The MINI Cooper S fights for its identity in a changing world

The new Cooper is modelled on futuristic executions shown in concept cars from yesteryear, such as the 2011 Rocketman. It is minimalistic and digital. There is an expansive dashboard surface. The slim front pews are positioned inches above the ground — no SUV-like “commanding view” here. Right in the middle of the fascia is an oversized central touchscreen display.

There are a few remaining elements of physical switchgear, including a toggle for driving modes. That element will see infrequent use as you are likely to want to keep the Cooper S in its sportiest Go-Kart setting. This also changes the ambient mood lighting to an appropriately racy hue of crimson.

Blasting through Los Angeles tunnels and empty waterways like Charlie Croker’s gang was a much nicer fantasy than the reality of dodging Egoli’s potholes, splashing through flowing sewage. Our city’s road surfaces vary from not-so-bad to bad and it is an environment that hardly flatters the firmly-sprung MINI, on its optional 40-profile, 18 inchers. A set of 215/45/17 wheels are standard fitment.

The Cooper S retains the frantic character of a city mouse that slugged spilt energy drink, champing at the bit, goading its driver into seizing gaps and keeping that 2.0l engine in the peak of its power band.

There are no shifter paddles to manually slice through the ratios of its seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic, but there is a setting marked “L” on the gear selector nib, which engages a more dynamic shifting characteristic, holding the gears for longer.

Acoustically, the turbocharged, four-cylinder unit is as characterful as can be expected — within the constraints of emissions regulations. It has a buzzy, eager note from within the cabin, delivering enough shove to launch the three-door from standstill to 100km/h in a claimed 6.6 seconds.