TFL Vlog Review: 2016 MINI Cooper S on the Apache Trail [Video]

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2016 MINI Cooper S

TFLcar’s Roman and Tommy Mica got a loaner 2016 MINI Cooper S from a Tempe, Arizona dealership and took it to the Apache Trail, one of the most scenic roads in the state. How does it compare to their own, older MINI convertible?

The Volcanic Orange 2016 MINI is a more mature vehicle than past MINIs and is much larger as well, although it still looks small compared to other vehicles on the road. Although that means the new MINI has lost some of the small personality of the old MINI, especially the original one, it feels more substantial and a lot safer on highways filled with crossovers and F-150s.

Despite being small, the Cooper S hardtop has good room in the front for even taller drivers. The lack of sunroof helps with headroom, too.

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Dynamically, the MINI still feels like a MINI. The wheels are pushed to the corners and the small wheelbase adds to the sporting feel. Steering feel is good, even for an electric steering rack, and toggling the car into sport mode adds some heft.

The Cooper S has the company’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. This engine makes the 2,825-pound car properly quick. The company claims a 0-60 time of 6.4 seconds with the automatic transmission.

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That six-speed automatic shifts well, especially in sport mode, but the manual is the way to go for spirited driving despite a slightly slower 0-60 time of 6.5 seconds.

The automatic MINI doesn’t have official EPA mileage ratings yet, according to the MINI website, but Roman and Tommy managed 28.4 mpg of hard driving, an excellent number for a car that makes close to 200 horsepower.

The 2016 Cooper S in not a cheap car, with a starting price of $24,950, but it is a lot of car for the money.

Would Roman and Tommy pick the new MINI over their old one? Watch the full video to find out.