by Holly Glaspey
Parallel parking has never been this fun. In case driving around in a convertible didn’t make one feel smug enough, pulling up to spaces 95% of cars can not even consider, and swinging in one-handed on the first try is a big perk for me with this little gem. So long as the top is down, changing lanes is a lot of fun too–I confess that behind the Mini wheel, I became a bit prone to “darting.”
There doesn’t seem to be much gray area in Mini public opinion. Most people who saw me in the car were dying for a ride, but those who weren’t didn’t want to touch it with a ten-foot pole. But I’m really on the fence: if you have to describe the Mini in one word it’s easy—FUN. This car made me more excited about “the driving experience” and “the journey” than any other I have ridden in or driven. However, I am not running to the nearest dealership. I felt plenty of “go” moving from second to third or third to fourth, but from a red light or up a steep hill I was disappointed. I was also uncomfortable driving with the top up because of the horrible visibility out the back window. One more note on the convertible top: I never used the half-way open, “built-in sunroof” setting. With the heated seats and the visibility issues, it just seemed like I might as well go all the way.
