New England MINI Dealers to Host Test Drive Takedowns

BEDFORD, N.H. (04/24/2012)(readMedia)-- Local car shoppers that are still wrestling with the idea of buying a MINI may want to step into the ring at the upcoming MINI Test Drive Takedown events at MINI of Bedford and MINI of Peabody. The New England MINI dealers are inviting customers to test drive wrestling-mask-clad MINI models against their direct competitors. The not-so-heavyweight bouts will take place during regular business hours on May 9 at MINI of Bedford in New Hampshire and on May 12 at MINI of Peabody in Massachusetts.

At both events, drivers will be able to match a MINI Cooper S Hardtop head-to-head with a Volkswagen Beetle, while a four-door MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 will try to pin down the Nissan Juke for test-drive supremacy. MINI of Bedford and MINI of Peabody will each provide participants with complimentary food, refreshments and MINI collectible wrestling cards.

"MINI goes all out to have fun, which is where the wrestling theme comes in, but this event is about helping buyers make informed decisions as well," said Marshal Cabot, general manager of MINI of Bedford and MINI of Peabody. "You don't realize how much you're missing out on until you compare a MINI mano-a-mano with a competitor and see its special moves."

What: MINI of Bedford and MINI of Peabody MINI Test Drive Takedowns

When: MINI of Bedford: Wednesday, May 9, 2012, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EDT

MINI of Peabody: Saturday, May 12, 2012, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. EDT

Where: MINI of Bedford: 209 S. River Road, Bedford, NH

MINI of Peabody: 209 Andover Street, Peabody, MA

How: MINI of Bedford: RSVP online at www.minibedford.com/TakedownRSVP or call 603-637-2900 for more information.

MINI of Peabody: RSVP online at www.minipeabody.com/TakedownRSVP or call 877-212-9727 for more information.

During the MINI Test Drive Takedowns, the MINI Cooper S Hardtop will take on the name of Full Tank Nelson, using its 181-horsepower turbocharged engine to challenge the VW Beetle. Besting the base 2012 Beetle by 11 horsepower and 5 mpg in combined city/highway fuel economy during weigh-in, the Cooper S Hardtop is a dealership favorite. Meanwhile, the MINI Countryman S ALL4, or Snowy Roades, will hope to gain the upper hand over the Nissan Juke, offering drivers 5.4 more cubic-feet of maximum cargo room despite its slightly shorter length.

"The Test Drive Takedown features some very interesting matchups, including the classic Cooper Hardtop model against a new Beetle that has supposedly gotten sportier," added Cabot. "But, as you might expect, we're pretty confident in who's going to emerge with the title belt."

About MINI of Bedford:

MINI of Bedford is the first and only MINI dealership in New Hampshire, and they're excited to be bringing motoring fun to Granite State drivers. Shoppers who visit MINI of Bedford will find a huge selection of new and used MINI models, including the MINI Cooper Coupe and Countryman. Plus, the arrival of MINI to New Hampshire means that convenient MINI service is just around the corner. For more information, call them at 603-637-2900, or visit them online at www.minibedford.com to view their inventory. For the latest updates on local events and dealership news, visit MINI of Bedford on Facebook at www.facebook.com/miniofbedford.

About MINI of Peabody:

Since 2002, MINI of Peabody has been the leading source for new and used MINI vehicles in Northern New England. Their dedication to professional, friendly customer service allowed them to win the 2009 MINI Motoring Cup, a national award presented to the dealership that has the highest sales and customer satisfaction. Their new location in Peabody offers a state-of-the art service center and an expanded selection of MINI parts and accessories. See their inventory or schedule a service appointment at www.minipeabody.com, call 877-212-9727, like them on at www.facebook.com/miniofpeabody or visit their new showroom at 209 Andover Street (Route 114) in Peabody, Massachusetts.