2005 Mini Cooper S convertible review

Power mix
The slot in the Cooper S's hood does more than look sporty. It feeds fresh air into the 1,600cc twin-cam, 16-valve, supercharged engine's intercooler. That power plant produces 168 horsepower at 6,000rpm, with 162 pound-feet of torque at 4,000rpm. Gear ratios in the six-speed box have been changed from the previous model year to improve acceleration, and the car lives up to its flying-shoebox heritage with performance that drivers of the original could only dream about.

The engine is a little weak at the bottom, but power builds quickly, with plenty available at the top. Precise linkage makes for quick shifting, and the car's short wheelbase, wide track, and relatively huge tires make for a kartlike driving experience. The S has the sport suspension as standard equipment; it's firm, but not overly so. The suspension, the quick steering, and the low-profile tires ensure good turn-in and precise handling, and all that rubber grips the road tenaciously. Torque steer is minimal, and fuel economy is solid, especially considering its 25mpg city and 32mpg highway EPA rating.

Rollover protection
Mini calls its safety system FIRST, which stands for Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology. Its rigid unibody structure includes reinforced floor and side panels and high-strength door beams. The windshield frame is also reinforced and works with the plastic-covered aluminum rollover hoops behind the rear seats to protect occupants in the event of a rollover. Both front and front-seat side air bags are standard.

Brakes are discs all around, with standard antilock, electronic brake-force distribution, and all-season traction control. Cornering brake control improves stability in cornering, while the dynamic stability control system is available as an option. Run-flat tires are standard on the Mini Cooper S convertible and can last for 90 miles at up to 50mph with no air pressure. A tire-pressure monitoring system alerts the driver to any pressure loss. Rear park distance control alerts the driver to unseen objects when backing.