It's new bolder body boasts the SUV styling while retaining that small mini-shape, a newly introduced ALL4 all-wheel-drive system gives the driver the option of having that extra control on and off road, allowing it go where others can't. The Countryman also brings aboard a uniquely designed front / rear bumper to show the strength of it's off-road orientation. Light alloy wheels, emphasised tail/headlights, side scuttles, fog lamps and chrome accents are also included to show off its glory.
Inside the Countryman we see a beautifully curved cockpit coated in a creme leather accompanied by new gadgets such as the Centre Rail which replaced the conventional Centre Console with a rail system where different accessories can be clicked on and used without problem such as a cup holder. We see the speedometer dominate the dashboard; the bold gauge sits centered in the dash with Mini's Navigation / Entertainment system sitting within. The stereo system lays below it while positioned on the drivers side sits the 'Start' button, tachometer and steering wheel, which is embraced in hand-stitched leather.
Under the hood you will find a 122 horsepower, 4 cylinder engine that runs petrol. This little horse will pull you up to 100kph in 10.5 seconds. The Countryman performs dismally in acceleration so if you look for an 'exhilarating' experience, stay away. This Mini limits itself to a max speed of 190kph, which really is all you need. The transverse layout is a disadvantage but its the only way to really fit an engine like this inside, especially after discovering it had a 6 speed transmission!
Coupled to the Mini's engine, you'll find a 6 speed manual (automatic available) which gives you plenty of control for acceleration and power. Its interesting to find such a transmission in such a small car, you still see family-sized sedans with 4 speed automatics!
Although it's higher, more aggressive and has this 'ALL4' system, it still really lacks the inners of an SUV. I wouldn't go buying one and taking it up the mountains in a hurry, it just seems like such a small car that it wouldn't be ideal for use off the pavement. But who really ventures of the pavement nowadays? Maybe the cattle farmer down south, but would he buy a Countryman? I'd bet my life savings on that one. Therefore if you're looking to show off the accents of an SUV Mini without leaving the road, this is probably an alright car.
For a price of $46,900, its an attractive price for a car made in Europe. But be warned, its you'll be paying an arm and a leg for the spec'd out model. As BMW is the owner of Mini, you'll likely find that Mini will follow the sales scheme of BMW, "Make the shell, chuck a price on it, then they add the options!".
