MINI Cooper S Countryman 1.6 (A) Review
14 Oct 2011|20,662 views
When BMW launched the 'new' MINI at the turn of the millennium, few would have imagined that the re-creation of Sir Alec Issigonis' classic would have spawned so many models in such a short span of time.
But the automotive industry has transformed greatly over the past decade, and even traditional marques such as Porsche and Rolls-Royce have expanded their line-ups in order to stay competitive and relevant.
MINI is no different, and following the introduction of the second-generation 'new' MINI in 2007, BMW is looking to grow its baby brand with a whole host of offspring to cater to as many markets as it can.
Aside from the standard hatch and Convertible, the MINI range now also consists of the quirky Clubman, the family-oriented Countryman, and the upcoming Coupe and Roadster. Future models will include the Paceman, which is a coupe/SUV crossover mix in the vein of the Range Rover Evoque, and a rumoured return of the Traveller, which will be an MPV-style vehicle. A MINI MPV, imagine that.
For now though, we have with us the Countryman, which was launched earlier this year, but was only available with four-wheel-drive in Cooper S form. Until now.
MINI has decided to push out the front-wheel-drive version of the Cooper S Countryman, which might strike some as a bit odd given the car's SUV-like proportions. But it promises to be an entertaining drive like all MINIs.
Exterior
First impression of the Countryman are that it is, well, not mini at all.
But the automotive industry has transformed greatly over the past decade, and even traditional marques such as Porsche and Rolls-Royce have expanded their line-ups in order to stay competitive and relevant.
MINI is no different, and following the introduction of the second-generation 'new' MINI in 2007, BMW is looking to grow its baby brand with a whole host of offspring to cater to as many markets as it can.
Aside from the standard hatch and Convertible, the MINI range now also consists of the quirky Clubman, the family-oriented Countryman, and the upcoming Coupe and Roadster. Future models will include the Paceman, which is a coupe/SUV crossover mix in the vein of the Range Rover Evoque, and a rumoured return of the Traveller, which will be an MPV-style vehicle. A MINI MPV, imagine that.
For now though, we have with us the Countryman, which was launched earlier this year, but was only available with four-wheel-drive in Cooper S form. Until now.
MINI has decided to push out the front-wheel-drive version of the Cooper S Countryman, which might strike some as a bit odd given the car's SUV-like proportions. But it promises to be an entertaining drive like all MINIs.
Exterior
First impression of the Countryman are that it is, well, not mini at all.
 |
The Countryman sits tall, dwarfing most ordinary cars, and is probably able to match most mid-sized MPVs you'll see on the road today in terms of size.
With its distinctive looks and girth, the Countryman attracts a fair amount of attention. More than once during our time with the car, we received curious looks and questions from passers-by, who wanted to figure out what this 'thing' was.
And truth be told, we ourselves struggled to explain what category the Countryman fits in. At least with the ALL4 version, one could argue that it might be able to pass off as an SUV of sorts. But in two-wheel-drive form, the Countryman is now in a weird place where it is not quite an MPV, SUV, hatchback or station wagon.
In a certain way, it is one of those category breakers, like the BMW X6, which refuses to be defined by traditional conventions. At least it has a fairly normal shape, with its classic MINI cues like the front grille, coloured roof and rear design.
The two-wheel-drive Countryman is visually identical to the ALL4 version in fact, with the deletion of the 'ALL4' badging on the front doors the only indicator as to the car's driven wheels.
 |
Interior
The Countryman's size also translates into lots of practical, usable space inside, which is a breath of fresh air considering the MINI hatch's notorious lack of room in the back. The Countryman also has a set of 'proper' doors and hatch, instead of the Clubman's unusual single rear suicide door and split sideways tailgate.
This means that there is ample room for the five, and because of the car's height, everybody has a nice view out, and the occupants can probably stare eye to eye with people in other MPVs and smaller SUVs.
However, the Countryman's boot space, although a sizeable improvement from the hatchback, could be bigger for a car of its size.
The Countryman's size also translates into lots of practical, usable space inside, which is a breath of fresh air considering the MINI hatch's notorious lack of room in the back. The Countryman also has a set of 'proper' doors and hatch, instead of the Clubman's unusual single rear suicide door and split sideways tailgate.
