I count my Mini experiences as major high points throughout my life. Each time I’ve driven one, there’s always an adventure that accompanies each drive. In fact, these driving highlights have become known as Mini adventures by those who’ve participated.
Mini
Padtoets: Citroën DS3 THP Sport
‘n Kordate Franse haantjie met skop!
Vir Citroën-entoesiaste hoef jy net die letters “DS” te noem en jy kan weet daar gaan lekker gesels word! Die DS-letters gaan terug na die tyd toe die rewolusionêre “nuwe” Citroën ID 19 in die middel-vyftigs die hele wêreld onkant betrap het met ‘n bakvorm wat aan ‘n glibberige haai herinner het.
Tested: Land Rover Freelander 2 Dynamic Si4
I’ve always thought that the Landrover Freelander looked a bit like the odd horse out in the Landy stable – it was just a little bit strange-looking and didn’t fit either the mould of the rough and ready Defender or the more luxurious Discovery. It seemed to hang in there like an uncomfortable third wheel. But no more.
Tested: Mini Countryman John Cooper Works
The black steed
Once upon a time in a united kingdom far, far away, there was a regal bloodline of steeds called “Mini”. The compact and thrifty nature of these beasts found great favour with the masses until, many moons later, they simply couldn’t meet modern demands anymore and successors from Bavaria arrived.
Padtoets: Mini Cooper S Countryman
Mini Cooper S Countryman onder die soeklig
Met die ontwerp en die bou van die eerste Mini op 26 Augustus 1959 was die gedagte dat dit ‘n bekostigbare motor met genoeg ruimte vir vier passasiers moes wees maar dat dit ook ‘n relatief veilige motor moes wees. Die eertydse modelle met 850cc aandrywing was wat mens van die Mini in sy suiwerste vorm sou verwag – ‘n eenvoudige ontwerp maar tog funksioneel en met ratse hantering.
Tested: 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser
The retro sponge
Retro is irrefutably trendy and whereas some may dismiss it as a passing fad, old school remains cool. Exhibit A through C in the automotive world would be the new Mini, Fiat 500 and Beetle. The not-so latest retro attempt is the cool FJ Cruiser made by, sharp intake of breath, Toyota.
Tested: 2011 Mini Countryman ALL4 Cooper S
The fashionable police
This week’s test car pulled off the perfect reversal of fortunes when it was as surprisingly good as last week’s test car was disappointingly bad. Even before taking delivery, I wanted to hate the Mini Countryman ALL4 Cooper S, but the cheeky little rascal had other plans.
Tested: 2011 Audi A1 1.6 TDi Ambition
The memorable gem
After many thoughts of rejection, years of feeling inadequate and a growing inferiority complex, I finally whipped out my big red pen and made an X next to the word Audi. That’s right – for reasons unknown, this is my virgin test of an Ingolstadt car.
Tested: 2010 Peugeot 308CC Automatic
The spastic beauty
Hang on, what’s going on here? Someone gave me a snazzy Peugeot 308CC when I had clearly reviewed the pretty French convertible last year. With rising summer temperatures and sunny skies abound, I wasn’t about to rectify their mistake though.
Tested: Alfa-Romeo MiTo
The cute cousin
Pay attention and take notes, there is a new toy for people who frequent facebook on their touchy-screen cellphones. The pretty world of trendy small cars welcomes the new-old Beetle, Mini, and Fiat 500 with open arms; and now the Alfa-Romeo Mito is sending them a friend request.