F56 Cooper S handling

[Malo]

My wife wants a Cooper S and so we went to test drive and F56 Cooper S the other day. Pushing on through the curves on my favourite test route I was extremely disappointed with the amount of body roll, it just did not feel safe at speed. We have an R56 Cooper and that is far more 'planted'. Is there any spec/options/ upgrades that will give the F56 the same feel and handling of the R

[thatsprettyshady]

That sounds strange, I have the same model and it feels fine to me - Maybe drive another? If you try another and still find it doesn't inspire confidence when pushing on, try the JCW as this is a little lower/stiffer.

[johnoz]

I think the "Go Kart" feeling has been getting less and less as the model range has gone on

We still have the R53 Cooper S, also had the R56 JCW, honestly the R53 is the best, Have driven the F56, but as you say the feeling is lost.

[cerb4.5lee]

Other than having to be aware of the darty steering I think my F56 Cooper S handles pretty well. I've not driven the earlier models to compare it though.

[paultownsend]

My OH a R56 MCS and there is no question it feels like a go kart. You sit so low with the wheel right in your chest.
If I’m going out on my own on a cold night like this I leave my keys at home at take it. Sunroof open with the heated seats on. Popping and banging and driving the long way home. I love it

[paultownsend]

Saying that. We are looking to change from 3 to 5 door soon. It will likely be a F56 MCS.
I have not driven one bit have been a passenger in a SD. Certainly felt planted with limited body roll, and abs acceptable ride quality.

[stevemcs]

I've got an R55 Cooper S and the wife has an F57 with the adaptive dampers. For handling and steering feel the R55 is sooooooo much better.

[fatboy b]

I find the inside rear wheel lifting in a comer annoying when braking too. Really screws the car balance up.

[TomTheTyke]

I also have an F56 Cooper S. I think it drives really well but I think it's part of the trend of modern cars generally; it's slightly bigger, heavier and less 'analogue' than the earlier models so you will notice a difference.