2007 Mini Cooper & Cooper S Road Test

Minis hold a special place in my heart. Why? I've had way too many great

This is the brand new Mini Cooper S. Honest. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

memories in them. For example, I drove over 1,500 miles in a week the first time I had the Cooper S back in 2003. Not only did I drive to and from the local mountains three times (it's about 75 miles each way from where I live), I went golfing (another 600 miles there and back, plus some detours), drove around town in style and made pedestrians and children smile everywhere I went. Then there was the launch of the Mini Cooper Convertible in Minneapolis, MN. I made friends with the local wildlife (Sparco the turtle) got myself and my driving partner lost in the middle of Nowhere, Wisconsin. Like I said, good times.

I recently made some more memories with two all-new Coopers. Now in its second generation since its introduction in 2003, the Cooper and Cooper S are even better than before. Oddly enough, the two new cars look pretty much the same as the old 2007 models! Put them side-by-side with their outgoing siblings and even then it's hard to tell the difference. But hey, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. The Mini design is hailed by adults and children alike, so why go radical for something that's so iconic? Underneath that familiar skin is a brand new car, mind you, from engine to gearbox. And let's not forget the interior. I promise. Even the suspension has been modified to make it more

You can tell the difference more easily inside? The big speedo stays, but the radio lives in it now. Note the winged Mini logo design for the climate controls. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

fun to drive. I know, it's hard to believe this “mini” BMW could get any better, but it does.

Inside, the Mini's changes are a lot more apparent. The center console has been trimmed in width to increase space for knee and hip room, and the audio controls have moved north so that they're now situated just under the larger-than-life speedometer. It's nice to have all the audio controls closer to eye level, as this requires less effort and less eye-time taken away from the road ahead. The new setup not only looks good, but it adds character to an already boisterous car.

All that boisterousness needs to start somewhere though. In this generation, it's under the hood. The biggest and most exciting difference between old and new is the engine, or should I say engines. As much as I loved the whine of the 163 horsepower supercharged engine, it is no more. Instead, it's been replaced by a faint hiss of a turbocharger. Using the Valvetronic variable intake valve timing technology from its parent, BMW, the 4-cylinder is now turbocharged resulting in overall output of 172 horsepower (up 9 horses) and peak torque of 177 lb-ft (up 22 from 155).

Big gains in power for the turbocharged Cooper S. Regular S is smoother, and more efficient too. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, American Auto Press)

Can the difference really be felt? You bet. The smoothness and responsiveness of the engine is much bolder than before. Yes, if you thought the old Mini hauled, it hauls even more now.

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