Mini Bliss: the 2014 MINI Cooper S Hardtop [Review]

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Forget the suggested total retail price ($37,395) and the fact that it has very little backseat room for a moment, the 2014 MINI Cooper S Hardtop is one of the best handling front-wheel drive (FWD) cars out there. It is extraordinarily maneuverable, responds to the smallest input, forgives overcooking corners, has great power for squirting out of a corner and the brakes are sports-car-like. The only car sold in the United States that competes with it is the FIAT Abarth, which feels slightly less athletic and cannot touch the MINI Cooper S’ excellent steering.

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Even the six-speed automatic transmission is remarkably capable. One of the best six-speed autos I’ve tested. Sure, a manual would be more rewarding, but for those of you who like autos and paddle-shifters that actually work, the 2014 MINI Cooper S is the way to go. Like the rest of the MINI Cooper S, the automatic transmission comes from an unexpected source – Japan.

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It doesn’t matter that several components are sourced from Germany, it still feels like a MINI – and that’s huge. MINI is one of the few brands that can still imbue their cars’ DNA with personality. With that being said, I’m not a big fan of the fish-eye headlights. The square inlets beneath the grill look out of place too. Otherwise, it looks like a MINI and, more importantly, it acts like a proper MINI.

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The “twin-power” (twin scroll) turbocharged 189 horsepower 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine makes a beefy 207 lbs-feet of torque. It’s a zippy power-plant with very little lag. Even at over a mile above sea-level, the little beastie smokes the front tires at the drop of a hat.

Sounds meaty too. A bit of growl and a hint of turbo hiss. Addictive it is… very.

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This torque helps motivate the (slightly heavier than the previous generation) MINI Cooper S which can weigh up to 2795 lbs – depending on the configuration. Part of that weight-gain has to do with the larger dimensions. The 2014 MINI Cooper’s wheelbase is 1.1-inches longer and overall length is 4.5 inches longer than the previous MINI. It’s 1.7-inches wider too.

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I have only driven the 2014 MINI Cooper S for a few days and I’m already smitten; however, my two kiddos are less enthusiastic. Commuting with a vehicle like this, one with back seat room that rivals a Porsche 911, is hard on children. The only way adults could possibly fit back there is with a driver that’s under five-feet tall. My kids were displeased to say the least.

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Still, the little ones love the way it looks and they dig the silly, multicolor display ring that surrounds the central infotainment display. It changes colors based on driving habits, serves as a shift reminder, matches some entertainment inputs and is a bit of a cheesy gag. As I said, the kids dig it.

Curious to see how they do when the five-door MINI Cooper hits the market.

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Once the little ones are dropped off, I slide the seat all the way back and let the driving mayhem begin. The 2014 MINI Cooper S makes any drive fun and managed to surprise with its excellent (for a MINI) ride. Unlike the old model, this one feels as well dampened as a larger BMW 3-Series. Sure, there’s some road noise, it still feels like a more sophisticated ride than the model it replaced.

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Despite the better ride, the 2014 MINI Cooper S is a hoot to sling through corners. It is so rewarding, it’s easy to forgive its heavy price and tight rear accommodations. This is a driver’s car that happens to get great gas mileage. MINI says the MINI Cooper S gets 27 mpg city, 38 mpg highway and a combined 31 mpg. That’s impressive.

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Looking at the sticker, I clearly see about $8,000 worth of goodies I could live without. Using MINIUSA’s web configurator, I was able to build a mid-level 2014 MINI Cooper S for just under $30,000 – which is much more reasonable. Like BMW and Porsche, it’s the extras they get you to buy that ridiculously inflate the price.

With that being said: as long as you understand that this is a premium, small car, the price is not that bad.

I cannot wait until we take this baby to the track!

Speaking of quick European cars on our track…

Nathan Adlen Bio Picture Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. His words, good humor and videos are enjoyed worldwide.

I play a lot of mid-60’s rock in the MINI. Very LOUD rock, I should say. It likes it.