So it appears the Mini has done a rather unbelievable 2,027 miles with mostly other people at the wheel. Time to discover just what few other members of the PH team have a made of the ‘van.
Van doors have their uses...
Almighty leader of the Techies Phil had taken plenty of positives from his Mini adventures. He praised the diesel’s torque for urban work (something I would concur with) and its general feeling of solidity. He was less complimentary about the Clubvan’s lack of actual space and the ride, which we’ll come back to.
Oliver used YH13 UWD to join the supercar convoy to Wilton House, a job it took to with relatively little fuss. He did report the fuel economy as “not so great” during his valiant attempts to keep up though...
So with a few weeks (and many miles!) having passed since I'd last properly used YH13 UWD, a drive more telling than my urban commute seemed appropriate. Fortunately, an event at the Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon was the perfect opportunity to reveal a little more about the Mini.
In hallowed company at Wilton House
This rather contradicts what I’ve previously said, but the ride was a bit of an issue. It isn’t intolerable but it just lacks a bit of sophistication; progress can get quite bouncy and uncomfortable with a few undulations. That can get a bit tiring with some motorway miles to do, so Lord knows what 17s would be like...
Having spent some time in more sporting cars, the Mini’s seats were exposed as rather lacking also. They’re just flat and unsupportive. Having said that, the Mini was actually quite refined slogging it up the M40. The 1.6 diesel is punchy enough to allow decent overtaking ability whilst staying pretty hushed and, given the shape of it, wind noise isn’t the problem you may expect. Over-the-shoulder visibility remains a bit of an issue though...
Have you seen the PH Mini? Let us know!
Perhaps I’m too busy looking for blindspot bicycles, but there doesn’t seem to be many PHers recognising the Mini. I know you’re out there, so please wave or come and say hello at the pumps (admittedly the van isn’t there much with its 46mpg average) if the chance arises.
With a move to more permanent accommodation imminent, the Mini will have chance to puts its van credentials to the test properly; not only is there a rather horrible trek around London and over to Ipswich to face, the Mini will also need to take quite a lot of my junk. Full update next time, but I’m not too confident given Phil had to take BOTH wheels off his bike to fit it in...
Fact sheet:
Car: Mini Cooper D Clubvan
Run by: Matt, others when bikes need carrying
On fleet since: June 2013
Mileage: 5,156
List price new: £19,575.50 (Basic list of £14,275 +VAT plus £400 for Midnight Black paint, £1,700 for Media Pack, £55 for Storage Pack, £50 for space saver spare, £105 for leather two-spoke steering wheel, £60 for velour floor mats, £45 for warning triangle and first aid kit and £30 for front passenger airbag deactivation switch. All options prices inclusive of VAT.)
Last month at a glance: Mini works its way round the PH team and they're (mostly) impressed