This means that there is ample room for the five, and because of the car's height, everybody has a nice view out, and the occupants can probably stare eye to eye with people in other MPVs and smaller SUVs.
However, the Countryman's boot space, although a sizeable improvement from the hatchback, could be bigger for a car of its size.
The dashboard setup is familiar MINI, with the centrally-mounted (and quite large) speedometer, the cute tachometer behind the steering wheel, and all the major switches and dials on the centre console. Various nifty features such as the changeable ambient lighting and removable sunglasses holder down by the aircraft-style handbrake make the Countryman a pleasant place to be in.
One feature that is absent in the two-wheel-drive Countryman though, is the Centre Rail storage system that runs through the middle of the car. With no chunky four-wheel-drive system now, MINI has decided to utilise the space to accommodate one more passenger in the rear. However, the Centre Rail can be specified as an option if one so wishes.
One feature that is absent in the two-wheel-drive Countryman though, is the Centre Rail storage system that runs through the middle of the car. With no chunky four-wheel-drive system now, MINI has decided to utilise the space to accommodate one more passenger in the rear. However, the Centre Rail can be specified as an option if one so wishes.
 |
The Drive
Despite its size, the Countryman feels no less chuckable than its smaller siblings. Handling is as precise as ever, but the car's height means that mild body roll is to be expected in the corners.
There is also a tinge of understeer as you power through the bends, as there is no more four-wheel-drive to help with transferring power to the rear wheels for improved traction. But the difference is only slight and barely noticeable during normal driving.
In our test car's Cooper S guise, the Countryman provides good, responsive pace, with the car featuring the same 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine that powers the Cooper S hatchback and Convertible, as well as numerous Citroen-Peugeot products. There is slight torque steer off the line, but that is nothing unusual for a front-wheel-drive car.
On the road, the Countryman rides fairly well, eliminating low speed bumps with ease. Things start to turn a bit choppy at higher speeds though, but on billiard-smooth expressways the Countryman copes ably, and is more than capable as a long-distance family cruiser.
Despite its size, the Countryman feels no less chuckable than its smaller siblings. Handling is as precise as ever, but the car's height means that mild body roll is to be expected in the corners.
There is also a tinge of understeer as you power through the bends, as there is no more four-wheel-drive to help with transferring power to the rear wheels for improved traction. But the difference is only slight and barely noticeable during normal driving.
In our test car's Cooper S guise, the Countryman provides good, responsive pace, with the car featuring the same 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine that powers the Cooper S hatchback and Convertible, as well as numerous Citroen-Peugeot products. There is slight torque steer off the line, but that is nothing unusual for a front-wheel-drive car.
On the road, the Countryman rides fairly well, eliminating low speed bumps with ease. Things start to turn a bit choppy at higher speeds though, but on billiard-smooth expressways the Countryman copes ably, and is more than capable as a long-distance family cruiser.
Conclusion
So, what do we think of this automotive oxymoron, an un-mini MINI?
Held in its own regard, the Countryman is actually a perfectly adept family car, which should satisfy young parents who desire something practical without sacrificing the cachet of the MINI brand. Its perky engine and comforting ride helps strengthen its case further.
The Countryman's oddball looks might be an opinion polariser, while its girth may pose a little bit of a problem for some, but in truth, it is not much different to weave around the city from, say, a Honda Airwave, or a slightly bigger hatchback like an Audi A3.
Add in the classic MINI ingredients of entertaining dynamics and funky interior design, and you'll get a family car that is like no other out there.
Special thanks to Ode To Studio for the use of their facility for our photo shoot.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
So, what do we think of this automotive oxymoron, an un-mini MINI?
Held in its own regard, the Countryman is actually a perfectly adept family car, which should satisfy young parents who desire something practical without sacrificing the cachet of the MINI brand. Its perky engine and comforting ride helps strengthen its case further.
The Countryman's oddball looks might be an opinion polariser, while its girth may pose a little bit of a problem for some, but in truth, it is not much different to weave around the city from, say, a Honda Airwave, or a slightly bigger hatchback like an Audi A3.
Add in the classic MINI ingredients of entertaining dynamics and funky interior design, and you'll get a family car that is like no other out there.
Special thanks to Ode To Studio for the use of their facility for our photo shoot.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
When BMW launched the 'new' MINI at the turn of the millennium, few would have imagined that the re-creation of Sir Alec Issigonis' classic would have spawned so many models in such a short span of time.
