2010 Mini Cooper S (photos)

The Mini Cooper S can be polarizing with its style over substance cabin and harsh, performance-oriented ride, but with a list of options longer than the car itself, it's easy to make the Cooper your own.

Antuan Goodwin

March 9, 2010 12:12 p.m. PT

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2010 Mini Cooper, make mine an S

The Mini is back for 2010 and as small as ever. Actually, not much has changed for Mini since we reviewed the 2007 model, but does the aging Cooper stand the test of time? View Local Inventory

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172-horsepower 1.6-liter turbo

Under the Mini's clamshell hood is a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs an impressive 172 horsepower. Turbo lag is an issue at low speeds, but once it gets going (or when in Sport mode), lag is less of an issue. View Local Inventory

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Steering and handling

With so much power going through the front wheels, torque steer is unavoidable. Fortunately, the Mini's quick steering helps to mitigate much of the lateral movement. When in Sport mode, the steering and throttle responses are sharpened. View Local Inventory

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The Mini turns 50

Our Cooper S is a Mayfair edition, one of two special editions celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mini nameplate. View Local Inventory

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Brown on brown

The Mayfair edition features special brown metallic paint, brown interior, and brown pinstriped winglet mirrors and dash trim. View Local Inventory

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Lighting upgrades

The Mayfair also features upgraded xenon headlamps, driving lights and fog lights, and white turn signals. View Local Inventory

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Hot hatch

As a hatchback, the Mini offers a degree of utility. You'll have to choose between hauling people and hauling cargo, but at least you have the choice. View Local Inventory

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Short wheelbase

The Mini has a short wheelbase, which makes it easy to rotate in the turns and easy to park. However, the wheelbase also makes the Mini's ride quite harsh over potholes and expansion joints. View Local Inventory

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Fuel economy

The Cooper S' EPA fuel economy estimates come in at 24 city and 32 highway mpg. Even after a week of Sport mode flogging, we still managed to stay within that range. View Local Inventory

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Interior

The Mini's interior is where opinions vary wildly. For some, it is one of the most beautiful interior designs on the road. For others, it's a disorganized mess of scattered controls. View Local Inventory

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Speedometer

The Mini's dinner-plate-size speedometer also houses most of the controls for the audio system. View Local Inventory

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Center stack

However, the volume control lives in a completely different location. Squint and you'll be able to see the knob below the CD slot. View Local Inventory

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Odometer

Behind the steering wheel, the tachometer has its own set of indicators. View Local Inventory

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Steering wheel

Fortunately, the steering wheel controls are simple and easy to understand. View Local Inventory

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Cruise controls

To the driver's right are the cruise control buttons. View Local Inventory

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Audio and Bluetooth

Audio and Bluetooth hands-free controls are on the driver's left side. The Bluetooth system uses voice command, but it doesn't automatically import contacts from smartphones. View Local Inventory