2011 Mini Cooper S Hardtop, an AW Drivers Log Car Review - AutoWeek
ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: A friend's utter disgust greeted me when I showed up in the 2011 Mini Cooper S. "I hate those cars," my friend said. I tried to explain the appeal of the Mini from a driver's standpoint. That's too bad because this Cooper S hardtop is better than ever with the small improvements Mini made for the 2011 model year. The turbocharged 1. 6-liter gains BMW's Valvetronic variable-valve-timing system to bump output by 9 hp to 181 hp, which some will naturally assume would increase the car's torque-steering tendencies. Mini thought of that, too, and has added an antitorque steer program to the car's electric-power-steering system. The Mini's six-speed manual gearbox offers precise and crisp shifts, and the suspension keeps things planted around corners while also providing enough absorption abilities for normal commutes--at least to me. Some may consider it a little harsh. They are annoyingly loud, and I recommend anyone who purchases a Mini to replace them right away. For a small commuter car, few things can match this Mini Cooper S for the combination of fuel economy and fun factor. Source: autoweek.com
