MINI Countryman 2011 Review

MINI Countryman

As unconventional to the MINI 'formula' as this is, the Countryman actually is as conventional as it gets. Four-door convenience, four-passenger accommodation and the choice of two- or four-wheel drive in a high-riding hatch... All now the norm in driveways and on buyers' lists everywhere.

The Countryman is designed to grow with fans of the brand without diluting any of the esteemed sportiness of MINI's range. Execs admit ongoing sales were vulnerable to shifts in buyer requirements; realising a need for an additional model to suit.

"From the outset there was never any expectation that a MINI would be anything more than a MINI [hatch]," spokesman for the brand Piers Scott told the Carsales Network.

"What we realised from a retail experience is that because people's lives change, it was no longer practical to [merely] retain a vehicle like that."

Inclusion of models like Clubman -- both original and new -- is evidence the maker of super-small cars can adjust to growing demands. Meanwhile, nearby 'prestige' offering, Smart, plods on with its single micro two-seater formula after a few (too many?) failed efforts when venturing outside a very small box...

Countryman makes more sense than Clubman. It's also a more refined drive than Cooper S. Passenger space is decent for a small runabout and the driver is always treated to MINI's energetic dynamics, especially in the handling stakes.

Fans of MINI know this well. Happily none has been forgotten for the family-friendly Countryman: punting around even the brand's largest model is still fun and easy for its agility and steering response.

Then there's the 1.6-litre four-cylinder's hearty and tractable 135kW/240Nm output, which feels barely hampered by the 'proper' five-door's extra weight: 1405kg versus 1140kg (JCW Cooper); 1205kg for three-door Clubman and 1230kg for the Cabrio.

Countryman is a big MINI... Even the badges are larger. Front passenger room and headroom through to the rear is good, making the Countryman among the more spacious options in the segment, but rear passenger legroom is tight. The two-bucket rear seat option looks neat and is very comfortable, however, and the front seats are wide and supportive.

The cabin can be fitted with a centre aluminium rail able to hold mobile phone cradle(s), cupholders, armrests and MINI-labelled cases for sunglasses...It's an unusual but useful addition, and another option among the brand's long list of personalisation features. The rail ends neatly at the sides of the front seats in the case of Countrymans fitted with the 'three'-seat rear bench.

The big MINI also has decent cargo room. Maximum space is over 1100 litres -- enough room for two mountain bikes with front wheels removed, according to the maker. Lowering the split-fold seats avails a near-flat load floor and even with the rear seats in use the boot easily holds a couple carry-on bags.

As with the other MINI models, the Countryman's cabin appointment is a blend of class (high-end materials for the trim, well-working instrumentation...) and fun (love-or-hate central odo/speedo and cute blipping sound for seatbelt reminder; while parking and whatnot...).

Importantly, the fun factor is especially revealed during drive-time. The hatch is balanced in corners and body-roll is barely discernible. The Cooper S model we drove (through tight winds, hilly sweeps) handled like the brand's three-door hatch versions, with lots of steering feedback and poised braking even when pushed hard.

As for Countryman's four-wheel driveability, we also drove the ALL4 model to try over the launch program's quick but interesting dirt road stint -- not challenging by any means, but corrugated and pot-holed. The hatch's responsive steering helped avoid the latter and the cabin is well-insulated against rough road noise... Standout is how 'obvious' the extra traction makes the MINI so enjoyable in the dirt. It's no wonder the brand is talking WRC...

For more on MINI Countryman, refer to our international launch. Further pricing information is available here.

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