MINI Countryman 2010 Review - International

MINI Countryman

Not so much
>> Location of some switchgear
>> Pricing may impede sales

Losing none of its young-at-heart character, MINI Countryman combines the practicality and high-riding orientation of a compact SUV with the fun-filled handling and perky character for which BMW's pint-sized subsidiary has become famous.

Aesthetics are undeniably MINI, both inside and out. But with a certain ruggedness from its assertive brow and elevated ride height, Countryman's intent is as plain as a pikestaff.

With ample accommodation for four grown-ups, Countryman can still pack a boot full, with flexible storage options providing similar capacity to most same-sized hatch rivals. What's more, with a familiar range of much-loved MINI motors under the bonnet, there's enough pep to keep a smile on the dial of even the most diehard Cooper devotee – and the kids' as well.

Four trim levels: One (interior pictured in cloth), Cooper, Cooper D and Cooper S (interior pictured in leather) present much the same equipment as they do elsewhere in the MINI range. Most mod-cons are included as standard fit, with added creature comforts -- and tech-savvy ancillaries -- available at an additional charge.

In Australia at least, the safe bet is for Countryman to follow its R56 series teammates, being offered as Cooper and Cooper S, with Cooper D also a strong likelihood for eventual inclusion to the range.

Though MINI is yet to formalise the Australian lineup, our guess is we'll see similar equipment levels to those already on offer in Oz across existing models, with Coopers offering a single CD tuner, power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, 16-inch alloy wheels and air conditioning. Up-spec Cooper S and Cooper D models are likely to add a six-disc tuner, single zone climate control, larger 17-inch diameter alloys, and add-on body styling cues like a rear spoiler and side skirts. Mechanically, the Cooper S also scores slightly larger brake discs.

In keeping with the modern MINI's penchant for all things technical, an iPhone integration kit and matching downloadable application dubbed 'MINI Connected' offers web radio, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and Mission Control systems.

Optionally, a large panoramic glass sunroof, adaptive xenon headlamps, heated windscreen, trailer coupling, 16 to 19-inch alloy wheels and sports suspension are also available.

Pricing, although not yet confirmed, will likely start at a 10 to 15 per cent premium over current Clubman models, an educated guess placing Countryman Cooper at around the $39,990 mark and Countryman Cooper S at $43,990 when they arrive in Australia next year.

The two base derivatives, diesel and petrol, are both 1.6-litres in capacity, but are turbocharged at various boost levels to provide a range of outputs for a total of five different variants. Depending on the model, manual and automatic transmissions are offered across the range, as are two- and all-wheel drive configurations.

Entering at the ground floor, MINI One Countryman is motivated by a low output 72kW/153Nm petrol engine. The no-frills package is, in Europe at least, the cheapest way in to a Countryman, and offers leisurely 0-100km/h times of 11.9 seconds for the six-speed manual and 13.9 seconds for the six-speed automatic. Top speed is 168km/h. Composite fuel economy figures suggest a 7.7L/100km average while CO2 emissions are 168g/km.

We don't expect the One to make it to Oz.

A diesel base offering will also be available, MINI One D Countryman. Featuring a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine with an output of 66kW/215Nm, the manual-only diesel four door will see the jaunt to 100km/h tackled in a casual 12.9 seconds while top speed will eventually hit 170km/h. A gun in the fuel consumption department, One D returns a hybrid-like 4.4L/100km with CO2 recording a 115g/km total.

The first of the models likely to arrive Down Under next year, MINI Cooper Countryman, will feature a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 90kW at 6000rpm and a maximum torque figure of 160Nm at 4250 revs. The Cooper will knock over 0-100km/h in 11.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 182km/h. Combined fuel consumption comes in at 7.2L/100km while CO2 emissions are a respectable 168g/km.

