IT MAY be owned by a German company but MINI has always been proud of its British heritage.
And it doesn’t take long with the latest version to become acutely aware that it still is. The Cooper S driven here, for example had the Union Flag in different guises all over it.
From tiny stud buttons in the leather upholstery emblazoned with the flag to a badge on the steering wheel. The pattern on the rear of the leather front headrests also featured it, as did the red glass of the rear lights.
So follow one home at night and it’s hard not to notice you are behind the latest version of a British motoring icon. And every time you open the driver’s door after dark, you will be reminded of that fact as the word MINI is illuminated on the road where you step out.
The latest-generation five-door Cooper S Exclusive model tested – there’s also a Cooper S Classic and Cooper S Sport in the new line-up – is a Cooper S like no other. In fact, it’s a Cooper S that has grown up, in more ways than one.
Not only is it longer than earlier models and the current three-door version but it now feels a much more mature car. You still get the same go-kart-like steering, superb handling and performance that the MINI has always been known for right back to the original model but it’s now less harsh.
The ride is still firm and sporty but in Mid mode – there’s also Sport and Eco to select – it’s definitely taken on a softer edge, giving it a more executive saloon feel.
It’s a factor that will appeal to a more mature driver who thought he or she had grown out of Cooper S driving because of the hard ride of the little car. Such drivers will now be tempted back for the extra comfort.
Ford Focus ST-Line X 1.5 TDCI EcoBlue Auto review – Family hatchback shows some smart thinking
Volkswagen Golf GTD 2.0 184PS DSG 5dr review – It's a fair way to travel
And it’s an affluent sector of the market MINI can’t afford to ignore, given the cost of optional extras available. My £25,000 test car has a price tag of well over £30,000 with a few tasty features added.
These included everything from a head-up display and heated front seats to a Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi system and a £2000 Navigation Plus pack that, among other things, increased the size of the central display screen the from 6.5 to 8.8in.
As its name suggests, the Exclusive model is an upmarket Cooper S with a very stylish interior featuring full leather upholstery, a leather covered steering wheel and plenty of chromework inside and out.
The build quality is superb, with doors that close Rolls-Royce-like with the gentlest of pushes from just two inches away.
And on the road, the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is a smooth, seamless dream to use but at the same time delivers instant response when you need to speed things up.
This model also comes with paddles behind the steering wheel for a more sporty drive and they are guaranteed to put a smile on your face when you use them while in the harsher but more responsive sports mode.
The extra inches on the five-door means it’s a more usable model when it comes to luggage, especially as there’s a double floor boot. With the rear seat backs in place there’s 278 litres of space available (211 in the three-door) and 941 litres (731 in the three-door) with the seat backs lowered.
So if it’s the rocket-like MINI Cooper S you fancy but want upmarket comfort at the same time, together with enough luggage space to suit your lifestyle, check out the five-door Exclusive model. But take your cheque book with you because you will find it hard to resist.
Factfile:
- Model: MINI Cooper S Exclusive Auto 5-door
- Engine: 2.0-litre petrol
- Power: 192hp
- Top speed: 146mph
- 0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
- Average mpg: 49.6
- CO2 emissions: 129g/km
- Warranty: Three years/unlimited mileage
- Price: £25,035
