Well, while there are a vast number of cars in the Cooper class and quite a few in the Cooper S category, MINI chose a select few--some of the more popular competitors--to demonstrate just how much more of a leader MINI really is. In line with the Cooper, MINI chose the Mazda3 Sport and VW Rabbit. And to prove the Cooper S' superiority, MINI brought out an Audi A3 wagon and VW GTI. Formidable competition, or so you would think.
It was clear from the starting line that the MINIs had the course wrapped around their little side mirrors. From first gear to the bone-jarring, ABS-inducing finish line, the MINIs owned the little track in every sense. It was amazing to feel the difference in handling between the competitors and the MINIs. Even the VW hatchbacks, roughly the same size and dimension as the MINI, just didn't perform as the MINIs did. They felt heavy, roll-prone and generally unstable compared to the MINIs' sure-footed stance on all corners.
While the Cooper S packed more of a punch in power, generally the Cooper and the Cooper S felt identical throughout the entire course. That's also something that's rather rare--a base model performing up to par with its luxurious and more-powerful brother. While the Audi brand is considered luxury and high-end, the base MINI Cooper out-performed the A3, without question.
As I watched each couple exit the MINIs with a grin spread wide across their faces, it was clear who had won the MINI Challenge. It took some balls for MINI to do what it did; open its doors to everyday drivers, line up its competition to be tested immediately afterward by the same drivers and assume that they would come out on top--but their gutsy move was obviously worth the risk. MINI, you cheeky, cheeky thing you--you've done it again.
photo:Colin Styker
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It was clear from the starting line that the MINIs had the course wrapped around their little side mirrors. From first gear to the bone-jarring, ABS-inducing finish line, the MINIs owned the little track in every sense. It was amazing to feel the difference in handling between the competitors and the MINIs. Even the VW hatchbacks, roughly the same size and dimension as the MINI, just didn't perform as the MINIs did. They felt heavy, roll-prone and generally unstable compared to the MINIs' sure-footed stance on all corners.
While the Cooper S packed more of a punch in power, generally the Cooper and the Cooper S felt identical throughout the entire course. That's also something that's rather rare--a base model performing up to par with its luxurious and more-powerful brother. While the Audi brand is considered luxury and high-end, the base MINI Cooper out-performed the A3, without question.
 |
As I watched each couple exit the MINIs with a grin spread wide across their faces, it was clear who had won the MINI Challenge. It took some balls for MINI to do what it did; open its doors to everyday drivers, line up its competition to be tested immediately afterward by the same drivers and assume that they would come out on top--but their gutsy move was obviously worth the risk. MINI, you cheeky, cheeky thing you--you've done it again.
photo:Colin Styker
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