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2004 MINI Cooper S Road Test

The Ride to Eternal Youth

Another week is another experience in an automotive journalists world, with some experiences unfortunately more forgettable than others. But whenever I hear the words "MINI" and "Cooper" followed by an "S" in the same sentence, I anticipate good memories.

My second time with the Cooper S proved to be just as grand and mirth-provoking as the first (May 2003). It was yet another week of city driving, going to and from work, plus running errands; the same routine as always but at least this time carried out in sophisticated style. The S makes doing all my monotonous musts a joy, somehow transforming repetitive tasks into

I had a second chance to get behind the wheel of a MINI Cooper S for a week, and it proved to be just as much fun as the first time. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

new adventures. It weaves in and out of traffic so easily, fits into those oh-so-small parking spots, and gets me wherever Im going just a little bit quicker than in any other car.

West Coast weather is forever changing, but the sun did peak out several times when the S tester was in my possession. This gave me

With the Cooper S, even the most monotonous task becomes the perfect excuse to go for a drive. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

the opportunity to open the optional glass sunroof and let the brisk mountain air flow through the intimate interior. I also powered down the windows, turned up my hip hop CD on the awesome AM/FM/CD player with 8 premium Harman/Kardon speakers and let the good times roll. If the name Harman/Kardon sounds familiar to you, its possible you have a set by the same name if youre a Mac user. I know this because my boyfriend has a Mac complete with H/K subwoofer and speakers. The Harman/Kardon

New for the 2004 model year is the Sport Suspension Plus, producing a tighter, sportier drive. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Hi Fi digital sound processing system costs a little more, but it can make even the poorest quality CD sound good.

Speaking of letting the good times roll, the Cooper S is very unlikely to - at least from side to side. With its stiff body, short wheel-base, superior safety features, and upgraded Dynamic Stability control which is part of the Sport Package (DSC III, compared to last years DSC II), the precise handling S is highly unlikely to tip over. Come to think of it, it hardly even leans when in a corner. Also introduced this model year is the Sport Suspension

With front ventilated and rear solid discs combined with ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution, the Cooper S comes to a full stop quickly. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Plus, creating a more refined and tighter drive along bumpy and jumpy roads. Minimal body roll is felt in even the trickiest of turns. My favorite part of the week was taking a high-speed turn to demonstrate to my girlfriend beside me how well the MINI handles. The shock on her face was all I needed to "hear," she too became convinced.

The Sport Suspension Plus definitely feels more aggressive in comparison to the regular Cooper, which has the Sport Suspension. Still, I have no complaints when it comes to ride quality. Steering too is stiffer, delivering more accurate turn-in, useful for weaving in and out of traffic.

Having a decent set of brakes

The Cooper S retains its peppy little 163-hp supercharged 1.6-liter engine for the 2004 model year. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

makes the S even safer than the regular Cooper, with front ventilated and rear solid discs combining with ABS and Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) to enhance control in panic situations. Furthermore, dropping the short throw 6-speed manual transmission down a gear or two allows the engines 155 lb-ft of torque to slow the S down in a flash, ideal during downhill driving.

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