2002 MINI Cooper Hardtop Review

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2002 Mini Cooper by Marty Padgett (4/1/2002)

LISBON, Portugal — Herzlich Wilkommen in Portugal, Siate I bienvenuti in Portogallo, I bienvenidos en Portugal, Bienvenue en Portugal — Welcome to Portugal! These were the greetings in BMW's route book that directed me and a cadre of international motoring journalists out of the bustling city of Lisbon toward the spectacular and demanding coastal roads of western Portugal.

At first, I wasn't sure why this German car company was holding its worldwide introduction of the new MINI Cooper S here. But, after two days of driving excursions on roads that automotive journalists dream about — long scenic straightaways and tight, snaking turns — I had a better understanding. And, there was also the learning experience, not to mention the fun, of taking the new Cooper S through a series of cones courses at a small tarmac track set up near the coast, as well as the great seafood nearby.

Competition spec

When the first MINI appeared in 1959, its premier competition was not public, but a private rivalry among motoring journalists, attempting to be the quickest around a testing circuit that incorporated high-speed banking and a hilly 'snake' section, at Chobham, a vehicle testing facility near London. Top honors went to Paul Frere, a Belgian who has set many racing records (he was on the Ferrari F1 team, among others) and has successfully combined race car driving and auto writing. Frere ended his day at Chobham leaving many in awe of his performance, as well as the MINI's.

Originally, the MINI was built as a low-cost, utilitarian runabout. But, even the first version of this tiny car with little wheels and negligible ground clearance, "displayed an ability to reach cornering forces equal to those of the GP (Grand Prix) cars of only five years earlier." Its prowess at racing, before it was even thought about as a racer, came from its wide track, front-wheel drive, clever suspension and its well-placed center of gravity.

This was well before John Cooper conspired with MINI designer Sir Alec Issigonis to build the MINI Cooper, a superheated version that bumped horsepower from 35 to 55 bhp.

Gaining the hearts and pocketbooks of enthusiasts-at-large, the MINI Cooper ran rings around bigger, high-performance race cars. This spawned the development of the "S," a true sports car, with 70 bhp and a high-quality engine, more substantial brakes, quicker steering and wider wheels, which went on to bring wins, its first year of production, in the Alpine Rally and Tour de France, in 1963. A year later Paddy Hopkirk, along with co-driver Henry Liddon, drove it to victory in the Monte Carlo Rally, and the rest, as is said, is in the history books.

Pint-sized flagship

I had recently driven the new MINI Cooper in America and found that it offered excellent handling, plenty of power (115 bhp) and heaps of fun. The performance version, however, stretches it all to new limits. It has a sportier look, even more power (163 bhp) and it sticks to the road even better than the grippy new Cooper.

The S is the flagship of the line, and as such it gets a more sport-minded suspension than the charming base MINI. The S comes with a Sports Plus suspension and equal-length driveshafts that reduce the load change reactions on the steering wheel, even in tight corners. Reinforced anti-roll bars and firmer springs also enhance its handling on curves, while a multi-arm suspension on the front and rear axles provide additional stickiness on bumpy road surfaces.

The go-kart-like performance is underpinned by tight electrohydraulic steering with only 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. Unlike its lower-tech predecessors, this small wonder is equipped with four-wheel disc ABS, driver-activated traction control and stability control systems.

Under the hood, a four-cylinder motor shared with its Cooper stablemate gets a boost from a supercharger that turns the S into a pint-sized powerhouse, making 163 horses and hitting 60 mph in under 7 seconds, with a top cruising speed of 135 mph. (Its slower sibling takes 8.5 seconds to hit 60 mph.) A mechanically driven supercharger and intercooler combine to increase engine charge and deliver surprising power for such a small package. The supercharger's mechanical design also means less time lag in responsiveness and more usable torque low in the range. Peak torque is 155 lb-ft at a fairly low 4000 rpm.

The Cooper S also comes with a six-speed manual gearbox. Despite its performance, it sips gas quite daintily, with a rating of 34 miles to the gallon on the highway and 24 in the city.

Bulldog charm

Four decades ago, Americans were amused to see this cute little vehicle puttering around city streets, with "mod" charm. The new version is both modern and "retro," largely adapted from the original design. For both the Cooper and Cooper S, MINI's signature "bulldog" stance has been enhanced by a smoother hood and wide front grille, as well as an updated version of the big, prominent bug-eye headlamps of the original. The roofline is low and flat, meeting the back end at almost a 90-degree angle. The rear is a flat vertical plane with a small liftgate for the teeny trunk area. Wheel wells are accented by contrast composite material that adds to its sporty look. This year's models will share the distinctive white roof of MINIs past (customers may also choose a black roof).

The Cooper S gets further style enhancements, including dual chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, wider wheel arches, 16" light-allow wheels and "S" badging that reflects an old disagreement between original designers. They couldn't agree on whether to call the rally-winning model "Sport" or "Special," so they settled on, simply, "S." The air intake scoop on the hood cools air between the supercharger and the engine, while a roof spoiler adds credibility - and downforce - to the model's speedy aspirations.

Just as the new Beetle had a major interior overhaul to make the car more livable for a new generation of Bug drivers, the new Cooper S has a high-end, sporty look and feel in the cabin. The speedometer is round and mounted in the center of the instrument panel like classic MINIs. Gauges are accented by silvertoned metal rings, while electronic controls are a brushed black plastic. Distinctive toggle switches spring back into place after they're depressed, a feature that is another nod to this vehicle's progenitors.  

The instrument panel and doorframes are finished in a brushed alloy patina, which complements silver-toned door trim and black carpets and upholstery. Optional upholstery finishes are available in leather and leatherette, including a unique colorblocked finish with black and blue sections of leather. A leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, stainless steel footrest and sport seats dress up this athletic uniform.

Other standard equipment includes six airbags, power steering, in-dash CD player, central remote locking system, power windows and a tire pressure monitor for vehicles with run-flat tires. An adjustable driver's seat and steering column mean that the MINI machine is compatible with regular-sized drivers.

In this age of trucks and SUVs as daily drivers for many, potential MINI buyers might be concerned about the safety of these tiny machines that will be dwarfed by the average Denali, Explorer or Land Cruiser.  Anticipating this, BMW has taken safety to a new level in the reborn Cooper lineup, adding active safety features such as four-wheel vented ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Cornering Brake Control, traction control and a safety cage.

In addition, passive safety has been enhanced by six airbags (two front, two side and two tubular bags mounted in rear roof pillars). Crossbars have been reinforced throughout the vehicle's frame, and child seat ISOFIX tethers are standard equipment.
The new MINI lineup is as recognizable today as it was yesterday- the true test of a classic. As part of that "new classic" lineup, the fast and sporty new Cooper S is destined to carve its own legend in motoring history. Offering firepower in a little package, this car will definitely turn your head, and is likely win your heart.

2002 MINI Cooper S
Base price: $19,300
Engine: Supercharged and intercooled 1.6-liter four-cylinder, 163 hp
Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 97.1 in
Length: 143.9 in
Width: 75.0 in
Height: 55.8 in
Curb weight: 2678 lb
Fuel economy (cty/hwy): 24/33 mpg
Safety equipment: Four wheel ABS with electronic brake assist; front, side and roof pillar-mounted airbags; ISOFIX child seat tethers; central remote locking system, run-flat tires and tire pressure indicator
Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles


 

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