2010 Mini Cooper S Review

2010 Mini Cooper S is a stylish yet classic car that blasts especially in the corners. It sips fuel to some extent and it is bit modern and stylish too. Its ergonomic seems to be bit confusing and the mess is due to the modern aesthetic involved in it. But the thing is that there is an equally valid con on the other side every pro. Overall, Mini Cooper S is small and pretty pricey car.

Inside the Cabin

The features of the cabin in the Mini Cooper are unique and stylish, also pretty beautiful and attractive. There is much to be admired from its cabin technology and its overall ergonomics. Starting with the dashboard, it features a speedometer whose size resembles a massive dinner plate; it is located at the center stack’s top which should be placed in front of the driver instead. But, the tachometer lives directly to the driver’s eye. The indicators and the Controls are dispersed all over the cabin without any reason or thyme for their random placement. Peculiar is that you need to select the audio source from the speedometer and for adjusting the volume you should go for low at the center stack. You need to look at speedometer for lighting up the indicator, a steering wheel for activating cruise control, lastly, and similarly go for tachometer to set your speed. Seat adjustments can be made on every part of the seat.

The technology behind the buttons is average. Mini Cooper S is equipped with a single disc CD player that is capable of feeding a standard 6 speaker audio system there by also supporting AM and FM radio. Sound quality is acceptable except a distortion at low volumes.

A branded Harman Kardon audio system is available for another $750. Similarly, HD radio and Satellite Radio can be added for $500 each. Bluetooth handsfree calling and iPod/USB connectivity are bundled together and brought up at extra $500. A rudimentary voice control system is featured in Bluetooth hands free system, but it does not feature automatic importing of contacts from the Smartphones. A color touch-screen replaced by central speedometer, extended voice controls for navigation, real-time traffic data are featured in DVD-based system.

Under the hood

2010 Mini Cooper S feels some what different from its non-S Sibling 118 horsepower with 172 horsepower, 1.6 liter turbo charged and because of the direct injected engine. Unluckily, Cooper S suffers from chronic turbo lag due to its default settings and because of the five speed automatic transmission you could not find the right gear.

For the first few moments, pedaling the Go one actually resulted in the slow acceleration. Pressing on the Sport button alters the Mini Cooper’s response, there by the torque curve turns to smooth, it makes hatchback rev to become more eager and also it tightens the power steering. Torque steer and Turbo lag are still alive but they are of low degree. By means of Sport mode, you could modify transmission’s program, and you need to hold on to the particular gear for all the way to redline, and while slowing for a corner, it is all required to downshift for keeping the engine at a boil.

Cooper S poses further more with bigger brakes and more aggressive tires along with larger wheel package. It also features a soup of stability control systems that includes three modes namely, DTC dynamic, normal and off.

Cooper’s darty handling is further enhanced by Mini’s sport suspension package that is available for another $500. The EPA estimated fuel economy of Cooper’s mini is 32 mpg highway and 24 mpg city. In the sport mode, its fuel economy settles around 26 to 27 mpg. Mini Cooper S comes with the Mayfair package, which is one among the two special editions that celebrates the 50^th anniversary of the Mini nameplate. The package includes a Tofee-colored interior with brown pinstriped trim on the dashboard, special Hot Chocolate Metallic paint, wing mirrors, exterior trim and chrome interior, Mini 50^th badges and Mayfair livery. It also includes xenon headlights that brighten your way in any conditions, driving lamps and fog lights.

Also provided with Camden package which seems to be more tech-focused includes iPod adapter and Bluetooth, Harman Kardon premium audio, Satellite Radio, DTC system and 17 inch wheels. The Camden package also includes xenon headlamps, own exclusive exterior and interior color combos and Camden/Mini 50^th badges.

The various beeps of the Mini Cooper S have been replaced by an exclusive feature known as the mission control which is nothing but an audible feedback system. It is chimed with spoken alerts from 3 of the characters like Engine, Coach and Safety. For instance, if the driver fails to put up his seat belt then it says “hey, don’t forget to buckle up” or if you are driving at a very high speed then your engine may warn you by producing something special sound. The Camden and Mayfair packages are priced at $4500 excluding the charge $500 for the special metallic paint which is one of the component of the package. The easy parkability and the small footprint of Cooper Mini S can attract anyone but it is for $30k price tag, where as in case of W GT1, it offers more interior volume which also comprises of better cabin technology than the Cooper Mini S.

2010 Mini Cooper S is priced at $23000 but the price rapidly varies due to the varied package the Mini offers i.e. $1250 for the automatic transmission, $5000 for Mayfair package, $500 each for Bluetooth/USB and keyless entry totally you will land up to $30250.

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