MINI Clubman Challenge (video)

You can always drop by a dealership to test drive a new car, but rare are the occasions when you can actually compare it side-by-side with the competition. So when a manufacturer decides to organize an event that allows the buying public to do just that, they have to be pretty confident that their product is the best.


The MINI Clubman Challenge is basically an opportunity for the public to take the wheel of a Clubman on a closed circuit, and drive it alongside some key competitors, free of charge. The base Cooper Clubman with its 118-hp engine and $26,400 entry price is a rival to the Mazda3 Sport GT, while the 172-hp, $31,500 S Clubman's adversaries are the Volvo C30 and Volkswagen GTI.

The event starts with a 25-minute briefing with veteran driving instructor Pierre Savoy explaining the history of the MINI Cooper and Clubman variants, as well as the technical specifications of the new model.

Then, participants are let loose on the circuit with their choice between all the models listed previously. There are automatic and manual gearbox-equipped cars, so even those who've never operated a stick shift can drive.

The closed circuit is designed to exploit several characteristics of the cars: acceleration, handling, and braking. With a slalom course, moderate-speed lane-change manoeuvres and sweeping curves that mimic highway on-ramps and country roads, you can get a feel of each car and figure out which one suits you best.

Of course, this type of event is still limited to certain aspects of driving; you won't come out of this knowing which car is the most comfortable highway cruiser. And the Volvo C30 available for testing was the base 2.4i model, not the turbo T5.

Yet MINI knows darn well that the Cooper's go-kart handling will impress most people, and they will walk away from this event with a better idea of just how fun to drive this car is.

But the company also wants to find out what you think about the Clubman, and asks participants to fill out a short survey after the drive. They also hand out flyers that allow you to get $1,000 in accessories, if you purchase or lease a new MINI within 3 months of the event. It's win-win for everyone.

If you're reading this and are interesting in participating, you are unfortunately too late, since the sign-up period is over and 450 people are scheduled to drop by for the event. But it's not the first time MINI organises this type of get-together, and it probably won't be the last.