For hot hatch enthusiasts, there was much to like about the ‘New’ R50 MINI Cooper, which was launched alongside the One, back in July 2001. Highlights were the sharp steering and playful chassis, but with just 120hp, this MINI offered ‘warm’ rather than ‘hot’ performance. However, a faster version was always on the cards, and, sure enough, the performance headliner with one of the most iconic Classic Mini performance badges on the boot, Cooper S, was launched in July 2002.
Outside, BMW deliberately didn’t change Frank Stephenson’s attractive, 2000s redesign. The big giveaways were the letterbox vent on the bonnet, feeding air directly to the intercooler, and the Classic Mini-style centre twin exhaust, with its two smaller Coke-can finishers. The only other style changes were the chunkier, more aggressive bumpers missing their chrome, plus different side skirts and a larger rear spoiler. Inside, the changes over an R50 Cooper were harder to spot, although there were welcome, more supportive standard sports seats.
Where the Cooper S gets most interesting is under the
