When I was a kid growing up in East London not an awful lot of years ago, one of my best things to do was indoor go-karting. “Michael, where do you want to go for your birthday this year?” my parents would ask. My default reply would be “Indoor karting! And then Friesland for milkshakes!”
When I was a kid growing up in East London not an awful lot of years ago, one of my best things to do was indoor go-karting. “Michael, where do you want to go for your birthday this year?” my parents would ask. My default reply would be “Indoor karting! And then Friesland for milkshakes!”
Now I’m (sort of) all grown-up and I still really enjoy go-karts and milkshakes. Some things never change. Except in Grahamstown there’s no Friesland and no indoor go-karting track. Sure there are plenty of places in town where you can get a decent double-thick shake, but if you feel like hurtling around in a go-kart purely to poke fun at the rules of physics, you’re out of luck.
Unless, of course, you get the chance to drive a Mini Cooper S convertible, which is really just a nicely done-up go-kart with a few more knobs and dials, and a rather more powerful engine.
Love is often expressed through kisses and hugs. Many people love cars, and although you don’t often find them kissing or hugging their cars (at least not in public), the Mini is probably one of the most huggable cars I’ve ever seen. It’s endearing and it knows it. It’s all part of the cute ‘n cheeky attitude it exhibits so confidently.
The Mini Cooper S convertible is about two things: attitude and athleticism.
I press the start button to awaken the Cooper S from its slumber at Value Cars on Hill Street. The engine burbles like a young dragon gently gargling absinthe.
“Just hold in this button for a few seconds,” says the probably-nervous sales executive, Shaun Parent. Before I know it, the roof has folded away entirely and there I am, sitting in a chirpy little go-kart, moments away from having the most topless fun I’ve had in a while.
On paper, there’s nothing jaw-droppingly impressive about this Mini’s performance. The 1.6-litre turbo-charged engine puts out around 130kW and is good for a 0-100km/h time of just over seven seconds and a top end of around 220km/h. But replace paper with paving and it’s a different story.
Grip, handling and all-round nimbleness are the hallmarks of the Mini Cooper S, and contribute heavily to its go-kart likeness. It feels exceptionally sure-footed in most situations, and to unsettle it you would really have to get creative – and a bit silly – with your driving inputs.
The imposing central speedometer is an oversized and an ominous reminder that Terrence Bafo and his well-used fine book could very well be waiting for you around the next corner, which is a pity because corners are brilliantly fun in this car.
This is a point-and-shoot car. Pick your line, flex your right ankle and hold on tight. It’s plenty quick, and the go-go-go experience is due in no small part to the fact that it's a small and light car on a stiff chassis, so you really feel the ride in an involving and reassuring way.
Is this a practical car? No. Does that matter much? Not really. We can’t always be sensible and staid. Drive one and you’ll understand.