But the automotive industry has transformed greatly over the past decade, and even traditional marques such as Porsche and Rolls-Royce have expanded their line-ups in order to stay competitive and relevant.
MINI is no different, and following the introduction of the second-generation 'new' MINI in 2007, BMW is looking to grow its baby brand with a whole host of offspring to cater to as many markets as it can.
Aside from the standard hatch and Convertible, the MINI range now also consists of the quirky Clubman, the family-oriented Countryman, and the upcoming Coupe and Roadster. Future models will include the Paceman, which is a coupe/SUV crossover mix in the vein of the Range Rover Evoque, and a rumoured return of the Traveller, which will be an MPV-style vehicle. A MINI MPV, imagine that.
For now though, we have with us the Countryman, which was launched earlier this year, but was only available with four-wheel-drive in Cooper S form. Until now.
MINI has decided to push out the front-wheel-drive version of the Cooper S Countryman, which might strike some as a bit odd given the car's SUV-like proportions. But it promises to be an entertaining drive like all MINIs.
Exterior
First impression of the Countryman are that it is, well, not mini at all.
But the automotive industry has transformed greatly over the past decade, and even traditional marques such as Porsche and Rolls-Royce have expanded their line-ups in order to stay competitive and relevant.
MINI is no different, and following the introduction of the second-generation 'new' MINI in 2007, BMW is looking to grow its baby brand with a whole host of offspring to cater to as many markets as it can.
Aside from the standard hatch and Convertible, the MINI range now also consists of the quirky Clubman, the family-oriented Countryman, and the upcoming Coupe and Roadster. Future models will include the Paceman, which is a coupe/SUV crossover mix in the vein of the Range Rover Evoque, and a rumoured return of the Traveller, which will be an MPV-style vehicle. A MINI MPV, imagine that.
For now though, we have with us the Countryman, which was launched earlier this year, but was only available with four-wheel-drive in Cooper S form. Until now.
MINI has decided to push out the front-wheel-drive version of the Cooper S Countryman, which might strike some as a bit odd given the car's SUV-like proportions. But it promises to be an entertaining drive like all MINIs.
Exterior
First impression of the Countryman are that it is, well, not mini at all.
|
The Countryman sits tall, dwarfing most ordinary cars, and is probably able to match most mid-sized MPVs you'll see on the road today in terms of size.
With its distinctive looks and girth, the Countryman attracts a fair amount of attention. More than once during our time with the car, we received curious looks and questions from passers-by, who wanted to figure out what this 'thing' was.
And truth be told, we ourselves struggled to explain what category the Countryman fits in. At least with the ALL4 version, one could argue that it might be able to pass off as an SUV of sorts. But in two-wheel-drive form, the Countryman is now in a weird place where it is not quite an MPV, SUV, hatchback or station wagon.
In a certain way, it is one of those category breakers, like the BMW X6, which refuses to be defined by traditional conventions. At least it has a fairly normal shape, with its classic MINI cues like the front grille, coloured roof and rear design.
The two-wheel-drive Countryman is visually identical to the ALL4 version in fact, with the deletion of the 'ALL4' badging on the front doors the only indicator as to the car's driven wheels.
|
Interior
The Countryman's size also translates into lots of practical, usable space inside, which is a breath of fresh air considering the MINI hatch's notorious lack of room in the back. The Countryman also has a set of 'proper' doors and hatch, instead of the Clubman's unusual single rear suicide door and split sideways tailgate.
This means that there is ample room for the five, and because of the car's height, everybody has a nice view out, and the occupants can probably stare eye to eye with people in other MPVs and smaller SUVs.
However, the Countryman's boot space, although a sizeable improvement from the hatchback, could be bigger for a car of its size.
The Countryman's size also translates into lots of practical, usable space inside, which is a breath of fresh air considering the MINI hatch's notorious lack of room in the back. The Countryman also has a set of 'proper' doors and hatch, instead of the Clubman's unusual single rear suicide door and split sideways tailgate.
This means that there is ample room for the five, and because of the car's height, everybody has a nice view out, and the occupants can probably stare eye to eye with people in other MPVs and smaller SUVs.
However, the Countryman's boot space, although a sizeable improvement from the hatchback, could be bigger for a car of its size.