Sitting in the middle of the Cooper offerings, MINI Cooper D Countryman is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. Mated to a manual only six-speed gearbox, Cooper D delivers 82kW and 270Nm. Eventually tipped to be included in the Australian line-up, the D will return a combined fuel consumption figure of 4.4L/100km (the same as its lesser One D sibling) with a CO2 output of 115g/km.

Performance times see the 0-100km/h dash managed in 10.9 seconds with top speed claimed at 185km/h.

Cooper D Countryman will also be offered with all-wheel drive, the first of the ALL4 models featuring the same six-speed manual transmission, managing the 0-100km/h run only slightly slower at 11.6 seconds and a top speed of 180km/h.

As expected with a heavier driveline (some 70kg more than the two-wheel drive only arrangement), MINI Cooper D Countryman ALL4 returns a slightly increased fuel consumption figure of 4.9L/100km (combined) and a CO2 output tally of 129g/km.

The next likely inclusion in the Australian line-up, MINI Cooper S Countryman, will feature a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Maximum power output of 135kW is delivered at 5500rpm while 240Nm of torque (260Nm with overboost) is delivered between 1600 and 3500rpm (1700 and 4500rpm on overboost).

A 0-100 km/h time for the two-wheel drive model is claimed at an impressive 7.6 and 7.9sec for the six-speed manual and automatic respectively. Top speeds are 215 and 210km/h.

The two six-speed options return fuel economy figures of 6.1L/100km (man) and 7.1L/100km (auto) while C02 totals are 143g/km and 166g/km.

Also available with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 all-wheel drive model is only slightly slower to 100km/h (7.9 man; 8.3 auto). Fuel economy comes in at just 6.7L/100km for the manual -- a full litre less than the auto. CO2 emissions are 157g/km and 180g/km respectively.

All MINI Countryman models except the Cooper S variants feature four-wheel disc brakes measuring 294 x 22mm at the front and 280 x 100mm at the rear, the dual circuit hydraulic system offering the usual list of three-letter driver assistance acronyms (ABS, CBC, EBA, EBD and HSA). The 'S' scores larger 307 x 24mm discs up front, the rears are unchanged from other models.

Riding on MacPherson struts up front, MINI Countryman utilises a multi-link arrangement at the rear with a heap of negative camber for better cornering.

Sporting a longer wheelbase than its hatch derivative (2595 vs 2467mm), the Countryman measures in at 4110m long x 1789mm wide and 1561mm high. Weights range from 1265-1405kg depending on model variant.

ALL4 models drive the rear wheels via an electro-magnetic electronically-controlled centre differential that can send from 50 to 100 per cent of the drive to the rear wheels if required (or as MINI say, in 'extreme' conditions).

Keeping MINI in check with parent brand BMW's push for a more environmentally friendly fleet, Countryman shares more than a few EfficientDynamics features, including brake energy regeneration, auto stop-start, and on-demand ancillaries.

The average CO2 emissions across the MINI range is just 127g/km with all engine variants meeting strict EU5 and ULEV II exhaust emission standards.

At this stage, MINI has no plans for a hotter John Cooper Works (JCW) version of Countryman, though we predict it's only a matter of time.

PACKAGING
-- A good MINI things
Preserving tradition is a tall ask when expanding a small car brand into a practical and spacious four-door package. Countryman manages to retains the brand's famed fun-filled heritage nonetheless.

Countryman is a big kid at heart. Youthful, yet somehow grown-up, its maturity shows through commodious seating for four adults (or even five when fitted with the NCO rear bench seat), a spacious and versatile 350-1170-litre cargo capacity plus the added incentive of being the first MINI capable of legally fitting a child seat (both ISOFIX and top tether systems offered depending on market).

An elevated ride height and distinctive offroad stance give the Countryman a crossover/SUV appearance without losing that distinctive MINI look. Seating is comfortable (and spacious thanks to -- 130mm -- sliding second row), headroom plentiful and the driving position offers good all-round visibility – even for shorter drivers.

