Big-time Mini abilities highlighted in Cebu trackday

CEBUANOS recently got a first-hand look while logging time in the driver’s seat of Mini’s delightful Countryman, three-door and five-door hatch, via the exciting Mini driving experience, the first time such an activity was held in the Queen City of the South last Aug. 8-9.

Close to 100 people had a chance to get behind the wheel of the three Mini vehicles and drive the renowned cars in a controlled and safe environment, a makeshift course at the SM Cebu’s open parking area.

Mini Cebu dealership principals Lyndon Go, Brian Chua and January Go were present to show their full support for the historic activity. Under the expert supervision of motoring expert Georges Ramirez, participants of the two-day activity felt for themselves the vaunted Mini performance characteristics such as agility, speed, and an unmistakable go-kart feel.

The three-door hatch was used in a gymkhana-type activity where drivers got to savor the taut handling and point-and-shoot preciseness of the Mini, a go-kart characteristic that the brand is known for.

The quickest and most accurate run of the day went to Warren Go and Byron Piramide, who not only had the attained bragging rights but came away with an iPad Mini prize.

Meanwhile, the five-door hatch and Countryman were the weapons of choice to demonstrate the iconic British carmaker’s state-of-the-art safety technologies. Drivers were taught how a slew of features like theelectronic brake distribution, dynamic traction and stability control, and antilock braking system work even when pushing the cars to limits.

Pilipinas Shell cosponsored the event, which further demonstrates the earnest efforts of British United Automobiles Inc. to let more people experience the benefits of Mini ownership.

Mini Philippines also features a generous, one-of-a-kind offer that gifts every buyer of a Mini three-door hatch, five-door hatch, or Mini Countryman with a roundtrip ticket to where Mini vehicles are born—the legendary Plant Oxford in England.

With each purchase from July 2 to Oct. 15 this year, car buyers will be flown by Mini Philippines to the United Kingdom for a much-coveted tour of the Plant Oxford facility. Plane transfers and three days, two nights hotel accommodation will also be shouldered by the company.

The plant where each Mini is born is so famous that the tour usually has a three-month wait period. However, those who will be joining via the promo do not need to queue as Mini Philippines has already secured slots for them in November this year. The once-in-a-lifetime promotion, dubbed “Next stop: UK” doesn’t entail a raffle; each buyer is eligible to join.

For more information, log on to www.mini.com.ph or visit the official dealerships at Mini Global City (5th Avenue corner 26th Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig); Mini Roadshow Greenhills (324 Ortigas Avenue, North Greenhills, San Juan), and Mini Cebu (AS Fortuna Street, Bakilid, Mandaue City).