"The Mini is undoubtedly one of the most tactile cars money can buy right now, and it works beautifully at that precise point where steering, brakes, gearchange and chassis all interface on the approach to a corner. Much like the original Cooper S, in fact. Others have moaned about its harsh ride, but that is an accusation I just don't agree with; although Sports Plus suspension and 17-inch wheels is a combination that takes things about as far as you'd reasonably want to go."