A SPOTLIGHT ON THE MINI COOPER S.
First things first, let’s get clear on what exactly we’re talking about here. Our internal combustion engine models (we also have all-electric MINI models) are available with one of three engines: the C, the S and the John Cooper Works (known as the JCW). While they all pack quite the punch, we want to take a closer look at the sporty S – its stats, story and why we love it.
WHAT DOES ‘S’ STAND FOR?
Speed? Style? Both would be apt. But as it was produced specifically for motorsport, the ‘S’ proudly stands for sport.
Back in 1963, Mini realised how successful its 997 Mini Cooper was on the track and figured they could take it up a notch: the then 1071 cc Cooper S was born. In fact, the plan was to only ever use this engine for racing. But it seems the regular road drivers just couldn’t resist its power.
Inspired by the powerful engine of the first Mini Cooper, we coined the term to define MINI engine performance levels – Cooper and Cooper S. However, since reinstating Cooper as a model in its own right, we’ve simplified engine naming to the C and S to avoid having to refer to a Cooper Cooper!
LET’S LOOK AT THE NUMBERS.
When comparing the C and S engines below, we’re focusing on the facts and figures for our MINI Cooper 3-Door model...
- Bigger than the 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbocharged C engine, the S is a 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine.
- Get ready for plenty of power – we’re talking 204hp, compared to the 156hp of the C engine.
- Torque is also boosted from 230Nm to 300Nm. That means it has even more oomph and better acceleration under heavier loads.
- Got a need for speed? The MINI Cooper S has a max speed of 150mph and can get from 0 to 62mph in just 6.6 seconds.
- The MINI Cooper C is powered by a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, with a 2.0 litre four-cylinder engine on the S variant.
SPORTY ON THE ROAD. SPORTY ON THE EYE.
MINI Turbo technology provides the power and the distinct feel behind the wheel of the new MINI Cooper, equipped with a suspension and damping system designed for agile handling. Feel the precision of the typical MINI steering alongside powerful brakes which ensures a high level of driving pleasure, safety and comfort on your journey.
While the engine is the ultimate difference between our C and S models, we’ve also added a few features to the latter to make it a little more athletic looking.
We’ve added a sleek ‘S’ on the octagonal front grille and on the rear badge, hinting at that extra power from the engine. It’s subtly sporty – unlike the defiant race-car style of the mighty JCW. But did you know these two models actually have the same fundamental engine? The JCW has just been tweaked and tuned to make it the speediest in the range.
So, if you’re after power with a slightly understated look, the S is the engine for you with the added benefit that all S models come with Level 1 equipment as standard - providing features such as MINI head-up display and heated seats.
HERE’S TO THE MINI COOPER S.
An all-rounder with characteristic MINI go-kart handling and a little extra oomph, the MINI Cooper S is both economical (we can thank the turbocharging technology and aerodynamic efficiency for that) but also pretty darn powerful.
Like the sound of S performance? The great news is that S is also available for the sibling of the MINI Cooper - the new MINI Cooper 5-Door.
As for the new ‘biggest MINI ever’, the MINI Countryman S benefits from ALL4, an all-wheel drive system which distributes power dynamically between all wheels, giving you terrain-tackling traction and grip on all surfaces. And if it detects any loss of traction due to wet or icy surfaces, it shifts power dynamically as needed.