I finally got to drive the new Mini today and was very pleased with the cornering ability. I really got on it and the car responded to anything I put it through. However, I was VERY disappointed with the overall power. This was the regular Mini, not the Cooper S. I plan on driving the S next week when the dealer will have one in stock to test drive. I hope the S is a big improvement in overall power. I was also very disappointed in the quality of the interior door & dash material. It was hollow plastic. I thought by the looks of the material it should feel a little more solid.

Please let the Cooper S have enough power.

 

We have standard Cooper and are quite happy with the performance though admittedly, it is no rocket. The S is considerably quicker though the ride is a bit more harsh. To get these cars to perform at their best, it is essential to keep the revs up. The engines torque really gets strong above 3500 RPM. These small displacement engines really have to be driven hard for the best acceleration. The story is no different for little hot rods like the Honda 3000. The MINI's greatness lies in its handling, not its straight-line acceleration...look elsewhere if that is your main goal.

Joe