The Pioneer Times

Issue date: 10/15/07 Section: Entertainment

Courtesy of Google. images

Its round lights and white roof (the latter sometimes adorned with the Union Jack, paying homage to its homeland) scream "retro." Its driving dynamics holler "go-kart." Who would've thought that fun this big came in something this small? At a little over 12 feet long and tipping the scales under 2,700 pounds, the new Mini Cooper S packs a 172 horsepower punch from its new turbocharged motor. It surely is a force to be reckoned with.

About a month ago, I had the privilege of test-driving this little thing. What a trip! Floor it, and real estate vanishes quickly. There is virtually no turbo lag with this power train, which is a great virtue. It sounds stellar in action, the music pouring out of its twin central tailpipes. The six-speed shifter feels great, as does the clutch: light and smooth. The steering feel is excellent, and pushing the "Sport" button makes it ultra responsive. Watching the revs fly on the centrally mounted tachometer is a joy. And the interior is classy, with style aplenty, fitted and finished remarkably well.

Besides its speed, the solid feel of the car was really impressive. As small and light as it is, it possessed the planted and confident feel of its BMW brethren. I once had the privilege of borrowing a '98 BMW 528i Sedan, and it was easily one of the best, most solid cars I've ever driven. It felt like a tank, but it didn't move like one.

BMW bought Mini in 2001 and has been producing the little hot rods ever since. Soon after the Mini made its debut, it was featured in "The Italian Job." Movies have an effective impact on people when it comes to promoting cars. For example, Triple X featured the classic Pontiac GTO, which introduced me to the allure of the American muscle car. Likewise, "The Italian Job" introduced millions to the joys and excitement of a small and fun vehicle.

Yes, small and fun can go together; no other car quite embodies this like the Mini Cooper. The Mini Cooper rocks because it has the look, the speed and the price to make it all worth it. It gets great mileage, too, with an EPA rated 27 miles per gallon city, and 34 miles per gallon highway. The Mini Cooper S starts at just $21, 200. That's not so much to ask for big fun.

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