THE Cooper name should be used with respect. So is the latest MINI Cooper S a fitting tribute?

On the road: LIKE Issigonis’ original, the revised MINI looks, at first glance at least, very similar to the old model. However, this car is all new. BMW has literally gone back to the drawing board to come up with a car that retains its best points, while improving on perceived negatives.

It’s longer, wider and taller than before (98mm, 44mm and 7mm respectively) and its wheelbase has been extended by 28mm.

There are new engines across the MINI range, with our Cooper S powered by four-cylinder 189bhp petrol unit.

Paired with a six-speed gearbox, it can reach 62mph in 6.8 seconds and go on to a top speed of 146mph.

That’s enough to frighten other members of the hot-hatch brigade and, allied to its sticky grip and point and shoot steering, means it’s a real hoot to drive.

On the inside: LIKE the outside, the interior of the MINI is instantly recognisable, but those in the know will spot a few key changes.

For starters, that central speedometer has gone in favour of a more traditional set-up. It’s a nice design with rev counter on the left and fuel gauge on the right.

In addition, our car came with a head-up display that isn’t the distraction that some people might think it would be.

Also gone is the slot for the starter key, replaced instead by a proximity sensor. A red starter switch reminiscent of aeroplanes is located to the driver’s left and you simply engage the clutch, push the switch down and it fires into action.

And in another improvement, the switches for the electric windows are now located on the door themselves, where they should have been all along.

What do you get: THERE’S a lengthy list of standard equipment, but, as you might expect, you can also personalise to your heart’s content. For your money you get, among other things, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, air conditioning, Thatcham alarm, Bluetooth, DAB radio, daytime driving lights, electric door mirrors and electric front windows, twin centralised exhaust, automatic start and stop, brake energy regeneration, shift point display, sports seats and keyless start.

Options on our car included larger 17ins alloys, front fog lights, head-up display, heated front seats and a media pack.

How practical is it: WHILE there is definitely more room for all four occupants than in the outgoing model, it’s still not what you might call capacious. However, that goes with the territory and the extra shoulder room and larger footwells are appreciated.

Bearing the interior space in mind, my biggest bug bear was the central storage unit which you inhibits gear changing when down and, when folded back, was within easy reach of my young son’s feet.

The boot is large enough for shopping or an umbrella pushchair, for example, but more likely, given the market its aimed at, a small suitcase or two.

Running costs: THE cost of a Cooper S starts at £18,650 which compares well with rivals such as the Clio Renaultsport.

BMW say you should get 49.6mpg on the combined cycle, we managed closer to 38mpg during our week of town and country driving. CO2 emissions are 133g/km.

Verdict: FUN to drive, slightly more practical and with a more logical interior design, the MINI Cooper S is arguably the car of choice in this sector.

Alternatives: Renault Clio Renaultsport, Audi S1, Ford Fiesta ST