The versatile MINI Centre Rail system offers an adaptable and personalisable range of accessories for storing everything from your sunnies or drink bottles to MP3 players, while a 12-volt outlet is available both front and rear – and even in the cargo bay on selected models.

Deep door pockets, small centre console bin, a decent-sized glovebox and assorted oddments storage areas provide ample storage throughout.

With a keen sense of 'attention to retail', MINI Countryman is offered in 11 different body colours with six wheel choices, two roof colours and three interior styles. Customisation options will no doubt expand once the car arrives.

SAFETY
-- Countryman packs plenty of protection
As touched on earlier, the MINI Countryman scores an impressive array of driver aids, the latest braking systems, stability control and traction control each specifically and individually calibrated to both two- and all-wheel drive systems.

Sportier Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and an Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) are also available optionally.

A crash-optimised body structure sees deformation strictly controlled for maximum occupant protection, while all seating positions include three-point inertia reel seatbelts with belt tensioners and belt force limiters. Anti-whiplash head restraints are fitted to all seating positions while for the driver, a run-flat tyre defect indictor is available as an option.

With a full complement of airbags (front, side and curtain), the MINI Countryman is a strong candidate for a five-star Euro NCAP, and indeed Australian ANCAP crash test rating when tests are carried out in due course.

Small SUVs are probably the likely rivals here – among others the Peugeot 3008, Volkswagen Tiguan and Nissan Dualis spring to mind -- though many lack the competency of handling and lively performance for which the MINI brand is famous.

Similarly, a few small wagons and hatches may score big points for those wanting more cargo for coin (read: Volkswagen Golf Wagon, Subaru Impreza XV), but again lack the personality and, arguably, the drivability the MINI marque possesses in droves.

Countryman will certainly appeal to those who've grown up with the brand but now require the added space, young families and active outdoorsy type certain to fall in love with the character and competence the four-door MINI has on offer.

ON THE ROAD
-- Country road, make me roam
Hitting the autobahns and back country lanes around Hamburg, Countryman was clearly in its element, and although only one variant of the newcomer was on offer at launch, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 manual, we had a few hours at the wheel to determine how suited the car would be once faced with our own roads back home.

At speed, Countryman is settled, focused and its open road performance very nearly on par with its hatch sibling, even though it's noticeably heavier. In-gear acceleration, while still impressive, lacks some of the urgency of the lighter two-door models.

MINI claims an 80 to 100km/h time of 7.2 seconds in fourth gear.

Steering feel from the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) arrangement is true and well weighted. On centre feel is confident, even at high speeds, with a firm, linear action in corners. Countryman has lost little of that renowned "go kart" MINI handling.

The gear shift too is very crisp, mechanical and exact. Pedals are well spaced and responsive.

Perhaps the biggest surprise for Countryman though comes in its suspension set up. The MacPherson strut front / multi-link rear arrangement delivers a compliant blend of ride and handling providing both a smooth ride and tenacious cornering grip.

Over the lumps and bumps of narrow country C roads Countryman was again well compromised, its tyres offering enough compliance to soak up all but the largest of potholes while still remaining firm enough to offer nimble handling. The MINI offers run-flat tyres in lieu of a space saver spare wheel.

A brief stint down some unsealed sections of road proved Countryman's extra ground clearance offers just enough added height to allow you to roam further than ever before -- ideal for getting the boards to the beach or the skis to the snow.

In fact the only real drawback to Countryman then comes inside the cockpit where the neat toggle switchgear of MINI's retro centre stack is impaired by waterbottles and the likes when such items are in place. The positioning is also a little counter intuitive at first, but only takes a short matter of time to become familiar with. The rear window toggle switches are a nice touch.

It's not an off-roader, and really, it's not a very mini MINI, but the Countryman is a terrific compromise, a true expression of individualism and a fun drive to boot.

It's hard betting against the MINI Countryman being a hit when it's launched in Australia "very early" in 2011.

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