Hi All. I'm considering the purchase of my first MINI. Gas mileage and safety are 2 big issues for me, but after reading all the wonderful things about the MINI, I'd say it gets a big A+ in both areas. But I live in the Midwest and we do get snow in the winter (not a lot, but several times in the season). I have a steep driveway and an equally steep road to climb to get to the main street. With no AWD, how does the MINI handle snow/ice PLUS hills? I would love to hear from those of you who live in "hill country" how you manage in the winter. Thanks, and I'm looking forward to taking my first test drive soon!

 

Hey there from Edmonton, Alberta Canada.
I had the same concerns about winter, and let me tell you I feel so much safer in my mini on the ice and snow than in any other car I have had.
Now the only thing I would advise is getting a good set of winter wheels! I am running the blizzak ws50 (i believe that or the ws60) WOW..
I have taken it in the mountains (up to the skii hills) and also have many hills on daily commute, i have been into at least 8inches of snow. If any problems going up a hill the traction control automatically kicks in and BAM no more problems!! I have a neighbour who consistenly gets stuck going up a hill in their chevy cavalier with winter tires, and i have not! I wave as I go on by!!!
So, there is my two cents!

I LOVE MUH MINI!!!!

 

http://www.arcticmini.com

 

go for it.