MINI is one of the few global brands that simply everyone has a view on. Whether it’s a carefree memory from one’s student days or a strange encounter, just using the M-word in front of strangers can get rid of any social awkwardness.
So when BMW announced that the MINI range was to include a crossover vehicle, one wondered where it was all heading. Attending the MINI Countryman launch in Hamburg, Germany gave us the opportunity to find this out. No sooner was the fleet of test vehicles spotted than opinions started flowing. There were a lot of new things to talk about. So - no nostalgia - the present model was far too exciting!
It’s the first MINI longer than four metres and the first-ever with four doors. The Countryman is also the first “crossover” vehicle that can be ordered with all-wheel drive as an option. The optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive allows the car to go off the beaten track, but it’s really for the beach rather than the bundu.
Getting around the German countryside was a pleasure in all conditions and terrain. We had the use of a 1.6-litre, four cylinder MINI Cooper S Countryman that kicks out a powerful 135kW at 5 000 rpm, thanks to the turbocharger and direct fuel injection. The displacement is 1 598cc and the maximum torque is 240Nm at 1 600 rpm coupled with a six speed manual gearbox Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.
Acceleration from standing to 100 km/h is a nippy 7.6 seconds and the top speed is 215km/h with an excellent 6.1 litres per 100km comsumption figure. The auto Start/Stop function is another convenience with the added bonus that it’s environmentally friendly.
Handling is precise and agile and the car is exceptionally comfortable with a relatively high seat, steering wheel and controls that invite you to get going. Part of the drive, comfort and stability is due to sophisticated suspension technology, which includes a front axle with MacPherson spring struts and forged track control arms, as well as multi-link rear suspension.
The MINI Countryman comes standard with the DSC system. Regarding all-wheel drive, the ALL4 system is an electromagnetic centre differential that varies the distribution of power between the front and rear axles. This ALL4 system is only available on the MINI Cooper S Countryman, the model we got to drive.
The MINI has an assured and familiar look with its short overhangs, high window line, the wrap-around look of the windows and the car’s powerful over-the-wheel stance - compared by the manufacturer to an English bulldog in the muscularity of the body. As mentioned it now has four doors. The reason the manufacturer gave for the four doors: “It’s for people who don’t want to give up their MINI when the family starts growing”.
Overall the car has a neat but sporty appearance with a striking roof shape accentuated by the contrasting white option. The large headlights, interesting side indicators and bold vertical rear lights all deserve another look.
The finish is good overall and the car is easy to get in and out of because of its raised seating position, which also gives the driver an excellent view over the road. The Centre Speedo and air vents are bordered by coloured rings.
Another innovation is the MINI Centre Rail, running lengthwise through the middle instead of a centre console. It’s a modern approach to storage for cup holders, external audio devices, mobile phones and sunglass holders which can be clipped on and slid from front to back on the track inside the car.
The version of the MINI Countryman we can expect to see in South Africa will have a three-seat bench at the back. It’s comfortable for long journeys with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder room. After two solid days of driving as passengers, the seats were still comfortable and the car felt roomy.
Standard safety features include front and side airbags, side curtain airbags for the front and rear, as well as three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats. Other safety features are belt tensioners and belt force limiters at the front and ISOFIX child seat attachments.
The list of standard equipment for the MINI Countryman includes air conditioning and a CD audio system. A wide range of customisation options are also available, such as exterior paint finishes and interior colours. There are also many upholstery variants and model-specific equipment, such as, the audio and navigation systems. A further in-car entertainment highlight is the unique MINI Connected system - which includes web radio.
MINI hopes the car’s new abilities in urban and countryside use will pave the way for a larger market needing space and flexibility, combined with driving fun. The wide opening tailgate makes for easy loading and the luggage capacity can be increased from 350-litres to 1 170-litres when the back seats are folded flat.
This is an individual’s car for those who want something new and exciting. So whether you’re Mr Bean or Uma Thurman there’s a MINI just right for you - at a price. Expect to see the MINI Countryman in South Africa in November with models and pricing confirmed closer to the time.
