Ref. 29918-33The Mini Cooper S stretches the definition of miniature.

Its dimensions may be on the small side but this mass of muscle punches way above its weight.

Supercharger technology pushes the standard 1.6-litre Mini engine to an impressive 163 bhp, with a top speed of 135 mph.

Inside, the Cooper is something of a tardis. Everything is bigger than you expect it to be, from the chunky leather steering wheel and gear stick to the huge speed and rev dials.

Getting behind the wheel of the Cooper S is a bit like climbing inside an oversized dinky toy.

Its motif is big circles and bulbous curves and the car looks and feels so friendly, so irresistibly cheeky that it would surely make a great cartoon character.

Elevated from the sturdy basics of the standard Mini, the Cooper S gains a re-designed bonnet and front bumper, a six-speed manual gearbox, reinforced anti-roll bars, firmer springs and dampeners, tuned suspension, up-rated brakes and a re-modelled exhaust system topped with twin tail pipes.

The bonnet, front and rear bumpers, side-sills, roof, wheels and tail pipe all get the S treatment, which continues inside the car with the addition of sports seats.

Driving the Cooper S is indeed a mini adventure.

When the driver hits the throttle an urgent rush of air can be heard, produced by the supercharger and intercooler. It sounds like a mini jet engine spooling up, flooding the car with raw energy.

The sixth gear is designed for cruising, lowering the engine speed and fuel consumption on long journeys and allowing the driver to eat up miles of motorway in comfort.

With a wheel at each corner and low centre of gravity, the Mini can also be manoeuvred around town with ease, and its ability to squeeze into the smallest of parking spaces is a welcome asset for urban dwellers.

BMW brought out the new Mini in 2001, and the meaner Mini Cooper S followed a year later.

The fact that both have been so successful in stamping their irrepressible personalities on to the minds of the driving public in such a short time is a credit to their designers and engineers.

Surely even die-hard fans of the old Rover Mini must look with envy on BMW's athletic and beautifully toned Cooper S, which is, after all, their own classic car on steroids.

The Cooper S, on the road from £14,805, is simply the chunkiest, funkiest little car on the market.

For more information or to request a test drive visit Dick Lovett Specialist Cars in Rushey Park, Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon, or call 01793 615222.

Andy Tate