Britain is known for its unrivalled cars and car culture. Yet the one British car recognized the world over, even more than the alluring Aston Martin or the regal Rolls Royce is the humble MINI Cooper.

Designed by Sir Alec Issigonis and initially produced by the British Motor Corporation (BMC), the MINI quickly became an icon of the 1960s. Its affordable price, small size, zippy pace and unrivalled fuel economy quickly gained the attention of the masses. No surprise that demand for the car continues to be high to this day. Today’s MINI Cooper draws inspiration from the original, and though it may be a bit larger, retains many of the characteristics of the first.

To be the judge themselves, over 100 MINI enthusiasts and the media were treated to an exciting, hands-on experience of MINI driving dynamics at the Clark Speedway. The event, beginning last Thursday, Nov. 19, served as a preview to the much-awaited arrival of the MINI brand in the Philippines.

British United Automobiles, Inc., official distributors of MINI in the Philippines, spared no expense for the three-day event, flying in key personnel to brief and guide the participants. The first of which is Klaus Heimerl, head trainer of all BMW Group driving instructors worldwide, to give driving tips and tricks to participants.

He was aided by Georges Ramirez, a renowned Manila-based touring car driver. In addition, participants gained MINI brand and heritage insights from Feisal Meeajaun, a BMW Group trainer. Finally, Preecha Ninatkiattikul, MINI Manager, Asia also oversaw the event.

Participants were urged to explore the handling limits of the MINI, what with the fresh asphalt of the Clark Speedway just itching for a new coat of rubber. Of course, the real stars of the show were the MINI Cooper, the MINI Cooper S, and the MINI Clubman.

All three MINIs are powered by a 1.6 liter inline 4 cyclinder engine. The 16 valve engine puts out 120 hp and 118 lb-ft of torque in the Cooper and Clubman. In the Cooper S, a twin scroll turbocharger bumps up the power to 175 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque.

Both the Cooper and Cooper S come in a two-door, four-seater hatchback form. The Cooper S, being the sportier of the two, will have a few more accessories and trim to distinguish itself. The cars are available in 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual transmissions and a wide array of bright colors.

The Clubman is the latest addition to the family, being a five-door hatchback, though not the kind you’re accustomed to. From the driver’s side, it looks like a two-door yet from the passenger’s side, a second, smaller door opens in suicide fashion. Behind, the back opens with cargo-style doors.

The extended coupe is more like a shooting break (sport wagon) with more room for second row passengers and a larger cargo area. The Clubman also features two-tone color schemes that look more like candy than cars.

Regardless of which you choose, all MINIs come with electric power steering, ABS, EBD, Corner Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control and six airbags. Efficiency is also high with an average of 6.9 liters/ 100 kilometers consumption for the Cooper S and 5.8 liters/ 100 kilometers for the Cooper. The Clubman sits right in between with 6.6 liters/ 100 kilometers.

Specs aside, the organizers decided to make things exciting with competitions in handling and braking to see how well participants learned from the instructors and their seat time in the car. The cars themselves didn’t disappoint with reliable braking, agile handling delightful power and a kitschy interior. Despite the participants’ over-eager lead feet, traction and stability control proved themselves in more than one occasion and the vehicles lasted all three days of driving with no trouble at all.

Those with the best times and most precise braking distances were awarded with special MINI branded toys. Of course, everyone still went home a winner with gift bags and a driving experience they won’t soon forget.

The organizers themselves have much to look forward to: “Judging from the feedback we are getting from the customers, we expect MINI to receive a warm welcome when MINI Global City officially opens its doors in mid-January 2010.”

Those keen on getting one will have to have deep pockets as the MINIs will range in price from P1.8 million to high above P2 million. Yet fans of the car and brand will surely find this price tag easy to justify. ‘Till then, we’ll have to wait just a little bit longer.