At Motors we love the MINI. It is a fun car that's also frugal, cute and fashionable. Now with the latest variation called the Countryman on sale, you can buy a MINI that than can genuinely fit more than two adults in comfort!
Countryman is a crossover SUV, so it rides higher off the ground and is also taller, wider and longer than the standard car. On the road this additional height gives the driver a great view of what's ahead and a very comfortable driving position. Countryman offers superb rear leg and head room, too. It comes with a three-seat rear bench or can be ordered with just two seats in the back at no extra cost. In four-seat guise you get a handy centre rail that can hold all sorts of accessories for your iPod, sunglasses, cups etc. Unlike MINI Clubman, Countryman has conventional doors so access to the rear seats is excellent. A four-wheel drive version called All-4 is available too, but it is relatively costly as it has higher CO2 emissions.
Outside, Countryman is clearly a MINI and I think it's fair to say that never in automotive history has a new car design been sweated over so much. BMW, which owns MINI, knew it had to deliver a car that was not only true to the original Mini, but also offered one of the Crossover options that are so loved today. With MINI hatchback and the Clubman there were original versions to refer and compare to but there was no true SUV/Crossover Countryman for designers to reinvent. Of course, there were Mokes and other hybrid designs of the original car, but BMW could have really messed up with Countryman's design - thankfully, the company didn't. The car has the classic MINI face we know and love and, despite its much bigger dimensions, the Countryman remains compact and friendly-looking. Inside the layout and switchgear is all MINI, so it will be easy for existing MINI owners to upsize should the need arise.
On the road Countryman is a little less the pocket rocket than the original MINI but is still good to drive. The taller centre of gravity means that the car rolls more in corners than the low-slung MINI hatch, but all in all the ride is pleasant, although what should be a sporty ride can at times feel a little lumpy on anything other than smooth surfaces. Larger-wheeled versions certainly look the part, but remember to stick to smooth roads with them.
All-4-equipped 'Countrymen' have limited but nonetheless useful off-road ability. The extra ground clearance makes a world of difference over the standard MINI when the going gets rough.
Countryman prices start at a healthy €23,000 (Countryman One) and rise up to €35,000 for the top-of- the-range Cooper S All-4. Diesel lovers get the highest mpg and lowest annual road tax (€104), while petrol heads can go OTT with the Cooper S with its 184bhp. There is a super iPod/Phone connectivity option and, of course, a good-sized boot. All-4 is only available with the Cooper D (€29,000) and Cooper S versions for now.
Countryman is a welcome addition to our roads. It is functional, yet delivers a smile to owners who may need more versatility than the standard MINI or Clubman offer.
Michael Sheridan
