insideKENT Magazine Issue 31 - October 2014 | Page 124

MOTORS

2014 MINI Cooper S Auto
Top Speed: 146 MPH 0-62MPH: 6.8 Seconds
Price on the road: £20,150
Economy: Combined 49.6 MPG Performance: 192 BHP Combined CO2: 133 G/KM

Pulling away, you are instantly aware that the
ride in this MINI is fabulous. It is suitably MINIish and firm, but gone are the rumbles and bumps
of all previous versions; this one is smooth and
comfortable with virtually no road noise. Yet, this
MINI holds the road even better than its forefathers
do, and the steering wheel feels wonderfully solid
and stable. Moreover, did I mention just how
comfortable this car is? The Cooper S may be
an intentionally small, sporty car, but inside you
feel like you are riding in something far bigger,
and even more luxurious.
As for speed, the Cooper S boasts a 192bhp
and 2.0-litre BMW turbo engine, replacing the
previous and very respectable, 1.6-litre offering.
The new engine makes an astounding difference
to an already speedy motor. The latest Cooper
S is now half a second quicker too, reaching 062mph in 6.8 seconds. Personally, I giggled for
at least the first five miles of driving, and I didn't
even come remotely close to the staggering top
speed of 146mph. Whether you are pootling
around town and turning heads, striking out on
the country lanes, or cruising down the motorway
and basking in the MINI's comfort and gadgetry,
the fun is there.
The automatic gearbox – something I was initially
concerned would spoil my fun – worked like a
dream. It provided a smooth, fast response to
my driving, and almost certainly did a far better
job than I would have in a manual car (which with
all that extra power available is a good thing).
The rather old and tired stigma of automatic cars

not being an option for 'real drivers' is blown out
the water in the Cooper S, aided further by a
fantastic flappy paddle, should you wish to feel
like a Formula One driver.

dedication to this legendary brand, they continue
to be as they evolve and develop in our modern
world. Perhaps one day, there will be as many
generations of MINI as there are versions of the
Doctor. I'd love to think so!

As mentioned, this car features an economy
green mode, as well as normal and sport. Whether
you're feeling planet-love or just need to get to
the next petrol station without the fuel running
out, this mode allows the Cooper S to deliver a
most impressive combined 49.6mpg and
emissions of 133g/km, which isn't bad for such
a sporty little creature.
The funny thing about a new incarnation of Doctor
Who is there is a definite, often parodied cycle
of events when it happens. Firstly, people will be
upset as they liked the old one and the new one
will never measure \