2012 Mini Cooper S Packs Performance and Style into a Small Package

For those looking for a car that is a blast to drive but also is efficient and comfortable to use on a daily basis the 2012 Mini Cooper S is the car for you.  The Mini Cooper is a small car with big attitude that while being Eco-friendly  still provides an enjoyable driving experience.

Looking a bit more refreshed than the 2011 counterparts, the Minis have new bumper designs and tail lights, not to mention the exciting five new wheel designs. The cars keep with that retro look that is synonymous with the Mini Cooper ever since it was launched in the 1950s yet manages to have a contemporary, edgy feel. On the outside the Cooper is is distinguishable from the other Mini’s by having a chrome-ringed hood scoop, black mesh grilles rather than shiny bars, lower brake ducts with optional chrome frames that guide air to cool the brake discs. The front end has been reshaped to be in unison with new requirements for pedestrian safety. In case of an accident, geometry is such that the pedestrian might be lifted up and out of harm’s way.

With a more efficient and slightly more powerful engine than its predecessors, the turbocharged engine is extra sporty and responsive. Generating 181 horsepower and 192-pound feet of torque the car the vehicle has one of the most powerful engines based on the size. It adds up to a car that finds a balance between comfort and performance that makes driving fun while still managing to returns up to 27 mpg city and 36 highway. The Cooper S also has on of the lightest and quickest steering that we have seen for a car of its size and pirce that makes twisting and tunr easy on any road.the light, quick steering.

On the inside, the Mini S, like many other smaller cars offers lots of headroom and legroom for the front passengers, but the back is a little crammed. That is one of the reasons why the company decided to come out with the Mini Countryman and Clubman. But for the most part, the cabin is charming with nice finishes that include plastics that have a good feel and look. Also there is the large center-mounted speedometer, a nod to Mini’s of the past. Some of the downsides include poor rearward visibility in convertible version as well as limited cargo space with only 5.7 cubic feel of useful space behind the rear seats, but then again you can fold those to get more space.

The new Mini carries with it the option for users to make their car extra unique with a large selection of exterior paint finishes, light-alloy wheels, upholstery variants as well as interior trim. But it doesn’t end there, as buyers can personalize further under the Mini “Yours” which in addition to other extras such as heated seats, navigation and parking sensors let’s one choose the mirror caps, graphics, 17-inch wheels as well as extra leather covering on the dash and/or steering wheel.

Offering charm and an engaging drive it is no surprise the modern Mini Cooper has remained so popular since its released about a decade ago. Furthermore, the car comes with a moderate price, a base Mini Cooper with a 121 hp engine costs about $20,000, while, the Cooper S with its more powerful turbo engine is $3,600 more and the high-performance John Cooper Works Mini costs about $30,000.