At the risk of being accused of fat-shaming, the new Mini Cooper S is a bit of a porker. If the Austin/Morris original yipped through the corners like a terrier after a rat, then the current iteration ...

HIGHS Attractive base price, generously equipped from the start, entertaining to drive. LOWS Fun-sapping traction-control system, tight rear quarters, driving range is far too short to be competitive.

HIGHS Modernized design inside and out, more powerful engines, same lively handling. LOWS Manual transmission no longer available, laggy infotainment software, still quite small inside. VERDICT The ...

The MINI Cooper’s wonderful set-up makes for agile, nimble handling with lashings of grip. This allied to eager engines boasting just enough performance to keep things interesting should equate to ...