WELCOME

We’ve all had plenty of time to reflect on what drives our love of cars over the past few months. For some, it’s the engineering and performance; for others, the design or technology. But for all of us, I would argue, one word is at the core of our obsession: freedom. As we slowly begin to inch forwards and lockdown restrictions are eased, now really isn’t the time for a grand tour to a distant castle-named town. Instead, we should look to take joy in more local adventures and revel in the essence of what we all love about cars – the journey... any journey...

After not driving for the longest time since I passed my test, a potter down my favourite local road reminded me of all that captivated me when I got my driving licence. I would encourage you to soak up those first miles back on the road. All too often we take that freedom for granted and, if there’s something positive to come from all this, taking time to appreciate the joy of driving again should surely be one to savour.

That sense of freedom was at the heart of Alec Issigonis’ thinking when he penned the Mini. His inspiration was to create a true people’s car, delivering freedom to the masses. Over the past 61 years, the Mini has morphed from Issigonis’ original petite creation – which would ‘dash’ from zero to 60mph in 27 seconds – to the 302bhp bruiser we drive on page 50, which is capable of getting there in 5.2secs. It does rather punch above its not inconsiderable – 1,255kg – weight. A people’s car with attitude, devastatingly effective down the British B-roads we’ve all been dreaming about, we chose to pitch the Mini GP against a bona fide supercar to see how far out of its division it could manage to fight.

As the dreams of a drive down British B-roads become tentative first steps back towards a new normal, I hope you enjoy those first car journeys as much as us, and above all take care and stay safe.

Enjoy the issue,

“I’D ENCOURAGE YOU TO SOAK UP THOSE FIRST MILES BACK ON THE ROAD”