The Hi Fi Harmon/Kardon stereo system is part of the premium package along with heated front seats and a multi function steering wheel. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

As I mentioned, my day was extremely long, but I decided to throw the icing on the already sweet (but tired) cake. I thought, what the heck, it's Saturday night and I didn't really want to spend it alone, again, so I sporadically called up my friend Kristina to see what she was up to. I asked if she wanted to go for a walk at the beach and then get ice cream. She was game and asked me what kind of car I had for the week. I told her it was a surprise (not that hanging out with me should be based on what kind of car I drive, but sometimes a little 4-wheel motivation does get one off the couch!)

It wasn't until she came out of her apartment building and saw the MINI that further sealed the deal. She was having guests over, and they decided to come along for our sunset adventure to the beach. Since there was one too many people to fit in the other car, which just happened to be a Chevy Cavalier, one extra person had to come with me. There was no hesitation from Candice, who jumped at the chance to ride in style. Sorry Chevy, not competition here.

We drove with the top down to the local beach, threw some rocks into the ocean, ate some TCBY frozen yogurt and headed back to the parking lot where, Kristina and I decided to have our own little dance party with the tunes blaring from the premium Hi Fi Harmon/Kardon stereo system, which is part of the premium package along with heated front seats and a multi function steering wheel. Of course, we received odd looks from passersby, but who cares? One day I'll grow up, but until that day comes I'll dance in parking lots with Xenon headlights acting as spotlights. You should try it, it feels good.

The Cooper S' 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, cornering brake control (CBC), and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) performed marvelously. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

The time was getting late so we headed for home. The girls and I decided to brave the chilly night air on the way back so we cranked up the heat, stoked up the standard butt warmers and flew home, or at least that's how it felt, because even with three people in the MINI it still accelerates, handles and performs quite well.

As we were nearing Kristina's apartment building, I decided I would do a brake test to see how efficiently the Cooper S' 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, cornering brake control (CBC), and electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) performed. And as expected, the electronic/mechanical tour de force did so marvelously. The dry conditions enabled the P195/55R16 tires on 16-inch rims to grip the pavement for a speedy stop. Even in the rain the S performed very well.