Looks can be deceptive – an old adage, but one that certainly holds true. Another, is the saying that dynamite comes in small packages and both of these quotes can be applied to the Mini Cooper S.

In terms of appearance, time and trends seem to have dissolved the original racing DNA of the Mini Cooper. Both the original and the BMW-built versions of the Mini can be classified as “cute”, but where the original had purposefulness to its appearance the new car looks rather contrived. Yes, the wide track and styling cues are there, but they have been watered down somewhat – the white alloys, faux forced induction vent in the bonnet and white racing stripes have been executed in a manner that suggests boulevard cruising rather than racing.

The interior of the last Mini came under a great deal of scrutiny for being derivative to the point of kitsch. The new car still sports such retro touches as the huge central speedometer, steering column-mounted rev counter and toggle switches, but the quality is vastly improved. The leather seats are comfortable yet supportive without squeezing the life out of you, seating in the back is seriously cramped though. The cabin is very compact and gives this strange impression of the windscreen sitting miles distant while the rest of the car gathers up around you. Fortunately, the twin glass sunroofs do lend a bit of airiness to the cabin. It’s generally well executed, but little things like the fiddly audio controls and irritating one-touch indicators annoy after just a couple of kilometres.

But, as was said earlier, looks can be deceptive and a drive in the Mini Cooper S shows that it is a little pack of dynamite. Gun the throttle and an addictive snarl emerges from the turbocharged 1,6 litre engine. This unit produces 128 kW at 5 500 r/min and peak torque of 240 N.m at 1 600 r/min – good enough for a 0-100 km/h time of 6,9 seconds on the way to a 225 km/h top speed.

There is a slight hint of turbo lag from standstill, but then the Mini surges forward with the sort of aggression you’d never associate with something so cute. The steering is precise and full of feel, unfortunately the brakes need to be literally stood upon to reign in the car. The gearbox is not as slick as one would expect, with a really mechanical BMW-feel to the throw, but it feels indestructible. The high biting point of the clutch also takes some getting used to. That wide track and firm (but not concussive) suspension set up makes the Cooper S a nimble, fleet-footed hoot to drive fast. Cocooned in that snug cabin with the road snaking away beneath you, you really do feel a part of proceedings.

At R270 500, the Cooper S is quite expensive for what you get. Well-heeled youngsters purely seeking the neck-craning factor of its retro-cute looks will not baulk at the price tag but will get a heck of a shock when they floor the throttle and find themselves spearing towards the horizon. Those looking for the unbridled compact sports car experience will screech to a halt, get out of the Cooper S and wonder how something so cute can be so aggressive. It will appeal to a broad range of people, but just remember – looks can be deceptive!

This driving impression first appeared in 2007

Original article from Car