With all eyes on the MINI Cooper’s launch, BMW engineers obviously thought it was safe to wheel out an undisguised edition of the forthcoming flagship Cooper S.
How wrong they were! Caught on test by our snappers and revealed in the current issue of Auto Express magazine, the yellow supercharged model is virtually showroom-ready.

The magazine’s spyshots show the full-length glass sunroof which will be offered on both the Cooper and Cooper S, plus the chrome grille, headlamp and window trim and aluminium alloys. It also sports a more aggressive bodykit with a deeper front spoiler and side skirts, plus a bonnet dominated by a huge air intake. The S is due on sale next spring with an impressive 163bhp, 1.6-litre engine.

Set to challenge models such as the Renaultsport Clio 172 and SEAT Ibiza Cupra R for the title of hottest hatch
in the world, its suspension revisions include shorter springs and sturdier dampers to improve cornering ability. The ride will be a little harsher, but BMW is confident that this high-performance edition of the MINI will still prove refined and comfortable. Prices are yet to be announced, but given that the entry-level MINI One will cost £10,300 and the Cooper comes in at £11,600, it’s unlikely that the Cooper S will break the £14,000 price barrier.

Copyright Auto Express, reproduced with kind permission. Click the icon to visit their site.