Hi all.

Probably this question is way too early to ask...since many of you
seem to have taken delivery in/around last spring...but I kind of
wanted to know...so if there's anyone with experience or possible
theory to share, I am all ears!!!

I want to know how this new 2014 Mini hardtop(S will be my choice
if that will make any difference...and automatic...) will perform in
SNOW(and or icy road conditions).

Maybe some of you might not consider driving in snow...
Maybe some of you have to drive as daily commuter...
Maybe some of you have other options...

If you don't mind sharing your thoughts and advise as to what/how to
drive in snow with MINI hardtop, I'd be very appreciative. (or maybe
suggestions to go with either countryman or paceman...? But I think I
want to give hardtop a try if it's realistic...)

 

Have had no difficulty driving in the snow. Had Blizzak snow tires and drove everywhere. Car handles very well with front wheel drive....never got stuck.

 

Snow driving all depends on your tire choice. I've run Continental Extreme Winter Contacts and Hankook I-Pikes and the Conti's blew the Hankooks away. Although I didnt get stuck with either set

 

With snowtires on a MINI, I can go up hills my wifes 4x4 cannot go up with all-seasons.......Snows grip ICE....
Only issue is ground clearance...but if there is more than 4 inches on the ground(unplowed)...you might have other issues...
Remember, a MINI is just a FRONT WHEEL DRIVE car....
folks who complain abount winter traction usually have Ultra High performance or Summer tires...both pretty useless in snow or cold weather!!
Good All-seasons are fine for many...but many choose stickier rubber for summer use....since few tires that work well in snow are GREAT tires in the summer!!

 

All seasons...Where i'm from we call those No seasons haha

 

Heres a good read/watch
http://jalopnik.com/lets-settle-the-...bat-1462180324

 

The car needs winter tires.

I had my test drive in the F56 when there was still snow on the ground. It handled very much like my R50 did, I almost hit a curb, I lost control entering the BMW lot.

I hit a curb in my R50 the first winter day. I drove an Acura Integra for 15 years with all season tires with no issue. It was the same weight and the same basic layout, and more power. I have never been able to decide what the difference is.

But the MINI must have winter tires.

 

Thank you everyone~!
Wow, am glad to hear from someone who actually drove in snow!!!
So, with quality snow tires, I should be good to go! (no need to
invest in chains or anything like that?? I wonder...)
Yeah the ground clearance is little bit concerning...hopefully, won't
be a huge problem...
Um...just realized...where I am now is pretty hilly...will that pose
any danger???

 

Chains are from the era BEFORE (style)blizzacks tires,the rubber compounds are changed dramatically.....back when snow tires did not trip ice...today Modern snow tires can grip ice so well, they can be used race cars on frozen lakes and ponds....traction is so good they do nearly as well as cars with fully studded tires...seeing them wizz around the track is believing....seeing it is amazing!!
Quality tires make the car....the right tires for the right condition...and snows grip well in extreme cold....on warm days they tend to feel "greasy" and tend to do so so in the rain.... So it is best to take them off in the spring....then put them back on in the fall....so a second set of rims is ideal.

 

P.S.
What do you drive now?

 

I've seen signs in BC somewhere, maybe in the past, that said Chains Required.

MINI has these "Traction Aids" in their parts. I wonder what they are.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-opinions.html


http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...97&hg=36&fg=95

 

I seem to be confused. I test drove the R56 in the snow.

Sorry about that.

 

Hi.
Thanks for continuing support.
Well, we are considering getting a MINI as our second car...again...(we actually had a
Paceman but we had to sell it due to move overseas...so down to one car now.)
Since we just got here, we are not sure how much snow/ice we will have to deal with...
And the hill situation...think it is anywhere between 20-25% incline not sure the exact
number but... (We do see all sorts of MINIs running around a lot...and so I am
sure I am just overreacting...but...) Guess, kinda want little assurance...

 

If you are in Germany, you may want to find out what the local laws are; ie. I think I read somewhere where winter tires are MANDATORY during winter months in Germany. Find out.
I have not driven a MINI through the winter months here yet, but already have my winter tires/wheels ready to go. I drove RWD BMWs with winter tires here in prior years, so I am sure with the FWD MINI and four good winter tires, you will be fine. Relax.