LOOK COOL, HIP IN QUIRKY 2024 MINI COOPER S!

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

It may be a Mini in name but in stature it is a giant! Yes, that’s a tall statement to make but if you need proof of a car with an attitude, take the quick, quirky, nimble, fun-to-drive 2024 Mini Cooper S hardtop for a test drive. At just 152.8 inches long (compared to say, the Camry at 192), it’s an attention-grabber that will pique curiosity.  

Under the hood of the subcompact car resides a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder twin-turbo engine that puts out 189 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 207 pounds-feet of torque @ 1350 rpm. Best of all is the fuel-saving and seamless 6-speed manual or the optional 7-speed auto gearbox. Front suspension is left up to a MacPherson strut front and a multilink rear system. Keeping the car on course is an electric power steering. Drive modes include sport (aggressive), mid (default or normal) and green (eco). Fuel mileage mimicked EPA estimates at 28 city and 38 mpg highway.

Thumbs up to the exterior styling, face promptly recognizable as a Mini – large, round LED headlights that surround a hexagon radiator grille with a body-colored bar, black fender flares, power dome and striking helmet roof. The rear shows off jewel-like upright LED Union Jack tail lamps and a quasi-dual stainless-steel exhaust with a polished tip. The circular theme continues inside with air vents, instruments, door trim and of course the eye-catching retro-style, center-mounted speedometer. The changing colors of the LED light ring in the 8.8-inch infotainment/instrument cluster provide feedback to the driver. Go for the $7,800 iconic trim option to get piano black exterior trim, dual auto a/c, wiregrass charging, Mini navigation, power-fold mirrors, and more. Other notable amenities include heated front seats, Nappa leather steering wheel, synthetic leather seats, body-color roof, front center armrest, 60/40 rear seat, six-way manual front sport seats with center armrest, 6-speaker radio, ambient lights and a hidden under-floor cargo bin.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag for both rows, front knee airbags, rearview camera, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution, stability, traction, dynamic cruise and park-distance control, active driving assistant with forward collision, pedestrian and lane departure warnings, auto emergency brakes, three-point seatbelts, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Always fancied a Mini Cooper but space restraints were a concern? Agreed, it can get really tight for rear seat passengers, but the head-turner shows off an inimitable European flair with unconventional looks. And this stylish, affordable, trendy and enjoyable car with the S (as in Sport) provides plenty of punch in any road condition.

MINI COOPER S

Tires: 195/55R16

Wheelbase: 98.2 inches

Length: 152.8 inches

Height: 55.7 inches

Width: 68 inches

Weight: 2,813 pounds

Fuel capacity: 11.6 gallons

City: 28 mpg

Highway: 38 mpg

Base price: $29,100

Price as tested: $38,545

Web site: www.miniusa.com