As with a mischievous but cute little imp, the Cooper S Checkmate is

It's not big, but the Cooper S' space is user friendly. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

hard not to love. It's one of the best examples of retro-styling combined with modern technology and cutting-edge performance in today's diverse car market. Granted pricing is on the steep side for a car that has significant cargo and accommodation limitations, but any such concern is banished once the key is twisted. And if the euphoria of driving the Cooper S Checkmate is not enough to keep the chin up when the monthly payment comes due, a gentle reminder that its potent 168-horsepower mill delivers superb fuel economy should.

Within the fuel stingy Cooper S Checkmate lives the soul of a sports

Cooper Works Package can turn the Checkmate into a high-powered pocket rocket. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press)

car. Numerous option packages and standalones allow the Checkmate's soul to be perfectly matched to that of its owner, even if a boost in horsepower and performance is required. In such a case the John Cooper Works Package will hike the Checkmate's supercharged output by 40-horsepower to a wicked 208 ponies while raising its torque from 162 foot-pounds to 180. Also included in this package is a limited-slip differential, enlarged front brakes, twin exhaust pipes and an accompanying certificate of authenticity. But be prepared to pony-up for the extra ponies, the John Cooper Works Package adds a whopping $5,900 to the price of a Canuck Cooper S, and strangely enough slightly more to a U.S. spec'd Cooper S.

Specifications (MINI Cooper S Checkmate):

• Price Range (Cooper S Checkmate MSRP): $32,950 - $46,430
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $37,125
• Body Type: 3-door hatchback
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 168 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque, 1.6L, 16-valve DOHC I-4, supercharged
• Transmission: 6-spd manual (optional 6-spd auto)
  
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, CBC
• Exterior Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 3,655 / 1,688 / 1,416 / 2,467 mm (143.9 / 66.5 / 55.7 / 97.1 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,233 kg (2,720 lbs)
• Tires: 205/40R17
• Capacity (trunk/folded): 150 / 670 L (5.29 / 27.3 cu-ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 9.6 / 6.5 L/100 km
  
• Warranty (mo/km): 48 / 80,000 comprehensive
• Competitors: Acura RSX Type-S, Audi A3, Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged, Dodge Caliber SRT-4, Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Tiburon, Mazda RX-8, Mitsubishi Eclipse GT, Volkswagen GTI
• Website: www.mini.ca