NEW MINI test drive

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NEW MINI test drive

Before I start, I am just giving my opinion and am not implying anyone does
or should agree with me. I have owned several Minis and Mini Coopers in the
past from a 1970s GT to a 1999 Mini Cooper Sportspack and currently own a
BMW Z3, and have driven a wide range of cars so would like to think that I
am able to give a reasonably fair opinion. I grew up with minis and love
them to bits, but this MINI seemed worthy of a ride based on its own merit.

I went into my local BMW garage this morning to find out about replacing the
rear windscreen on my Z3 and while I was there I decided to take out the new
BMW MINI Cooper for a one hour test drive. I took it along several windy A
and B roads which it handled brilliantly, even better than my lowered 1999
Sportspack; and it cruised nicely along on the motorway. The contoured seats
fitted me with more than enough spare head and legroom to fit my 6`3" and
250lb, but only left 4" of legroom in the back which was about the same as
in my 1999 Cooper.

The gearbox felt tight and sweet, but I am sure it will loosen up to be even
nicer when it has been run in, it had only done 74 miles when I picked it
up. I enjoyed just seeing a rev counter above the steering wheel, it
definitely added to the sporty feel. There was no visible bonnet from where
I sat which gave a great driving view, and reversing was just as easy as in
my last mini. The engine revved nicely and sounded great, but I am sure a
DTM would sound even better. Traction control is one of its best features
though and will definitely add to the life expectancy of its front tyres.

The MINI is larger than the current Clio, which my mum owns, but felt
smaller and a lot more nimble to drive in rush hour through Cardiff's
traffic. My only two complaints are that the steptronic gearbox costs an
extra £900 and that the 163bhp MINI Cooper S is not out in the UK until
around February/March 2002. I cannot wait to try this one out as I loved the
handling and general feel of the MINI, but more power is never a bad thing.

As some people were earlier asking the MINI One starts at £10300 and the
MINI Cooper starts at £11600. The one I tried cost £14700 which included
traction control, full auto sunroof, metallic paint, air conditioning, CD
player, leather seats, etc.



Stephen Willis.

Stephen Willis
Article Date: Jul 02, 2002
Car Accociations: NEW_MINI
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