Readers will no doubt remember that, in the summer edition of The Magazine, we tested the all-new Mini in its Cooper form. The car was supplied by William Jacks' new Mini Centre which has just opened opposite Cobham railway station.

The 'S' version has just been released and we were given the opportunity of a sneak preview to drive it for a day by manager Stuart Nicks.

The Cooper S is much more than just a 'fun' car - it is a seriously quick and extremely agile motor car, with a top speed of 135 mph. The engine is still 1598cc, as in all the Minis, but the power output is boosted to 163 bhp. Bearing in mind that the Mini Cooper gives 115 bhp and the Mini One just 90, this is a big jump, and the acceleration figure of 7.4 seconds from 0-62 mph and top speed shows the advantage very clearly.
The combined fuel consumption is quoted at a very reasonable 33.6 mpg. With a tank holding just under 11 gallons this gives a comfortable touring range of very nearly 350 miles.

The all-new Mini Cooper S

The Cooper S has an impressive range of standard equipment including: alarm system with remote control, automatic stability control, run-flat tyres, a six-speed manual gearbox, 16 inch light alloy wheels, sports suspension, supercharger, and a twin chrome exhaust pipe.

The list of optional extras is a long one, too, ranging from heated washer jets at £40 through air conditioning at £600 to a full satellite navigation system at £1,460.
On the road the Cooper S is little short of breathtaking. The gearbox is a delight to use (although I do wonder if a six-speed box is really necessary) and the road holding is as good as it gets. The car we had was fitted with sat. nav. and the system is very easy to use and extremely accurate.

Those who have fond memories of the old Mini will have to adjust their ideas. The BMW version, while still recognisable from a quick glance, is a very different animal. The interior trim is almost totally different (although the round speedo is retained) and there is a fair amount more room inside - partly due to the windscreen having been moved forward some two inches or so.

At an on-the-road price of £14,500, I suspect the Cooper S is a car most of us would love to have in the garage. Not that it would spend much time there: it is a car to drive and enjoy.
If you wish to learn more of the Mini range contact Stuart Nicks on 01932 576790.