About my training car
My latest training car is the September 2009 version of the brilliant new BMW Mini Mark 2.This car has all the attributes of the new Mini introduced to the UK market by BMW in 2001, but is now brought right up to date with the latest 1400cc engine (which is quicker and more economical than its 1600cc predecessor) and a six speed manual gearbox.
Additionally there are a host of new features, some of the most interesting of which are briefly described below:-
* Automatic stop / start technology which switches off the engine automatically when you stop the car (in traffic queues for example) and then automatically restarts it as soon as you depress the clutch in preparation to drive off again. This feature is designed to save fuel which, you will no doubt be aware, is getting progressively more expensive. It's also good for the environment by cutting CO2 emissions as a car pollutes the atmosphere more readily with carbons when the engine is idling and at a standstill.
* Braking Energy Regeneration which means that whenever you brake to slow the car down the energy derived that is normally lost is collected and then re-used to help charge the battery, thereby reducing the load on the engine.
* Optimum Shift Indication which is an on board sensor system that permanently displays in the rev counter which is the most appropriate gear to use, based on your speed, engine revs and the road conditions.
* Hill Start Assist which prevents the car from rolling backwards on a hill for about 2 seconds after releasing the foot brake, thereby allowing time to accurately find the clutch biting point first.
In addition to the above my car has been fitted with fully automatic air conditioning which means that the temperature inside the car is always comfortable regardless of the ambient temperature outside.
My car is, of course, also fitted with dual controls for your safety whilst you are learning to drive.
You can see a picture of my latest car below. For a selection of other photographs of the car select "Gallery" from the drop down menu and choose "Car" from the options.
You'll just love it!
