Sometimes, we know what to expect. Other times, were tricked. Of course, we had heard about this small snowmobile before, but we were far from thinking how pleasant it would be to drive one.
In fact, as long as my colleague Jacques Turgeon did not sit on the sled to take off, we did not suspect anything. But as soon as he slightly pushed on the throttle, we knew something just happened. No fume, no noise, no vibration. Nothing! Nothing but a low purring engine and a snowmobile that kicks off gently right from the first engine rotations with so much smoothness that it is hard to believe it.
The model tested today was delivered by the dealer as manufactured by BRP. Only the mirrors have been added. The LCD digital information screen is surprisingly complete and easy to read. Some settings can be made only when the sled is stationed due to the display tiny push buttons.
A 2-level switch controls the hand and thumb warmers; we can easily manipulate it with gloves or mittens and it delivers a good feedback. The mirrors are located at the right place and they are efficient. An electric fuel gauge completes it all.
This snowmobile is built on the REV-XP chassis, but is presented here with a brand new 600 cc, twin-cylinder, 4-stroke engine. It is called ACE for Advanced Combustion Efficiency. This is an outstanding efficient electronic fuel injection along with an optimized combustion chamber that allows the maximum power output from this 4-stroke, with a minimal fuel consumption and a rather low noise level. Moreover, the eDriveMc drive clutch, derived from the BRP Can-Am ATV’s, is almost 3 pound lighter and offers 6 engagement points or ramps. So, it is lighter to start and smoother to engage.
We must say it right now, it seems that we are driving an electronic snowmobile or a mega-scooter. The engine is so smooth and the power so linear that it took a few minutes to each of us, to catch it all. Then, each time we paused, we just kept being amazed !
In my mind, I already nicknamed it «The small that can make it». Of course, it is only a 600 cc engine, but at no time did we have any problem following the other snowmobile during the day. It would certainly be outrun at top speed. But at a reasonable speed, it is still there, on its spot. It could speed up more aggressively of course, but it would be more stressful. In other words, the MX Z Sport 600 ACE is not very macho! However, as we say, even if it was not dancing on the first musical piece of the night, I can assure you that it will not end the evening alone!
The riding position is very spacious, a little straight and very comfortable. We can place our feet more forward or backward considering the driving type. The windshield is limited but does a good job and the wind is very well deflected. The side vents, on which the mirrors are fixed, also adequately protect hands from wind and deflect air on each side of the pilot.
There is one interesting aspect coming from the limited power and its so linear output : it is almost impossible to skid. Even if the track is only ¾ in., at no time during the day did we feel the rear slide. Of course, in some circumstances, it is possible to make it take off, but it is so hard to get to it that we dare to state this snowmobile cannot get its pilot into problem. It could easily be the first real snowmobile for someone who speeds up gently or for a woman who does not appreciate heavier or aggressively powerful machines.
Today, we rode 168 km, but we cannot report the fuel consumption because the gas station had run out of the precious liquid! The TY Moteurs dealer filled it up later and as soon as we get the data from them, we will update our report.
Jacques and Alain
1 Handling and riding position 4,5 / 5 4,5 / 5
2 Comfort and suspension 3,5 / 5 3,5 / 5
3 Access to controls 4 / 5 4 / 5
4 Engine power 4 / 5 4 / 5
5 Engine noise and vibrations 4 / 5 4,5 / 5
6 Track rolling 4 / 5 4 / 5
7 Track pulling 4 / 5 4 / 5
8 Vehicle finishing 4 / 5 4 / 5
9 Odors and gas fumes 4 / 5 4 / 5
10 Fuel consumption N/A* N/A*
11 Passenger position N/A N/A
12 Passenger comfort N/A N/A
Total 36 / 45 36,5 / 45
The snowmobiles we tested today have been gracefully made available to us by our excellent collaborator TY Moteurs in Saint-Jean-Chrysostome.
TY MOTEURS
1091 Commerciale
Saint-Jean-Chrysostome, QC
G6Z 2E8
Phone : 418-833-0500
Also
684 Route 281
Saint-Raphael,QC
G0R 4C0
Phone : 418-243-2292
We would also like to mention how much we appreciate the collaboration of Kimpex. Indeed, our test pilots are equipped with Kimpex clothes and accessories. We really wear them and we appreciate them !
