2005 Mini Cooper S
My automotive holy grail has always been to find a
year-round car that's as fun to drive as my Alfas. I think this is it! Makes
nice noises, lots of power, solidly built, and corners like the proverbial
go-kart. Like my Alfas, I have a grin on my face by the time I get to the garage
to take her for a drive, and that, to me, is the ultimate yardstick.
Some people buy Minis because they're so damned
cute. Others but them because they're so damned fun to drive. Still
others buy them because they're so damned inexpensive. Me, I'm in all
three camps!
This is the S version of the Mini, the S standing
for Supercharged, meaning that the engine makes 168 HP versus 115 HP in
the standard version—not bad for a car weighing around 2500 pounds. The
S also has a six-speed stick, larger wheels, run-flat tires,
freer-flowing exhaust, and a sportier suspension. All Minis have great
handling characteristics due to the wheels being positioned way out in
the corners (which also results in a roomy interior) and the attention
the designers paid to such considerations.
Because of demand, Minis have to be ordered from
the factory. This means that I got to order mine just the way I wanted
it. So this car is a Mini Cooper S in metallic British Racing Green with
body-color roof and mirrors, no sun roof (that's what my Giulietta is
for), beige leather interior, Dynamic Stability Control (it's fantastic
in winter driving), on-board computer, heated seats and mirrors,
steering wheel-mounted cruise and audio controls, and climate controlled
A/C.
The Mini is such a hoot! Motor on, dudes!
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