A colleague was initially pleasantly surprised when he went to the Channel Islands over Christmas, as his hire car was upgraded from a Fiesta to an MGF with Steptronic gearbox, for free.

However, after driving the MGF for about 3 days, he spun it going round a bend. Circumstances were very slightly damp but not icy road surface, braking done before turning in under power at about 30mph in (he thinks) 3rd gear (gearbox in auto mode).

According to the driver, who is experienced and has driven many different vehicles, including motorbikes, and now has a TT, he was not pressing on at all. Prior to the accident he had noted that the car didn't feel particularly stable through bends, hence he was not pushing it.

Apparently the car spun without warning, hit a bank on the offside with both ends, and then slid sideways down the road, part of the way up on 2 wheels. No one was hurt, there was no puncture, and they were able to drive the car back to the airport. The car had done about 3500 miles and tyres were in good nick.

Now, we both understand that mid-engined cars tend to go without warning - but this spin was completely unprovoked by the driver or the condition of the road surface. Can anyone suggest what might have happened?

Anyone care to comment?

Cheers
Tim

[Edited by NBW - 03/01/2002 12:10:55]

 

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