2014 Mini Cooper S Hardtop Long-Term Update: Back in Michigan for Winter

WHAT WE LIKE AND WHY: We haven’t seen our long-term Mini Cooper S in a while, as it spent the summer on assignment in Los Angeles. But getting back behind the wheel reminds us of how much more refined the latest Mini is than previous generations. The feel is more akin to a small BMW than an eager runabout, with improved ergonomics and instrumentation. The light, precise action of the clutch and shifter are nearly perfect for spirited driving, and while the go-kart feel has been somewhat watered down, the Mini can still deliver smiles when hitting an apex. And there’s plenty of grunt from the S’s turbocharged 2.0-liter, and with all 207 lb-ft of torque peaking at a superlow 1250 rpm, it’s easier to deal with thick traffic. We’re still averaging 30 mpg overall with regular flogging, which equates to 350 miles of range. READ MORE ››

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