MINIs are known to be great for many things - they are adorably styled, there are some fiery hot variants, they are practical, easy to drive, and they are fashion statements as well.
We were invited by MINI to experience everything that these multi-faceted cars offer. In a short span of two days, we drove from Bangkok, Thailand, to Khao Yai and back in some of the latest electric MINIs. Here's what we experienced.
Excellent fun with the new electric JCW MINIs
Our journey started with a short drive in the MINI Aceman SE and Cooper SE to Pathumthani Speedway, where the first highlight of this getaway was waiting for us - the all-new electric John Cooper Works (JCW) MINIs.
The Mini Cooper has been known for packing quite a punch, earning these cars their reputation as the closest things to driving a go kart on the road. The JCW MINIs take the recipe to the extreme by offering more power and performance.
Pathumthani Speedway is a small track that is mainly used for drifting competitions and various car events. The technical and narrow layout is an ideal location to experience compact performance cars in a controlled environment. The configuration of the day included a course where we experienced the straight-line and handling prowess of the JCW Aceman and JCW Cooper Electric. There was also a Gymkhana course where the agility of the JCW Cooper Electric was pushed to the limits.
Despite being electric and having rather heavy batteries, these cars were still plenty of fun on the track. The immediate electric power coupled with the agile handling of these cars ensured an excellent time. Although I would have loved to keep driving on the track, we had to continue our drive to Khao Yai.
Driving in style
Green, blue and orange - our convoy of three distinctly coloured MINIs consisted of two Aceman SE cars and one Cooper SE.
Being the star in The Italian Job (both the original and the 2003 remake) and various other movies, MINIs have built up a fair bit of presence in pop culture. It also has an iconic shape that is stylish and instantly recognisable. The sight of these fresh new MINIs driving down the expressway and bombing down the twisty b-roads in Thailand has got to be quite something - but we weren't hauling gold bars out of a vault.
Instead, our drive led us to scenic locations that served as breathtaking backdrops for the impressionable trio. We had plenty of stops, including one at a quaint cafe that doesn't look like something you would expect to chance upon in Thailand.
Who's more adorable, the MINIs or the goats?
The last rest stop before we reached our destination for the night at The Series Resort in Khao Yai, was a coastal area where goats from a nearby farm roam free.
MINI's designs have always looked adorable - the Cooper hatchbacks have always been boxes with rounded edges and large round headlights. Even the interior is full of rounded elements, including the central infotainment display. Even though the Aceman is designed with large angular head lights, its front fascia is more welcomingly than aggressively designed.
This was the first time that I've gotten to see so many goats roaming in close vicinity to the cars on a field, it was definitely a sight that I'll remember for a long time. But at that moment, I'm not sure which was more adorable - the trio of MINIs or the goats.
A trip to remember
Although we only spent a short two days with the electric MINIs, we have gotten to drive the JCWs hard at the racetrack, captured memorable photos at scenic locations, and spent a whole lot of time behind the wheel of the latest MINIs. This quick getaway with MINI has been truly enjoyable, and it has educated me on the MINI way of life.
