CNET has posted a very good and thorough review of the 2007 MINI Cooper S. They also include a video review that focuses more on the technical gadgets in the car rather than what is under the hood. They scored the MINI at a 9.3 out of 10, noting it as “spectacular”.
We’ve tested a lot of small, sporty hatchbacks recently, such as the Mazda Mazdaspeed Mazda3 and the Volkswagen GTI. The Mini bests them all in looks and quality. Although the Mini has a smaller engine, the power train makes the car feel more drivable, with the engine and transmission finely engineered to work together.