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(Enlarge photo)
BMW's baby Mini Cooper S goes up against the Motor City's Ford SVT Focus.
(Photo by Scott Jacobs)
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Road Test: Comparison Test
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Ford SVT Focus vs. Mini Cooper S
Introduction
By
Kelly Stennick
Date posted: 08-26-2003
A year ago we conducted a sport hatchback comparison test to determine which pint-sized, yet powerful, hatchback vehicle reigned supreme. Our only disappointment came from the fact that we couldn't get our hands on a Mini Cooper at the time to add as a fourth participant. Anticipating numerous future testing opportunities with the all-new, all-cute Cooper S, we wanted to make sure we weren't let down a second time, so instead of counting on manufacturer-supplied test cars this time around, we bought our own Cooper S.
For this year's sporty three-door hatchback test, our contenders were determined
by a couple of simple rules. First, the winner of our 2002
Sport Hatchbacks Comparison Test, the Ford
SVT Focus, was invited back to defend its title. Second, only models that
have been fully redesigned or received significant updates since the last test
could participate this time around. When we ran through the list of qualifying
vehicles, we realized there was only one — the previously elusive Mini
Cooper S.
In addition to our real-world testing on local surface streets, freeways and the occasional twisty canyon road, we also took the SVT Focus and Cooper S out for some track time at Willow Springs International Motorsports Park, taking advantage of the 1.5-mile Streets of Willow road course.
While lathering up with several tubes of 50-SPF sunblock, our editorial test team wondered, "Will the Mini prevail this time around?" Only last year we loved the SVT Focus best of all. Will we remain loyal to the Focus, or will cuteness win us over?
Read on to see which of these sporty hatchbacks our editors would most like to park in their own garages
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