The Mini Countryman is a stylish departure for the marque, and stands a good chance of being a bestseller here, writes DONAL BYRNE
COMING TO terms with the new Mini Countryman is not going to be easy for Mini diehards. With a length of four metres, the introduction of four doors and the reduction of the soft lines of the existing Mini, the Countryman is a big departure. It takes the Mini brand across the line into a new market segment that will see it compete with cars such as the Nissan Qashqai crossover and even regular hatchbacks, such as the VW Golf and Ford Focus.
But just how do you package a car whose essential character is defined by being cute and small and still retain its identity? By very clever use of interior space. Mini has made the Countryman a four-seater (although a bench lay-out of three rear seats is an option) and the rear seats can move back and forth on a rail system to maximise boot or rear passenger space as required. Thus the car becomes a much more practical option than a standard Mini and offers existing drivers a family option instead of opting for a competitor’s alternative. It’s also designed to attract drivers from other brands for the first time. Mini is hoping conquest sales will amount to some 80 per cent.
And is the Countryman still the essential Mini? Whatever about the car’s profile, it certainly is when it comes to driving. The Cooper S version – the only version available at launch – has all the precision and direction of the normal car. Running with twin turbos it can reach 100km/h in 7.4 seconds.
The Mini One diesel version will be the most attractive option for the Irish market, however. It is priced at €24,930 and has a CO2 output of 116g/km. It will be giving cars such as the Qashqai a run for their money, as the Nissan’s entry level 1.5 diesel starts at €23,995.
The cachet of the Mini badge and its ultra-competitive pricing suggest it will be the bookies’ favourite to be one of the bestselling cars here next year, provided they can get the supply.
There are three petrol and two diesel models on offer – the Mini One, Cooper and Cooper S versions in petrol and the One and Cooper versions in diesel. The basic One petrol costs €23,800. Four-wheel drive is also an option for the first time, although we are looking at a very soft accommodation for the odd snow flurry by transferring torque to the rear wheels when required, as is offered with the BMW X-drive system. The All4 system costs €2,150 as an option on the Cooper D and €3,410 for the Cooper S.
Internally, the Countryman is still the quintessential Mini. Apart from a higher driving position, better head and legroom and a more spacious layout generally, you still have the large central dial for speed and other information, and although it looks impressive it is not the most practical piece of kit, requiring side glances for basic information.
You can fold the rear seats in a 60:40 or 40:20:40 formation as required, and the four-seat version also has a central rail for holding all the knick-knacks found in a family car.
Standard equipment is impressive. You get roof rails; six airbags; a digital radio that will be virtually redundant in Ireland unfortunately because of the lack of a network; Bluetooth; USB connection; air conditioning; dynamic stability control; heated door mirrors; tyre puncture warning; a facility for a bike rack and a rear parking warning system. In summary, Mini is hoping to hold on to existing customers who are moving on to family lifestyles and attract new customers who may be bored with the standard offerings in this segment. Mini look like they have a serious hit on the Irish market.
Mini is returning to the rally scene next year with a Prodrive version of its new Countryman taking part in the World Rally Championship. It will take part in selected rounds of the WRC next year before contesting the entire season from 2012 onwards. The BMW-owned brand has made a commitment to participating for several years. The Countryman rally car will be powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-charged engine from BMW Motorsport.
