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2002 Mini Cooper S
Sipping and Motoring

Susan Frissell

2002 Mini Cooper

2002 Mini Cooper S

As the literature suggests, let’s sit in the Mini Cooper S. Originality abounds. From the steering-column-mounted tachometer to the toggle switches (these are the best and so easy to use), to the speedo placed smack dab in the middle of the dashboard. There is so much that’s different. Modern, yet retro (‘60s rally days inspired controls), the Mini is so-so appealing.

No matter if you’re 6’7" or 4’10", you’ll be comfortable in the Mini’s sport seats. As all racing-inspired seats must, Mini’s made sure driver and passenger are secure and snug in the high bolstered leatherette upholstered seats.

Standard equipment in the Cooper S includes such amenities as a CD-player, split-fold-down rear seats, A/C (including A/C in the glovebox), leather-wrapped shift knob (chrome and leather), six-way adjustable manual sport-seat with height adjustment, height-adjustable headrests, seatback easy entry/exit, xenon interior lighting, 2-spoke leather-steering wheel, alloy Patina trim. Our Cooper S test vehicle, in Pure Silver, carried a total vehicle price of just over $27,000. Options included the leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel with finger-activated radio controls, 17" silver alloy wheels, front foglights, rear spoiler, dual-pane panoramic power sunroof, cruise control w/multi-function steering wheel, and 2-way adjustable lumbar support for front seats.

Driving the Cooper S was a kick. Everything operates so effortlessly, from the Getrag six-speed gearshift to the toggle switches operating windows, lights, door locks. Head and legroom is more than generous for a vehicle this size. The tilt-steering wheel column allows for drivers of all sizes to fit in these comfortable, accommodating sport seats. Mini brags there is even room for a 36’ wide screen TV in back! The rear seat folds down to accommodate all manner of "stuff," making this car a practical choice.

The S rode better than expected; translated to mean very well, But then, what would you expect from BMW? We haven’t had a chance to get into the Mini base vehicle, but would expect the S to ride a tad smoother even with larger tires.

There is little doubt that what has helped sell Mini is BMW’s show-casing of the brand. Because Mini’s previous experience here in the U.S. from 1960-67 was not a positive one (selling fewer than 10,000 units), BMW knew it must reframe Mini’s image.

Formally introduced in 2000 at the Paris Auto Show, and following in ’01 in Detroit, the hype created a Pied Piper effect. Build it and they will come could well have been Mini’s tagline, however, they didn’t even need to build it first. Just the clever way Mini was/is marketed, in this writer’s opinion, has sold this vehicle. Why, had finances allowed, I too would have signed up on the spot. A sucker for the type of marketing Mini has done, I bought in immediately.

At the Detroit Auto Show, Mini set up a photo booth where consumers could sit in front of a screen, push a button, after choosing your Mini’s color, and have their picture taken sitting in a Mini. Yes, of course, I did it. Twice. I also operated the Mini vending machine which cleverly dispensed little Mini brochures. From the minute I spied the Mini display, a smile plastered my face, and stayed there throughout my walk through miniland.

Mini marketing continues to amaze and delight from the billboards to the airport kiosks. One such display features a Mini next to a coin slot that instructs "Insert $16,850 in quarters only." For those who placed their order early for the Mini, a copy of "The Unauthorized Owner’s Manual" was sent ahead. The manual describes some of the secrets about the Mini, such as where to tap the car to create different sounds. For the adventurous who want to become a member of the elite US Mission Mini Investigation Unit going to Spain this Fall, you’ve only to sign on to MISSIONMINIUSA.COM and apply.

We’re eager to test drive the base Mini.With 15" wheels/tires (S is equipped with 16", optional 17" tires), we expect the ride to suffer some. Mini Cooper S has standard sport suspension (optional on Cooper), providing stiffer front/rear anti-roll stabilizer bars. Traction control is standard on Cooper S, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control optional.

Mini is equipped with all sorts of safety equipment, including dual front airbags, ABS, six side impact airbags, engine immobilizer, fuel cutoff, Roadside Assistance, battery safety terminal (disconnects in a collision).

There’s isn’t much that hasn’t been said about the new Mini Cooper. It’s fun, whimsical, quirky, attractive, innovative. It’s all the adjectives you can throw at it. You just have to drive one. You’ll see. You’ll be hooked.