Beyond the usual EV inconveniences, the big problem with the Mini E for any serious Mini Cooper (S) fan is that you can't drive it with abandon -- because you're always worrying that big and/or abrupt "throttle" inputs will deplete your cruising range.
But last night, I knew I wouldn't be driving any farther than 60 miles so I threw caution to the wind. I drove the Mini E like I would any Mini Cooper S -- brisk pace, abrupt steering inputs, generous throttle inputs. (No, I never said you would like my driving.)
And I had fun. The E still feels something like a Mini Cooper S when you throw it around a bit, with quicker reflexes than I expected given its 500+ extra pounds. Two things stood out during the experience:
--> The steering still offers some usable feedback, but the ratio feels slower to me. More significantly, it has a much stronger self-centering tendency than in the Cooper S.
--> In the current Cooper S, a quick steering ratio and predisposition toward torque steer make the car feel like a frenzied ball of energy in traffic. The Mini E is rambunctious in a different way: Just about any amount of throttle, combined with any amount of steering input, proves to be much for the limited-slip front differential and lights up the inside tire. Maybe this is poor form, but this is where the excitement is in the Mini E.
Erin Riches, Senior Editor @ 2,910 miles
lvranger says:
04:04 PM, 11/13/09
So how badly did it suck down juice?
greenpony says:
05:39 PM, 11/13/09
"Just about any amount of throttle, combined with any amount of steering input, proves to be much for the limited-slip front differential and lights up the inside tire."
My brother's friend had a 'Cuda that would do something similar, albeit with the rears. Hm.
nealibob says:
05:45 PM, 11/13/09
I am still baffled about how the 1-series package apparently could not fit the components they put in this car. I would think that it would have been easier, if anything, but maybe there is opposition to putting batteries in the front of the car. I imagine the electric experience would be a little better with a RWD car, but I really know nothing about it so I am curious to see where this all goes.
hybris says:
08:28 PM, 11/13/09
"The E still feels something like a Mini Cooper S when you throw it around a bit"
I thought it had unbeatable traction and stability controls? Did you guys manage to reflash the computer or something?
sylvia says:
06:47 PM, 11/14/09
Throw it around and into the outlet.