Mini backs out of old challenge

By ALASTIAR SLOANE

Used to be a driving badge of honour, shoehorning the old Mini into the tightest of parking spaces. Best part was getting it in there without nudging the cars in front and behind. Earned macho merit points, that did.

Mates standing on the footpath would make animal-like sounds. But new Mini owners can't expect such impromptu applause, not when the spiritual successor to the original comes with optional ultrasound parking sensors in the rear bumper.

The electronic aid gives a whole new meaning to playing by ear for a tricky parking manoeuvre. It's a sonar system which beeps to warn the driver of obstacles in the rear. When the beep becomes constant, the driver knows he or she is 20cm away from the nearest obstacle.

Okay, so many top-end cars have parking sensors. But in the Mini? Is nothing sacred?

Jeez, with a bit of practice the old Mini could be driven backwards through a filled roll. The only beeping thing it needed was a horn.

The fancypants parking sensor is not the only option in the new Mini catalogue. Its maker BMW has tripped down memory lane and come up with things that gave the old Mini visual grunt.

These were features such as the chequered flag or Union Jack roof decals, black or white bonnet stripes, pumped-up body kit, a choice of nine different alloy wheels, front spotlights ...

BMW is evaluating the optional extras for the New Zealand market. One it probably won't bother with for the moment is about as sacrilegious as parking sensors: satellite navigation.

Irish driver Paddy Hopkirk didn't need digital guidance from above in the Monte Carlo rally. Nor did bank robber Michael Caine in The Italian Job. Kelly Johnson certainly didn't in Goodbye Pork Pie. He mapped most of New Zealand at ground level.