Road test - Mini Cooper ALL4 Countryman
Author: Ian Strachan
It doesn’t look much like a Mini, and it looks even less like many people’s memories of a wooden-framed Mini Countryman – but I like it a lot.
This latest variation of the never-ending Mini theme is bigger,
has four doors, and, as its name suggests, is all-wheel drive. It's
a maxi version of the Mini concept, but it still retains all of the
Mini's good points, including the fun and the charm.
When I used to drive Minis longer ago than I care to remember
they were draughty, under-powered, noisy, cramped and only had four
gears. But they were still great fun.
Now - under BMW's stewardship - the Mini is sophisticated,
agile, refined, roomy and somehow they've found room for six gears
and four wheel drive. But it's still great fun.
The modern Mini is a sad reminder of what Rover, in its various
guises, could have done if the money had been available for
investment.
The Mini Countryman is a case in point. It's a very clever and
well thought out car, with its seating for five, additional load
carrying capability and elevated stance. This car doesn't spend too
much time looking back. It's a thoroughly modern Mini - a fun car
for the 21st century with a bit of extra practicality.
I test drove the sporty Mini Cooper D ALL4 version of the
Countryman and it's a brisk 129 horsepower diesel-powered little
car which thoroughly deserves the famous designation. The 1600cc
diesel engine is quiet and refined, with smooth, well-behaved power
delivery.
Ride and handling are predictable and sue-footed. Suspension is
quite soft compared to other Minis, so it's not quite so skittish
over bumps. Cornering, though, is perfectly precise.
The Tardis-like interior of the Mini Countryman can take five
adults in non-cramped comfort. Remove the parcel shelf and fold
down the seats and you've got an impressive loadspace with easy
access.
The interior is completely Mini, with a large central
speedometer with the satnav cleverly displayed in the middle.
Controls both look and feel attractive and there's subdued mood
lighting in the door inserts and centre console.
The Countryman comes with a list of standard equipment which
would be impressive in a much larger car. As well as the six speed
box these include 16 inch silver alloy wheels, six airbags,
automatic central locking, park distance control. remote control
alarm, air conditioning, automatic stability and traction control,
leather steering wheel, electric front and rear windows and
run-flat tyres.
There are also some nice touches, for example the auto
start-stop which cuts the engine out when stationary, saving fuel
and saving the planet. The engine restarts automatically when the
clutch is depressed. Takes a bit of getting used to - and can be
disabled - but it's a great idea. Fuel economy is already good at
just over 64 mpg in mixed driving.
Four decades ago Mini Cooper motoring would have cost less than
£1,000. Now - in this Cooper Countryman - it will cost you a
shade under £20,000, but this is a little car with a big
personality and you get a lot for your money. And you'll never have
so much fun in a small space!
Road test by Ian Strachan Communications
Ltd
Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR
consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949
202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserv