Mini Cooper S Countryman - Short Driving Report
For those who are interested, here are a couple of thoughts regarding this car.
I testdrove it for a couple of hours, Cooper S version with manual.
POSITIVE
- very good driving feel, feels like a solid and bigger car
- very good visibility to the front and sides
- very direct and easy steering feel, maybe a little bit too direct for sharp curves and beginners
- AWD is amazing, no more steering annoyances due to lack of traction (you can actually drive through a very narrow curve with the throttle fully pressed down, traction seems to be flawless, like driving on rails)
- good quality look and feel with some minor exceptions (see NEGATIVE)
- engine (Cooper S) powerful with acceptable fuel consumption (9 liters / 100 km)
- Sport button improves throttle response
NEGATIVE
- exterior design is a matter of personal taste (the Mini is a classic, the Countryman version looks like something completely new)
- the agility from the lighter Mini Cooper S is missing, it feels heavier (but at the same time offers a better feel of a solid and bigger car, good for women)
- the Cooper S engine feels a little bit underpowered for the Countryman, 30-40 horses more would not hurt
- interior material quality not always good, makes the Countryman look cheap from the inside (exceptions: speedo cluster, middle console and doors).
- handbrake operation not really satisfying, the necessary arm movement is not comfortable
- engine/exhaust sound lack any sportiness
- steering can get nervous when changing lanes fast (issue for beginners only)
- price tag is high (compared to BMW X1 for example)
- effect of Sport button not as good as in the Mini Cooper S
- throttle response without activated Sport button not as good as expected, there seems to be a slight turbo lag
Overall I would actually prefer a Mini Cooper S (not Countryman) with AWD but since this car does not exist, the Countryman could be an interesting alternative for short distances and mostly city driving. It also feels more solid than our Cooper S, the Countryman feels like driving in a class above the Mini. Unfortunately some of the agility goes away with the weight but due to the very direct steering, which at the same time operates very light, the weight is actually not a problem. Beginners however could have difficulties with this setup.
I would buy this car only because of the AWD, even if our Cooper S never had problems with bavarian winters.
Since the Countryman with the Cooper S engine already feels almost underpowered, going for a less power would take a lot of fun from this car. There is a rumor that Mini plans to offer a new 143 HP Diesel engine for the Countryman, I actually think that this Diesel engine could be the perfect engine for this car due to the high torque figure, especially for city driving.
Another point worth mentioning: there is a rumor that the automatic transmission version of the Countryman will not have AWD. If true, this would be a huge mistake because it would cost Mini a lot of Countryman customers. Especially for city driving, the automatic transmission is a must for such a car. Best imaginable combo: auto tranny + Diesel = perfect city car for those who don't want to drive through the city in a SUV.
If you have questions, feel free to ask. I wasn't able to take any spectacular photos, sorry about that.
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RC (Germany) - Rennteam Editor Porsche 997 Turbo, BMW X5 M, BMW M3 Cab DKG, Mini Cooper S JCW