MINI Canada had a Countryman event in Toronto over the weekend. We have done 3 so far, once in 2005 and we bought our MINI Cooper S after the event, again in 2008 after the launch of the Clubman and this one. They had a couple of courses set up, one was to showcase the ALL4, which was the same "off road" course they used for the BMW X1 and X3 XDRIVE, and one to showcase the handling. We drove the ALL4, a base Countryman and a MINI Cooper S on the same course to test the handling. The Cooper S was really quick, but the surprise to me was the ALL4 and the way it felt very planted to the ground due to the all wheel drive. The other surprise was the base seemed to hold its own on the same course albeit a little slower, but it was nice to see how it would actually handle and it felt quite good.

They also had the new MINI Coupe there. Couldn't drive it, but we could get in it. It feels a little less MINI-like inside due to the raked windshield but the dash and layout is all MINI. There seems to be ample trunk room, but not sure whether a set or two of golf clubs would fit. There is enough room to pack a couple of suitcases for a weekend get away so in my opinion it is large enough for a two seater. There is quite a bit more room than in the MINI Convertible. They were both black exteriors with silver roofs and beige leather interior and silver stripes on the hood and trunk and black stripes on the roof. Not sure how many they will sell north of the border, but it is a cool vehicle none the less.

I have one picture of the ALL4 in action on the "off road" course that I will post later. Got so wrapped up in the event, I only got one picture.

 

Thanks for reporting on this Brad. MINI Canada decided to skip Calgary this time (boo!) so I'm glad you decided to share the experience with us.

This type of event is what sealed the deal for me when they introduced the Clubman. To bad economics/demographics had to play the spoiler - especially since Alberta is a thriving market, what with all of our oil dollars...

 

Pretty cool that you got to see a coupe in person! Thanks for posting your thoughts.

 

I was there too!

Pics of Coupe here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...82-post12.html


I found the non-S Countryman to be dog slow with an automatic but was OK on the track once it was going.

Cooper S hatch on the track was a blast although it's brakes were getting cooked. Only thing it was missing was the EDLC/LimitedSlip but that is only on the JCW in Canada.

I didn't find the All4 offered much on this particular track - at least not in the dry.

We also ended leasing a MINI Cooper about a year after a previous MINI vs. Mazda/VW/etc. event in Toronto. This event just reminded me why a JCW will be tops on my list for later this year when we are ready to purchase. Excellent marketing and very well organized.

Can't wait for the next MINI event!

 

Here is an ALL4 on the course.

 

The CM4 looks as stiff as it feels when driving - very nice. Thanks for the images.