Automobile Magazine's December issue has a four-season wrap-up of it's long-term MINI Cooper S. The staffers at Automobile found much to like about the car, paying particular respects to the handling. The only complaints they had was a boot rattle and the alloy patina dash seemed to scratch easily.

Here's an excerpt:

Overall, the Cooper S was a blast, never failed us, and was universally loved. Web intern Stuart Fowle said: “If I had $20,000, a Cooper S would be in my driveway right now. For this price, I can't think of anything that provides such a great all-around package.” The Cooper S proves that you don't have to spend lots of money for access to great enthusiast motoring or BMW quality. It also proves that Americans will buy small cars – they just have to be the right ones.

It was also great to see both owner comments written by MotoringFile readers. Even the upcoming LSD option was mentioned… way to go Jerry!

And finally congrats to Automobile on their recent redesign. They now are the first US car mag that can approach the clean and modern excellence that is found in Car and Evo from UK. Now if they can just do something about that US spec page size! You can find Automobile Magazine for sale at most newsstands.