MINI Cooper S weekender: Escape to iconic Bath

Stepping inside the new MINI Cooper S Convertible from Dick Lovett MINI in Hungerford is like opening the door to a new dimension of driving, past the mundanity of necessity and firmly into the realms of pure, unadulterated fun.

It seemed apt to take a road trip to Bath in this international style icon, sinking into the full leather interior and indulging in the seemingly contradictory combination of roof down and heated seats on, pure genius for roaming through the English countryside. With the flick of a button, a whole new view awaits you and you’re free to enjoy the sun, whilst tempering the wind with built in wind deflector (adding some repose to your exit hairstyle!)

Yes, the MINI Cooper S commands you to break free of the shackles of every day life and seek a little adventure and with full excitement pack illuminating your dashboard with some neon chic, sport seats and (optional but why wouldn’t you?) alloys, you can do it in style.

As we cruised through the great expanse of rolling green fields in the north Wessex downs, I revelled at how the MINI Cooper S masterfully grips the road and expertly manoeuvres the sweeping hills and corners, giving you both the confidence and impetus to really drive this car or in plain terms “give it some welly” as my late mother would have said!

Upon reaching Bath, the MINI Cooper S fits seamlessly into the identity of a city car as it slows to a prowl in the sun-drenched city streets and whilst the interior is spacious and modern, it has to be said there is a quiet satisfaction as I take my pick of narrow parking spaces, which thanks to the built-in reverse camera, I manoeuvre with ease.

There is something complementary about the MINI Cooper S in the backdrop of Bath’s classic architecture, they share a mutual history as a national treasure, evocative of timeless elegance that transcends the decades and I can’t help but feel a little flutter of pride as I look back at it and venture into the city.

After a leisurely day of lunching, spa and shopping and encumbered by our days wares I was pleasantly impressed by the comfort access which necessitates one only needs to have keys on your person, as opposed to squirreling around to find them amidst a flurry of shopping bags.

Ahh, that’s better. Back into the driving seat I reflect on how every inch of this motor is intuitive to your needs from its built-in reverse assisting camera, automatic lights and wipers to wind deflector and comfort access.

So, what did it cost me? Zero. That’s right. MINI is so confident that you will fall in love with this little gem, they are offering you 48 hours with it completely free of charge to make up your mind. That’s two whole days to relax into the car, to imagine your daily commute and to find the right MINI for your lifestyle.

Find out more about 48 hour test drives available from Dick Lovett MINI or more information about the MINI Convertible range.