Mini Cooper S Review #TBT - Fifth Gear

It's #ThrowbackThursday! Tom has a look at the All-New . . New Mini Cooper S, but is it really that different from previous cars?

[rorschach]

I bought a certified pre-owned 2012 Mini Cooper S last month, basically the same R56 2nd generation Mini Cooper S as the one reviewed here, and I must say, this review is still bang-on accurate. Mine has newer audio and climate control switches, and a six speed auto with paddle shifters, but otherwise practically the same car. I love the change in exhaust note once you put the car on sport mode....you get a rather enjoyable thump thump thump from the tail pipe once in a while....puts a smile on my face, but then again, I'm usually already smiling from the acceleration, flat cornering, and direct responsive steering.

[RainbowSixFIFA]

I bought a 2010 mini cooper s r56 as my first car 5 months ago... One of my best decisions of my life.

[aaaaaaaaron]

"It doesnt move around you, it moves with you" That pretty much sums up the Mini driving experience. Its perfect

[shankarbalan]

I LOVE my R56 Cooper S. I dont want a newer Mini.

[applemusclecar]

I had a Brand new 2005. I don't speed, but in my mini I was speeding and zig zagging lane changing all over the place. It was extremely fun to drive.

[GeordiLaForgery]

Should really put the Year of the car being reviewed as it's likely to confuse people. Review is 07-11.

[yourtulpa]

Because an S wouldn't be an S without the 'go-faster' hole.
Tom Ford is such a brilliant narrator!

[mso]

I had one in London for 2 years and it was fantastic.

[SpyderRios]

I drove a 2013 Cooper s at Carmax yestarday and it was an amazing fun little thing. It felt fan at any speed unlike my 2011 GT which will put me in jail before I have any fun with it. I am keeping the Mustang but I will also be buying a 2007 Turbo Cooper s for everyday driving. Now the issues with German cars, specially the mini is what scares me a little bit. However I live in Fresno Ca, a city with more mechanics than people so I don't think that's going to be a problem. I myself might be working on the mini all on my own. After all I was able to put my motorcycle back together all on my own.

[jordanmontana]

I drive a 2009 mini Cooper with a sunroof it’s mellow yellow black interior it’s the S model I love it don’t wanna ever get rid of it

[kmotch]

I had 2 of these Mini Cooper S’s in 08 and 10. Great cars and the last manuals I bought, been auto ever since, my word it was fun the stir those gears around.

[GoblinGamesLtd]

Bought an R56 Cooper S for the wife last year. God it's fun!! And feels really quick too. Not sure if it's been chipped or something.

[BarkandBeyond]

I have a 03 cooper s and I love it. Part of me wants to upgrade just so I get a nice turbo noise instead of a screaming supercharger.

[gxnggxng]

Why I love the R56. 1. pop 2. pop 3.bang. 4. pop pop. Yeah you don't get a supercharge wine but u get explosions from the exhaust so i'll take the compromise !

[thegreat]

First time ive owned this mini (mine is 2009 cooper s) and I have fallen in love! Wish I had bought one ages ago, but I really didn't have a problem with my 2017 clio rs 220, it was just costing too much.. lol

[loganellis]

Bought the clubman s. Couldnt be happier

[freerun]

I own a 2007 Cooper S with the jcw tuning pack, love driving it, makes me look forward to driving to work because it's my daily, but damn is it unreliable, bought it at 53, 000 miles and had to replace the HPFP, timing chain, oil pressure sensor, front coil springs, and now I need to replace the water pump. That's not including all the regular maintenance. So if you're buying used, I'd recommend having atleast £1k spare for any repairs.

[diegotroco]

Just bought a 2011 r56 Cooper S with a manual gearbox, can't wait for it to arrive.

[RedLPS]

Yes it's brilliant, but I adore my R50. I'm partial to the go kart 1st gen.👌🏻

[jamieorourke]

I just bought a sport diesel cooper four door, , it's amazing