2007 Mini Cooper S

When launched in 2002, the modern Mini begged the question: Is less really more?

On one hand, it brought premium features and the cachet of BMW parentage to the subcompact class.

On the other, its dynamic on-road capabilities could embarrass sports cars costing twice as much.

Okay, yes, the first few model year's build quality was suspect. The mandatory run-flat tires gave it the ride of a donkey cart and its engine was considered gruff at best. Those up front were treated royally, but a severe lack of rear leg and cargo space meant the Mini stopped being a real car aft of the B-pillars. And with a few options checked off, it was all-too-easy to find yourself staring at a $40,000 bill for a front-drive, 2+2 subcompact hatchback.

Of course, many Mini customers filed their cars' faults under the heading "character." Enough that, even after five years on the market, BMW's British plant still can't sufficiently satisfy demand for the endearing little cars.

For the heavily updated 2007 Mini, BMW wanted to improve the car's fuel efficiency, performance and driving dynamics. And it wanted to make it safer.

Obvious first-generation Mini design characteristics – flat roof, hexagon grille, and large headlights and upright rear lights – have all been retained. As have the low centre of gravity, long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs.

This year, the base Mini Cooper Classic starts at $22,950 with a new 118 hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. But, the Mini to get to exploit the car's nimble chassis is the Cooper S; $30,600 with a standard six-speed manual. (A six-speed manumatic is a $1,390 option.)

With options like the huge glass sunroof, heated front seats, trip computer, a bunch of chrome trim and go-faster hood stripes, the test Cooper S's price was $33,035.

Inside, as part of the overall refinement plan, the controls feel much more robust. For instance, the steering wheel wands don't feel like they will break off.

Visually, the new console literally takes centre stage. Its quirky toggle-switches remain, but the HVA/C controls now mimic the flying-wing Mini logo. Why the top knob tunes stations and the knob below the CD slot adjusts the volume is a mystery.

Ironically, the centrally mounted, pie-plate-sized speedometer gets easily ignored. Thankfully, the tachometer that resides above the steering column allows the driver to eyeball the digital speed readout below the centre of the tach. This way, you can register the car's speed without taking your eyes off the tach. All the better to take advantage of the Cooper S's new turbo four's power curve.

Um, did I say "turbo four?"

If you recall, last year's Cooper S relied on supercharging to boost horsepower in the 1.6 unit from 115 to 168. This year, the Cooper S adopts a twin-scroll turbocharger.

The new turbo mill goes about its business with a velvety, linear smoothness, with maximum torque delivered much earlier.

Utilizing variable intake cam timing, sodium-filled exhaust valves and direct-injection fuel delivery, the turbo Cooper S is now rated at 172. More important, torque increases by 15 to 177 lb.-ft. – all of which is available as early as 1,600 r.p.m. An overboost feature delivers an additional 22 lb.-ft for a maximum of 10 seconds.

BMW says the Cooper S scoots from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. That's two seconds quicker than the Cooper and about a half-second quicker than the '06 S.

Also, there's less road and wind noise. And because of next-generation run-flats with softer sidewalls and more forgiving suspension tuning, the ride is less harsh, too.

Refinement seems to be the order of the day with the '07 Cooper S.

But has the (slightly) larger, (slightly) softer-riding Mini become too mature for its own good? Has it evolved to be less of a driver's car, more of a ride for the poseurs who like the Mini's cheeky looks?

First up, hardcore drivers should like the new mysterious "Sport" button that resides in front of the gear shift. Optional on the non-S Cooper, it speeds up the responses from the steering and the throttle. Like the "Loud" button on your stereo, why would you turn it off?

In pushing the '07 Cooper S on some of the backroads west of Westport, Ont., it's easy to discover the car is not as sensitive at the limit as the '06 model. Now less prone to lift-throttle oversteer, just add a little braking through corners and the Cooper S pivots with ease.

The previous Cooper S's electrical-hydraulic steering was one of the best. The '07's electrical-mechanical setup, combined with new softer sidewall 17-inch run-flats, isn't as communicative. But there are less abrupt transitions from traction to no-traction.

Yes, some of the Cooper S's rougher edges have been honed. And with that, there's now a little less intimacy between the driver and the road.

In regards to concerns of BMW's super-Mini becoming all stodgy and grown-up, don't sweat it. The '07 still has the ability to engage the driver in every turn of the road unlike any car in its price range.