Mini Cooper 2001 test drive - 2006 hatchback

BEAR IN THE NORTH

During the January Auto Rounder from Moscow to St. Petersburg, the cult hatchback of Mini proved himself on the winter highway from the best side. To finally make sure of his fighting qualities, we went to the homeland of Santa Claus.

They say that here, in the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, is also summer. Now, at minus 25 with the wind, it is hard to believe in this. And a dozen multi -colored mini, chuckling on the ice of a snowy lake, seem completely defenseless creatures, especially those that are painted in a yellow chickens.

However, we already know that the appearance is deceiving, and the kids are capable of a lot. Even better, Rauno Aalonen is aware of this, the legendary Finnish racer who won the first-generation Mini more than one brilliant victory in winter conditions (for example, in the prestigious Monte Carlo Rally in 1967). Today, Professor Rally helps to understand the advantages of modern mini. And now, forty years later, the car has become another more powerful, comfortable, safe and moved from the people's class to the elite premium, the principles of its taming remained the same.

It all starts with the correct landing, teaches Rauno. His recommendations: slightly leaning forward, move tightly to the back and, straightening, fix the body; Hands and legs are slightly bent; palms tightly cover the steering wheel, the right hand at the level of three, the left of nine hours; Moving your hands only along the upper steering wheel of no interceptions from below (however, in most cases, rotate the steering wheel from and is not required). Do not forget to de -energize the music and switch the stove to the first, quiet speed, resembles a professor. This is to better hear the motor, the timbre of which will help to properly control the accelerator.

Having accelerated kilometers to forty, we enter the first turn indicated by chips. The stabilization system of movement allows you to do this without problems, but also without courage as in a slowed movie. Rauno offers to turn off the system. Without an electronic vice, Mini becomes much more exciting and, frantically rotating with his studded rubber, rushes forward. Confidently, as if on the asphalt, overcoming a gentle snake, we are approaching a wide left turn of 180 degrees and, turning the wheels ... We leave in a straight line. The cause of the departure is unreasonably high at the input, summarizes the rauno.

We try again. Previously reducing the pace, we dive into the turn. It would seem that everything is done correctly, but the car unfolds against the wool. The wheels need to be turned only slightly, recommends a titled mentor, this is enough if the maneuver is slightly braided in the epilogue.

Another attempt. The first phase to lose the gas. The second is slightly pulled by the steering wheel in the opposite side from turning. Then, turning the wheels to a small corner, brake, and then give the gas. The implementation of the master’s instructions leads to a regular result: the front -wheel drive mini, gracefully throwing the stern and licking with the front wheels the inner trajectory, obediently passes the turn.

But in such a steep reverse turn as this one, Rauno continues, can not do without correction with a handbrake. So, drop the gas, swing with the steering wheel, then slightly turn it at the rate, handbrake, gas at the exit. The main thing is not to overdo it with a handbrake, otherwise it will be deployed in two counts.

Simple and, in general, well-known tips from the lips of the flying Finn inspire additional confidence. With each new circle, the pace of our movement increases.

The Mini Cooper obediently pashing on the ice makes us think about its highest potential of controllability. After all, no normal person will create such disgrace on an ordinary winter road. Add here excellent, rectilinear brakes, which allow you to very accurately dose the effort on the pedals and, moreover, equipped correctly helping to slow down on slippery coating with an anti -locking system; The elastic and at the same time is not an oak suspension, which, patiently swallowing irregularities, is able to effectively resist the rolls in corners; a pliable gearbox (five -speed mechanics) with high selectivity and accuracy of inclusions, as well as the short moves of the lever; A cool review that contributes to an adequate assessment of the surrounding road situation in general, Mini is ready for big things. And in skillful hands and on exploits.

As if having read these thoughts, Professor Aalonen proposed demonstrating the possibilities of Mini under his leadership. The pace of dancing on ice performed by the maestro increased by an order of magnitude. The impeccability of the snow vortices accompanied by the limit has reached the limit. Looking at the enchanting action, it was impossible not to be surprised at the lightning -fast transformation of Mini from the charming urban pijon in the fighter confident in his superiority. And when the rauno with a spectacular filigree turning for three hundred and sixty degrees from a hundred kilometers per hour completed demonstrations, it became clear that the allegorical motto of the Mini event conquers the North Pole corresponds to the test results: Mini passed the test of the north.

Rauno Aalonen

Rauno Aalonen 66. From the age of 11, he began to participate in races in motor boats, then in motorbikes and luggage. In the summer he spoke at Mercedes-Benz, in the winter on Saab. In 1961 he became a master of rally in Finland. In 1962, as part of the BMS team, he started at a stage in Monte Carlo on Mini Cooper. A year later, in the same race and on the same car was the third in the overall standings and the first in the classroom. In 1965, the victory on the international rally Europeister. In January 1967, the excellent style of driving and the correct choice of rubber allowed the flying Finn (as they were nicknamed the people) to win Monte Carlo in the Absolute.

In subsequent years, he worked as a tester Lancia, Saab, Nissan, Citroen, Fiat and Opel. In 1976, becoming a rally professor, together with Boris von Brainbukh founded a BMW driving school and became its chief instructor.

Text: Igor Kuznetso
 

Source: Magazine 5 wheel [04/2004]