Test drive: 2007 MINI Cooper S

Hoo-boy.

After I finished writing my review of the redesigned 2007 MINI Cooper S, I enlisted the help of Carbuzzard.com to check out what other reviewers were saying. The new MINI seems to be universally loved -- or at least it was until now.

To clarify, I don't dislike the MINI; I'm just not going ape-dung over it the way so many other reviewers are. Here's why.

Most of my experience with the previous-generation MINI Cooper was on the racetrack rather than on the street. The previous Cooper was a lot of fun, but it also exhibited some rather tricky behavior when pushed really hard -- the kind of things that can really catch you out in a panic swerve.

So, naturally, when the all-new-for-2007 MINI Cooper S showed up on my doorstep, I made a beeline for the About.com Cars Top Secret Twisty Test Road to see if the old car's demons had been exorcised. It quickly became clear that while some of the MINI's behaviors had been tamed, others remained, and still more presented themselves anew. And there are other issues with the car that may give even seasoned MINI owners pause.

So, naturally, I don't expect my opinion to be popular -- but hey, I calls 'em as I sees 'em.

To get the details, check out my 2007 MINI Cooper S test drive and review. And for a closer look at this very cool-looking car, see my 2007 MINI Cooper S photo gallery. -- Aaron Gold

Photo © Aaron Gold