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MINI Countryman

We get behind the wheel of MINI's exciting new 4x4 for an exclusive first drive to see if the Countryman measures up to its big reputation.

MINI Countyman

By Diether Rodatz

July 2010

The Countryman has finally hit the road! Following our drive in a development model, Auto Express got behind the wheel of a showroom-ready version of MINI’s latest variant.

But have BMW's attempts to mature the MINI DNA taken the fun out of the brand and pushed the name too far?

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the MINI Countryman

 

Thankfully, no. The jacked-up baby SUV is every bit a MINI under the skin as it ever was. Tested here in Cooper S ALL4 spec, the Countryman impresses with direct steering feel and agile cornering abilities to match the standard hatch.

The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine also feels lively and responsive despite the 170kg 4WD system, and body roll is equally well contained despite an additional 10mm of ride height and increased body dimensions in every direction.

That increased size is key to the Countryman's success. BMW has listened to the thousands of fans who wanted a MINI but needed more room and they have delivered.

Their attempts to keep the proportions in check can't stop the Countryman looking a bit bloated but the extra interior space it offers makes it a true family car and the 350-litres of boot space put rivals like the Nissan Juke to shame.

Typical MINI style abounds in the well-built interior and nifty features like the full length cabin rail which provides cupholders and storage alike are also well conceived, though the aircraft style handbrake is difficult to operate. It only remains to be seen whether the car is popular enough to defy its hefty price-tag.

 

For an alternative review of the latest MINI Countryman visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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3 Comments

At last Mini have provided a larger car over the standard 3 door. Surely though this makes the not-so-big bigger 2.5 door Clubman redundant?

By tim_autoex on 15 July, 2010, 11:25am

As a Clubman owner, I disagree with Tim!

But then I would, wouldn't I? The Clubman is best regarded as a MINI with space for 4 adults and a usable boot, while remaining a small, chuckable car and, crucially, less ubiquitous than the standard estate-agents'-favourite MINI hatch.
If I regularly loaded the car up, I'd consider the Countryman, but the lower emissions and fuel consumption of the lighter Clubman make it an ideal second family car, as mine is.

By snappyuk on 15 July, 2010, 12:07pm

Still Not Convinced

I'm really not at all convinced about the shape of this car. When AE first published it I didn't like it and I still don't like it. The mere concept of slotting in another pair of side doors to a MINI is completely nonsensical.

The question, when is a MINI not a MINI really comes into it's own here because this clearly ISN'T a MINI.

By nick7 on 15 July, 2010, 7:09pm

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FIRST OPINION

    The MINI has grown up – but fans of the brand should be relieved. Yes, it’s bigger than before, but the new Countryman is great to drive, well packaged and a desirable member of MINI family. It's versatile and fun, so deserves to appeal to family buyers.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £20,810
    Engine: 1.6-litre turbo, 184bhp
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
    Top speed: 133mph
    0-62mph: 7.4sec
    Economy: 44.8mpg
    CO2: 146g/km
    Equipment: Roof rails, air-con, rear parking sensors, digital radio, six airbags, Bluetooth
    On sale: 18 September
     
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