Mini Cooper S Coupe Review: The fifth dimension

What we like:

Quirky looks

dynamic character

bigger boot than standard Mini

doesn’t cost much more than the hatchback

What we dislike:

Quirky looks

torque steer

doesn’t feel significantly more dynamic and faster than the hatchback

harsh ride

still expensive

impractical nature

The Coupe’s style and quirkiness continues through the cabin. Up front, it shares everything with the standard Cooper S which means there’s a unique looking dash with a centrally mounted speedometer that is as big as a full sized pan pizza, toggle switches and climate control switches arranged in the shape of the Mini logo among other notable details. The lower roofline doesn’t come at the expense of driver and passenger comfort, though. Oval recesses in the headlining provide extra headroom.

The Mini hatchback is never known to be a practical proposition. The Coupe takes this impractical characteristic a step further – it seats only two. There are no seats behind the driver and passenger; instead the boot area has been extended to behind the seats, which means the Coupe actually has a bigger boot than the hatch. The load area is easily accessed via the sizable tailgate but suffers from wheel arch intrusion.

Like all recent Cooper S models, the Coupe comes with the Mini Visual Boost infotainment system which features a big LCD screen within the even bigger centrally mounted speedometer, Bluetooth connectivity, iPod connectivity and so on. Other standard kit for the Cooper S Coupe includes Harman Kardon hi-fi speakers, Xenon headlamps, rain sensor, DSC with DTC, 17-inch Twin Blade style alloy wheels, , leather upholstery and so on.

The Coupe is actually not significantly more expensive than the hatch – just $7,000 separates the prices of the pair. The Coupe certainly has its own distinct style but its appeal though, will be limited by its impractical nature and its quirky looks. For those who don’t require four seats, the Coupe offers a fun drive and character that only a Mini possesses.

Credits: Story and photos by Raymond Lai