2003 Mini Cooper on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2014 Mini Cooper S

One of the big challenges as an automotive journalist is reviewing cars that you have a personal connection to. I have a strong passion for Minis. My first new car was a 2004 Cooper S, and I still own a 2006 model. It's this affinity that's left me with a general disdain of the 2007 to 2013 model relative to my first-gen.
The last-generation cars, with their turbocharged engines, softer suspensions, duller steering and homelier looks are, in my mind, inferior to their 2002 to 2006 predecessors. As a car reviewer, though, I couldn't in good conscience argue the same point. The R56, as the last-gen cars were known internally and by enthusiasts, was a better-balanced vehicle that retained the lion's share of the abilities and character of the first-generation, R53 Cooper S, but they were better thought out, better designed, more livable, and felt like more complete products.
Before the third-generation of the reborn Mini Cooper S landed in my driveway, I couldn't help but wonder whether the model would continue its slide towards mass appeal, or if it would re-embrace the enthusiast realm with a stronger driver-focused mission. As I found out during my week with the car, it was a bit of both.

2015 Mini Cooper snapped uncovered on the road

The third generation of reborn Mini is nearly upon us. Just look at the trail of breadcrumbs the Anglo-Saxon automaker has been leaving us.
First we saw the upcoming new Mini Cooper, spied from above at a photo shoot, which Mini was quick to point out was not its best angle. Then BMW's retro-hatch division showcased the Mini Vision concept, and followed up just yesterday with details of the new engines and chassis that will underpin the latest model. And now we have the clearest batch of spy shots we've seen yet.
Not only were these shots taken from a better angle, but also show the new Mini in the more tempting Cooper S trim - complete with hood scoop, split-spoke alloys, roof spoiler and twin central exhaust tips.

Mini to open stick-shift driving school in California

Mini recently brought the manual transmission back to its line-up, and it wants as many people as possible to take advantage of it. It opened the Mini Manual Driving School at the BMW Performance Center in Thermal, California, to teach drivers of all ages how to drive a stick. You don't need to own a Mini to enroll in the company's driving school; the program is open to any and all motorists. It consists of a classroom portion, where students are presumably taught the basics of how to operate a manual transmission, and a hands-on driving experience, where they can apply what they learned in real-world conditions. It sure beats learning stick in downtown San Francisco. Mini notes the course will focus on vehicle controls, finding the clutch pedal's friction point, plus practicing smooth starts, stops, and acceleration. At the end of the course, the firm will test students on a timed course to ensure they're comfortable with driving a stick. Many drivers who don't know how to drive a manual car find it intimidating; this course was designed to make the stick-shift approachable. Autoblog learned from Mini that courses will start in the first quarter of 2023 and that dates will be set based on the number of bookings received; it's too early to provide a more specific schedule. Pricing hasn't been set yet. Related Video This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. MINI Driving Ownership Safety Hatchback