Author: H. THROTTLE Automotive columnist
When I tested the MINI Cooper last time, my neighbor liked it very much. She bought a car exactly like the blue test drive model.
Arrived this week is a lively 2022 MINI John Cooper Works hardtop, equipped with a gear lever and a 228-horsepower 4-cylinder turbocharged/engine, which can reach 60 in 5.7 seconds.
John Cooper Works found a place on the track and offers three driving modes: sport, medium speed and green. I drive in sport mode most of the time.
An interesting thing happened. I was on a ramp with flashing lights, next to a shiny new Tesla in the right lane. The direct sign ahead merges the right lane into the left lane and enters the highway. I think I'd better rush out quickly in front of Tesla. This Cooper quickly walked out of the door with front-wheel turbo power. The light changed, and Tesla exploded with an astonishing acceleration. You don't even need to get close to the electric car, the left lane is open in his dust.
Driving the Cooper is fun, especially the six-speed gear lever connected to the twin/turbo engine. The real shine of this MINI is on the E470 highway, which glides perfectly in fifth or sixth gear.
The rigid suspension maintains the road perfectly, and the engine and shifting effects are very good. The suspension is really hard for the car, but rough during bumps and winter potholes.
Inside there is a large luminous circular frame surrounding the information center. There are many switches for heated seats and exterior mirrors. Leather John Cooper bucket seats are comfortable and not crowded. The rear seats are very compact and can accommodate several children or packages. The trunk space is really small, enough to hold a set of golf clubs, maybe two.
The John Cooper Works model was assembled in Oxford, England, equipped with a German engine and gearbox. The powertrain has a four-year/50,000-mile warranty.
This is a car that must be driven and shifted frequently, and has excellent Brembo piston brakes and front and rear MacPherson strut suspensions, just like a racing car.
It's not as fast as Tesla, but it sells for a much lower price, is equipped with the latest safety features, costs $40,850, and is ready to rock.
This is an interesting car.
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