To add to the commentary about the Mini Cooper of today, here is what was mentioned by Speed Channel show "Tuner Transformation" earlier this week:
(From: "Tuner Transformation," March 30, 2004)
SPORT COMPACT LIFESTYLE
"Feature films like 'Austin Powers' and 'The Italian Job,' have made the Mini Cooper S one of the trendiest rides on the road. And though the design of the Mini may be small, thanks to a gent by the name of John Cooper, this pocket rocket packs a powerful punch. (another person, unknown) 'Not everyone knows who John Cooper is. John Cooper would be considered a... a Formula One, uh, pioneer from his days in '59 and '60 when he commissioned racing cars for Formula One. Form there, John Cooper went on to look at what he could do with something that was more street-worthy. Um, at the time, the Mini had just been introduced in 1959, and it was known to be able to handle very well, might be a little light on horsepower, but he took care of that. Not too many car manufacuturers are getting into, if you will, tuner cars. And if they do, they sometimes put limitations on the warranties and here we been very firm in believing that it's got to stand up to the rigors and what the car was designed to do, and meet the warranty."
I still think the Mini is perhaps the coolest small car in the world. It can be tuned for 160hps, it is the only other high-horsepower small car other than the 190hp Tommy kaira ZZ-S or, of course, the 190-something Lotus Elise. I been wanting to resurrect "Small Talk" just to make the preceding comment on the Mini.
I've driven a 1.4 version of the same Corsa, it was quite nice, although the interiors are up to vauxhalls usuall standard. 
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