I haven't driven the base, but for me, it HAD to be the 'S'. The base model is a bit lighter and it wouldn't surprise me if the base model has better chassis balance. The 'S' is faster and that equates to greater sheer driving fun. No magazine/site review will sway my preference.

That said, those who prefer/buy the base Cooper will not be disappointed. It's a great car for the money. To the owner, it will also be high on the sheer driving fun chart.

Driving fun/enjoyment is very subjective.

 

I find that magazines' take that the S "fails to match the cheaper, standard Cooper in terms of chassis balance or sheer driving vim" a bit disingenuous. Sure the extra cylinder adds a bit more weight but would imagine its not going to make that much of difference. Plus you get 55 more hp and more torque with the "S", and larger standard wheels. But, I ordered a Base model for different reasons.

 

I agree completely.
I test drove both and without a doubt the S is more entertaining and has less body roll.
I think that car journalist are so impressed with the huge improvement of the new base Cooper over the previous generation that they make statements as the one above.
What is clear to me is that a lot of buyers are going to go with a fully loaded base Cooper instead of a bare S,at least a lot more than they used to.

 

I concur with what you said about journalists being so impressed with the base's big improvements, especially engine wise. No longer is the base model considered to be far below the 'S' in overall performance.

 

I agree.

 

For me, the S was attractive because I am hoping to get an ECU reprogram someday, hoping for 220+hp, which should be a lot more fun. Coming from a Saab with 240hp after reprogramming (205 prior), which made a huge difference in fun factor.

 

In the US about 2/3 of Minis sold were the MCS. Now it wall be lower I'm sure especially with the gas mileage and better acceleration of the Justa. If I were going with a manual I'd consider it (but I'm not).

 

Well clearly, just as the journalists have their varied opinions so will we! Motorsport isn't the first review to give the base Cooper the thumbs up for chassis balance. I've jumped on the more horsepower = better car = more fun bandwagon before with my previous VWs and Audis. Yet I tapped into the extremes of those vehicle 0.5% of the time - when can you safely use all that Hp or approach that top speed on our roads? The best driving car I've owned was a Miata for it's balance and handling actually- yet it stacked up poorly Hp number wise compared to my 270hp TTS.
So for those that say it "had to be an S" but haven't driven the base Cooper....hmmm...maybe you are a bit starstruck by specs - hope you make use of that extra horsepower Last time I checked there were no unrestricted speed limits in Nth America

 

Well, in my case I think my decision to buy a mini, especially a brand new platform, is pretty irrational anyway.. I have a BMW race car, so definitely not star struck by the S performance.. either way it's pretty much a momentum car, just knowing me I'll enjoy it more with a little more output.. but your point is well taken, and I suspect I would enjoy the non-S as well, and also enjoy its likely better economy. I am kinda tall and thin, and really liked the sport seats for my frame. Anyway personal preference but sense of community, is kinda what it's all about I guess!

 

Yes agree BillM - I think we can all build a case for the flavour of Mini we choose - the truth is there isn't one on here I don't or wouldn't enjoy. I would probably even like a Diesel if it came over the pond!

As for better fuel economy, did you see the following test:

http://www.themotorreport.com.au/586...ad-test-review

He achieved poorer fuel economy in the base Cooper, gives the interior 2.5 stars out of 5 and his conclusion might surprise anyone who hasn't driven both:


"On reflection, the cheaper MINI Cooper is the model that appeals most.

It is considerably more refined on-road than the leather-trimmed premium-buying Cooper S. And there is not so much in the bragging rights of the more powerful Cooper S to make that $10k jump.

Your choice will depend upon where you place your priorities.

The new MINI is a car you will simply love to drive, whichever twin you choose. And each time you slide behind the wheel, you will discover again and again its sublime balance and the joy of a set of a bends.

Yes, in the new MINI, Cooper or Cooper S, the drive is such fun you will forgive it anything.

I would love one of these in the garage. I can forgive it a less-than-par interior (drive it, and you will too.)"

 

I have to strongly disagree with the author of that article.
Just came back from another Launch event test drive in a Cooper and one of the most impressive qualities is how much quieter the ride is.
Now,the one i test drove today has no sunroof and i remember a significant interior noise level difference between Countrymen? with and without sunroof(obviously closed).
Again,blown away by the base Cooper.
Like the british would say,simply "brilliant".

 

I'm blown away too - the car is so good it stole a customer (me) poised to put a down payment on a 2015 Golf R. I had already contacted the VW dealership to see how much the deposit was going to be - and was keenly reading new owner experiences in the UK. One spontaneous test drive helped me work out my priorities. Torque, style, function and economy

 

Older thread but had to comment. For people like me torn between a base Cooper, Cooper S, Fiesta ST and 15' GTI, it just makes things so difficult!

 

Not necessarily. It's hard for you to say that without driving the base. You are probably comparing the older R56 Justa to your new F56 S. I thought the same thing until I drove both. I was really surprised how much fun the base was to drive. Of course it's not as fast but for me it's fast enough for my DD. It still has plenty of guts and low end torque. I took that extra $3.5K and loaded up on options. Can't knock it unless you try it

 

Just like those who say it has to be an S, it has to be base for me. I just prefer the looks, better mpg, less jarring ride and being able to get a ton of features added compared to a barebones S.

I've tried to convince myself numerous times to make the leap to the S for the added hp, but can never justify the added cost/decrease in mpg (although the R56 was pretty close to the base in mpg). I've also been weary of the turbos. Both my R50 and R56 Coopers never had any problems (well other than the few minor MINI recall things). That's also one (of many) reasons why I'm still on the fence between another R56 or the F56. The latter is growing on me though.

 

Latest review.
Autocar UK
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/...t-drive-review