The dashboard setup is familiar MINI, with the centrally-mounted (and quite large) speedometer, the cute tachometer behind the steering wheel, and all the major switches and dials on the centre console. Various nifty features such as the changeable ambient lighting and removable sunglasses holder down by the aircraft-style handbrake make the Countryman a pleasant place to be in.
One feature that is absent in the two-wheel-drive Countryman though, is the Centre Rail storage system that runs through the middle of the car. With no chunky four-wheel-drive system now, MINI has decided to utilise the space to accommodate one more passenger in the rear. However, the Centre Rail can be specified as an option if one so wishes.
One feature that is absent in the two-wheel-drive Countryman though, is the Centre Rail storage system that runs through the middle of the car. With no chunky four-wheel-drive system now, MINI has decided to utilise the space to accommodate one more passenger in the rear. However, the Centre Rail can be specified as an option if one so wishes.
|
The Drive
Despite its size, the Countryman feels no less chuckable than its smaller siblings. Handling is as precise as ever, but the car's height means that mild body roll is to be expected in the corners.
There is also a tinge of understeer as you power through the bends, as there is no more four-wheel-drive to help with transferring power to the rear wheels for improved traction. But the difference is only slight and barely noticeable during normal driving.
In our test car's Cooper S guise, the Countryman provides good, responsive pace, with the car featuring the same 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine that powers the Cooper S hatchback and Convertible, as well as numerous Citroen-Peugeot products. There is slight torque steer off the line, but that is nothing unusual for a front-wheel-drive car.
On the road, the Countryman rides fairly well, eliminating low speed bumps with ease. Things start to turn a bit choppy at higher speeds though, but on billiard-smooth expressways the Countryman copes ably, and is more than capable as a long-distance family cruiser.
Despite its size, the Countryman feels no less chuckable than its smaller siblings. Handling is as precise as ever, but the car's height means that mild body roll is to be expected in the corners.
There is also a tinge of understeer as you power through the bends, as there is no more four-wheel-drive to help with transferring power to the rear wheels for improved traction. But the difference is only slight and barely noticeable during normal driving.
In our test car's Cooper S guise, the Countryman provides good, responsive pace, with the car featuring the same 1.6-litre twin-scroll turbocharged engine that powers the Cooper S hatchback and Convertible, as well as numerous Citroen-Peugeot products. There is slight torque steer off the line, but that is nothing unusual for a front-wheel-drive car.
On the road, the Countryman rides fairly well, eliminating low speed bumps with ease. Things start to turn a bit choppy at higher speeds though, but on billiard-smooth expressways the Countryman copes ably, and is more than capable as a long-distance family cruiser.
Conclusion
So, what do we think of this automotive oxymoron, an un-mini MINI?
Held in its own regard, the Countryman is actually a perfectly adept family car, which should satisfy young parents who desire something practical without sacrificing the cachet of the MINI brand. Its perky engine and comforting ride helps strengthen its case further.
The Countryman's oddball looks might be an opinion polariser, while its girth may pose a little bit of a problem for some, but in truth, it is not much different to weave around the city from, say, a Honda Airwave, or a slightly bigger hatchback like an Audi A3.
Add in the classic MINI ingredients of entertaining dynamics and funky interior design, and you'll get a family car that is like no other out there.
Special thanks to Ode To Studio for the use of their facility for our photo shoot.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
So, what do we think of this automotive oxymoron, an un-mini MINI?
Held in its own regard, the Countryman is actually a perfectly adept family car, which should satisfy young parents who desire something practical without sacrificing the cachet of the MINI brand. Its perky engine and comforting ride helps strengthen its case further.
The Countryman's oddball looks might be an opinion polariser, while its girth may pose a little bit of a problem for some, but in truth, it is not much different to weave around the city from, say, a Honda Airwave, or a slightly bigger hatchback like an Audi A3.
Add in the classic MINI ingredients of entertaining dynamics and funky interior design, and you'll get a family car that is like no other out there.
Special thanks to Ode To Studio for the use of their facility for our photo shoot.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Siddiq & Ben Chia
Car Information
MINI Cooper S Countryman 1.6 (A)
CAT B|Petrol|13.3km/L
Horsepower
137kW (184 bhp)
Torque
240 Nm
Acceleration
7.9sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used MINI Cooper S Countryman
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