06 Oct 06
As the name implies, the Cooper S is the one. Whereas the 70s original made do with 70bhp, this supercharged screamer packs a significant 163bhp. Hugely entertaining to drive, it has a very grippy chassis and the sharpest steering around. Crucially it also feels quick, even though there are hotter hatches, and even losing the roof doesn't diminish this feeling. But that wasn't the end of it. Cooper Garages, who helped develop the Cooper anyway, breathed on the S for an extra £2,500 more to create the Cooper S Works. Progressively uprated, the last versions produced a fearsome 210bhp. As well as the modified engine, the bodywork proclaims your super-Mini status with subtle badging and a chrome grille. But the Works isn't the last word in go-faster Minis if you don't mind straying from officially approved models. Respected tuning firms such as AC Schnitzer, Hartge and Graham Goode Racing have all worked to polish BMW's firecracker.
