Talking further on special edition models of the Mini Cooper and Cooper S celebrating nearly 60 years since this diminutive flying brick came to our attention in the early 60’s. I tested the Mini Cooper S 60-year edition automatic three door hatch at $46,700, a premium small hatch with a premium price but Mini claim it has $8,500 in extra value for its $4,000 price lift over the standard Cooper S. To my way of thinking the three-door Mini makes a lot of sense while the five-door and long-wheelbase models don’t grab me at all. The 2.0-litre turbo and 7-speed automatic with manual shift paddles proved an absolute cracker to drive – responsive, nimble with fabulous braking this is a real driver’s car – much larger of course to the original Mini but despite this it remains an iconic design. Certainly as tested the 2.0-litre turbo Mini Cooper S 60-year edition really appealed to me – very nicely built and finished, remember Mini is owned by BMW, and the interior is a standout – I found the large round centre screen well designed, best activated by the rotary dial – the interior well-thought out with good ergonomics, my only gripe access to the back seat which is awkward and not user friendly. Warranty is also not best in class at 3 years/unlimited while surprisingly it only comes with a four-star not five-star ANCAP safety rating. The Mini Cooper S 60-year edition may be a car for the true believers but it’s a very competent sports performer. I’m David Berthon

Talking further on special edition models of the Mini Cooper and Cooper S celebrating nearly 60 years since this diminutive flying brick came to our attention in the early 60&rsquo;s. I tested the Mini Cooper S 60-year edition automatic three door hatch at $46,700, a premium small hatch with a premium price but Mini claim it has $8,500 in extra value for its $4,000 price lift over the standard Cooper S. To my way of thinking the three-door Mini makes a lot of sense while the five-door and long-wheelbase models don&rsquo;t grab me at all. The 2.0-litre turbo and 7-speed automatic with manual shift paddles proved an absolute cracker to drive &ndash; responsive, nimble with fabulous braking this is a real driver&rsquo;s car &ndash; much larger of course to the original Mini but despite this it remains an iconic design. Certainly as tested the 2.0-litre turbo Mini Cooper S 60-year edition really appealed to me &ndash; very nicely built and finished, remember Mini is owned by BMW, and the interior is a standout &ndash; I found the large round centre screen well designed, best activated by the rotary dial &ndash; the interior well-thought out with good ergonomics, my only gripe access to the back seat which is awkward and not user friendly. Warranty is also not best in class at 3 years/unlimited while surprisingly it only comes with a four-star not five-star ANCAP safety rating. The Mini Cooper S 60-year edition may be a car for the true believers but it&rsquo;s a very competent sports performer. I&rsquo;m David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873.

Motor Torque with David Berthon

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon. 

For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873 

A weekly show with all the latest information and news in the motoring industry. Hosted by 2GB's very own motoring corespondent David Berthon.&nbsp;
For more engaging content visit the 2GB website, or listen live to 2GB 873&nbsp;