I took one of my friends new style cooper out this weekend.

It's not the 'S' before you ask, it was a normal 1.6 16v cooper with the chili-pack so S wheels, chrome body parts (worst bit) and half leather interior etc (farse...)

anyhow, i really really have to say this is a fun car to drive. The dash/interior is a little odd compared to most agreed, but it makes you look forward to every corner, it handled much better than i ever imagined it would.

the 1.6 16v engine is pokey, but not a rocket. It's fun factor was very appealing to me, the gearbox was nice (apart from reverse, which apparently is a common difficulty to find across the range). If you get the chance, take one for a hack round some country lanes with the windows down...... 8)