Small, mighty 2014 Mini Cooper delights at the track

You probably won't know at a glance, but the Mini Cooper has been redesigned, with new underpinnings, new engines, subtle changes to the body, and an updated interior. We've just bought two: an uplevel Cooper S manual transmission and a base model with an automatic. So far, we like 'em.

While the base car starts at under $20,000 and the Cooper S at $23,600, common options quickly bump the sticker prices toward $30,000. Our loaded Cooper came in at $29,595; the S checked in at only a shade more at $29,945.

The new 189-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the S feels smooth and punchy, and emits a subdued yet rewarding snarl. It's also is remarkably flexible, pulling strongly at low revs and reducing the need for frequent downshifts. Likewise, the base model's 134-hp, 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbo is surprisingly energetic—unusual for such a wee motor. That said, it's a bit gritty sounding at low revs, below 2,000 rpm and response can be tepid if revs fall to that trough.

The top-Mini's six-speed manual is a joy to row, and its easy, smooth clutch makes driving a breeze. It even rev-matches for downshifts. So far we've observed 28 mpg overall with the S and 30 mpg with the base automatic.

Handling remains very nimble and sporty. But in our assessment, agility has been dialed down a bit. The new car still corners with alacrity, but it lost some edginess and immediacy. Turn-in response is quick and there's hardly any body roll. But on the fun-factor scale it's not up there with, say, the Ford Fiesta ST. Sport mode makes the throttle response sharper and adds steering effort but not much more.

The ride is markedly better than before. You no longer feel constant small choppy pitches and only severe transverse ridges and potholes punch through. Not surprisingly, the Cooper S's 17-inch run-flat tires transmit more impacts than the regular Cooper's conventional 16-inchers. The cabin is quieter now, too, with less intrusive road noise.

We like the well-done new interior, in which some of the furnishings have been rearranged for more convenience and less affectation. Power window and lock controls have moved from the center dash to the door, and the speedometer is now in front of you instead of centered on the dash. Audio and phone controls are integrated into the large center screen. If you buy the optional navigation system, you get an iDrive central controller that interfaces with the screen just like in any BMW.

One of the heralded changes in the redesign is four more inches of overall length and a one-inch longer wheelbase. Sadly, that in no way makes for any appreciable improvement in rear-seat space. Even preteens will be as cramped back there as anchovies in a tin. But the square body shape and overall proportions remain, and so does the good visibility.

The new Mini preserves its cheerful and exuberant character, but it's calmer and more restrained now. Maybe it's getting more mature as it gets older. Being less frenetic and eccentric is probably good news for people who are drawn to the Mini for its styling and cheekiness. In other words: most people.

—Gabe Shenhar