Plenty of hype through rave reviews, along with the British-voiced announcer in their advertisement campaigns, has focused on

A set of five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels on wider 195/55 runflat Dunlop DSST rubber is part of the Sport package. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

just how much fun the MINI is to drive. Missing out on the annual "Test Fly a MINI" event held at Downsview Park, this was the first time I'd ever driven one of these so-advertised hooligans. A tug at the chunky two-spoke perforated leather wheel revealed steering that's heavily weighted and sharp as a tack; a combination that makes this one of the finest handling cars that I've ever had the pleasure of driving. The electro-hydraulic power steering's swiftness makes slotting the MINI into tight parking spots simple, but it also has just the right amount of feel and weight to prevent the car from frantically darting at higher speeds. My Classic was equipped with the Sports package, that included a set of five-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels on wider 195/55 runflat Dunlop DSST rubber. Contrary to what would normally be poor front:rear weight distribution of 62:38, the MINI tackles corners zealously, only pushing to understeer when stretched to its absolute limits.

Unexpected maturity found in the handling department is also experienced in the ride. Unlike the original Mini which used

The MINI features the Z-Axle, the same world-class multi-link rear suspension found in all BMWs. (Photo: Justin Couture, Canadian Auto Press)

Hydrolastic rubber cones instead of springs, the new MINI uses something equally revolutionary. The Z-Axle is the same world-class multi-link rear suspension found in all BMWs, and sets this car a league apart from a long list of emulators. For what it costs in terms of interior space, it's a tradeoff I would be more than willing to make for the superb ride. On all surfaces, be it freshly paved stretches of highway or suburban streets pierced by potholes and streetcar tracks, the Cooper filters out annoyances to acceptable levels. But the MINI is a double-major; its marvelous suspension also prevents the onset of any noticeable body roll, promoting that age-old saying "corners like a go-kart." For those who feel that the car rides too harshly, it may be best to forgo the large wheels for smaller 15-inchers.