew everything and never once pushed me to buy the car.
Before you order test drive one with sports suspension. I tested both. I had a big test in one without and then went back for second test and got one with. It makes a big difference, the car feels even sharper with it and whilst it does make it feel firmer any jolts would only be an issue for those in the back. The difference in the steering was quantifiable, the one with sports suspension felt like the one without after the sports button had been pressed as standard. Pressing the button just firmed it more.
Having never driven a S before I tested both the new cars against an older S and the new one was superior in every way except for maybe the look of the centre consol. Having driven a new one there is no way I would even look at an older one.
Having never driven a S before I tested both the new cars against an older S and the new one was superior in every way except for maybe the look of the centre consol. Having driven a new one there is no way I would even look at an older one.
Totally agree with you, I would try the sports suspension and probably go with it. I think a Cooper S without it would just not be a Cooper S!
I love my 3 year old Cooper S but it's the new one all the way.
I think I'm going to have to see what comes up 2nd hand in a year and a bit however, can't bare to do finance.
I love my 3 year old Cooper S but it's the new one all the way.
I think I'm going to have to see what comes up 2nd hand in a year and a bit however, can't bare to do finance.
ben said:
can't bare to do finance.
Why?
I was looking at a new cooper s and the finance options seem reasonable enough but I suppose its down to your willingness to enter into a costly finance agreement where you are ultimately going to loose out.
Are you one of these focused and determined folk who save hard and buy outright? Fair play if you are
hoddo said:
ben said:
can't bare to do finance.
Why?
I was looking at a new cooper s and the finance options seem reasonable enough but I suppose its down to your willingness to enter into a costly finance agreement where you are ultimately going to loose out.
Are you one of these focused and determined folk who save hard and buy outright? Fair play if you are
Well, ish....
hate giving money away
bloody mini is tempting however
ben said:
hoddo said:
ben said:
can't bare to do finance.
Why?
I was looking at a new cooper s and the finance options seem reasonable enough but I suppose its down to your willingness to enter into a costly finance agreement where you are ultimately going to loose out.
Are you one of these focused and determined folk who save hard and buy outright? Fair play if you are
Well, ish....
hate giving money away
bloody mini is tempting however
I have never bought on finance before and I just keep thinking to myself get an AA loan, sell after 2 years, take the depreciation hit and you will walk away with a deposit enough for a new motor probably loosing in the region of 5k (!)
I suppose if you are going to do it a Mini is one of the best cars out there to retain your initial outlay and you can always minimise this by buying second hand.
Gassing Station | New MINIs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff