For all of the optimistic press that rear-wheel-drive automobiles get, front-wheel-drive ones ship their very own joys and even benefits when arrange correctly.

The unique Mini could also be one of many automobiles that the majority absolutely embraces the benefits of energy transmitted to the entrance wheels. Its design was decided by its front-engine, front-wheel-drive structure. To make it sufficiently small to be low cost, however sufficiently big to supply sufficient house for passengers, the engine was mounted transversely and its wheels pushed proper out to the perimeters of the physique.

Not solely did that make for a automobile that was tiny on the surface, large on the within, and low cost to personal, but in addition one which was a hoot to drive, too. Now David Brown Automotive has taken these attributes and traded the cheapness for energy to make the automobile much more enjoyable to drive.

Learn Additionally: DBA Mini Remastered Oselli Version Formally Launched With 125 HP, £98,000 Beginning Worth

Probably the most highly effective Oselli Version takes the 1,420 cc engine all the best way up 125 hp (126 PS/93 kW) and 113 lb-ft (153 Nm) of torque. That energy is funneled via a five-speed handbook gearbox and it’s able to getting you to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.8 seconds.

These numbers don’t actually do the automobile justice, although. Maybe extra necessary is the truth that it has a limited-slip differential, high-performance four-piston brakes, and a Bilstein sports activities suspension. Collectively, all of them mix with the design of the Mini to supply a sensory expertise like no different.

“Below braking right into a nook, the again goes extremely mild,” says host Drew Stearne. “However then underneath throttle, the entrance will get mild. You’re continually managing as weight will get thrown forwards and backwards on the automobile. You’ll be able to go from understeer into oversteer and again once more two or thrice throughout the course of only one nook.”

It places you continually in dialog with the forces appearing upon the automobile. And since it’s small, mild, and never extraordinarily quick, the results of screwing up a nook are so minimal that you may recuperate and be taught reasonably than crash right into a barrier and lose your automobile.

“You’re by no means getting your self in a lot trouble that you may’t recuperate. A slide is simple to get again from, so even when you get it mistaken,” says Stearne, taking a nook, “there with understeer, there isn’t sufficient weight to hold the automobile off the monitor.”

It’s, Stearne says, an schooling. However with a beginning value of £98,000 ($134,778 USD), the tutoring charges are means too excessive.