Popping exhaust

Today started in Mallorca on the second day of driving the new MINI. Yesterday it was the diesel version, today it was the new Cooper S. Wow, what fun it was, and what a lovely noise it makes, with a wonderful popping sound from the exhaust as you back off the throttle. Had a great morning driving it, even if the price is a bit wince-making at around £25,000 with all the options loaded on the test car.

Here it is in the early morning light, parked inside the old fortress gates of the hotel. I love the warm colour of the stone walls against such a gloriously blue sky, and the vivid mustard shade of the car. It's no shrinking violet!

Flew home this afternoon to a shock. It was so mild and springlike in Southern England last weekend, but the plane doors opened to a very chilly Luton airport. Brrr. Maybe it's not spring quite yet ...