Mini test drive event

[MINI_784]

Hey i'm new to the forums... just got this email afew days back, anyone going to the test drive thing in Montreal?

I've attached a screenshot from the email, and it looks like you can register online too

[xtremepsionic]

Quote: Originally Posted by MINI_784 (original)

Hey i'm new to the forums... just got this email afew days back, anyone going to the test drive thing in Montreal?

I've attached a screenshot from the email, and it looks like you can register online too

Wow looks like fun, is that only at Montreal?

[MINI_784]

Quote: Originally Posted by xtremepsionic (original)

Wow looks like fun, is that only at Montreal?

I'm not sure... I checked around and it looks like they did this in other cities last year, so my guess is that it might be a national thing.

[bok]

the Soho is a fine MINI enjoy the test drive

[velveteen_mini]

Vancouver does a test drive event every year and it is a hoot. I'll have to ask when I pick my very ill Cooper sometime in the next few days.

[stickman]

MINI is sponsoring another test drive event featuring the Rallye and Soho packages at Downsview Park in Toronto from September 14 to September 17. Hopefully I will be able to show off the new Competition package as well.

[703MGB]

Went to the drive event on Saturday...Was ok..in the sernce that I already have a MCS convertible.

But I must say what a piece of crap once they put an Automatic BOX in there...Beurk.

Removes all the fun ....really all of it.

Even with the paddle shifts it's rediculous

[Ferroequine]

Quote: Originally Posted by 703MGB (original)

But I must say what a piece of crap once they put an Automatic BOX in there...Beurk.

Removes all the fun ....really all of it.

Even with the paddle shifts it's rediculous

To each their own, I guess. I am quite happy with my Steptronic.

I test drove both it and the stick, and while I admit there is just a bit more "connectedness" with the stick, the Automatic is still gobs of fun, as long as you take it out of "D". And I sure don't miss my clutch pedal when I'm stuck in heavy traffic...

The performance is ridiculously fast once the adaptive tranny does it's thing and learns your style. I suppose that with nothing but different test drivers on that car every 10km, the transmission is probably quite confused and has a personality disorder of the greatest magnitude.

(PS I drove sticks for 15 years, and this is the first Auto that I've driven that I've actually liked.)

[703MGB]

Nope the auto box in the cone track even in manual mode was making the ride kind of funny.

But you know even if I own a Cooper S I have found the regular Cooper with the 5 speed to be more of a blast in the solo run then the S.

I used to have a regular Cooper before moving to the S (more power ) but the Cooper on 15 inch wheels is more balanced. The folks at MINI did not want us to race the cars (that was not the purpose) but at the end I felt if I was allowed I would do a faster run through the S track with the Cooper.

[xtremepsionic]

Quote: Originally Posted by 703MGB (original)

but at the end I felt if I was allowed I would do a faster run through the S track with the Cooper.

That has to be an illusion If I can make it on the 22nd of Sep I'll head down to the AutoX and see how I do there against Tobias and the MINI gang

I do agree that the normal Cooper with 15" wheels is a hoot to drive though. There is something about smaller wheels and softer tires that seem to make the car feel more fluid and organic.

[703MGB]

My previous MINI was exactly like yours. A Red Cooper with white top and a sunroof.

I really liked that car, I was just not rich enough to have the current one and keep the previous one.

But compared to my convertible S the Cooper on 15 inch seams to me at least far superior in handling characteristics.