Where does BMW get off calling this Countryman a Mini? There’s no way it can measure up to the resurrected Mini Cooper, or the original Mini, can it? It’s bigger and heavier in every measurable way, so it must be a letdown on the road, right? Nope.
Despite packing on nearly 200 kilograms, growing over 40 centimetres in length and close to 16 cm in height, there is still plenty of Mini DNA in this much more family friendly package. My Countryman tester gripped the road like a mountain goat clinging to the edge of a rocky path. Turn-in is direct and the steering feedback really does give some of that go-kart feel that people are always carrying on about with Minis.
The question then is what makes this Mini worth so much more than its competitors? Is strong driving dynamics enough?
With the standard Countryman, I struggle to find the justification. The car is packed with plenty of style, functionality and quality materials, but optioned out in the all-wheeldrive turbo model, the price pushes close to $50,000 off the lot. That’s a whole lot of money for what is still a pretty small car. My tester tops out closer to $35,000 after taxes, delivery, etc., but under the hood is an underpowered 121-horsepower 1.6-litre engine coupled to an oddly laid-out 6-speed manual transmission.
Though the Mini does pull itself along at a reasonable rate once you get the revs up, the low torque output coupled with poorly spaced gearing means the engine struggles to get the larger Mini’s heft up to speed.
The engine is smooth and economical thanks to low rpm at highway speeds, even if the transmission got there in a bit of a roundabout way.
Taking away from that economy is the fact that premium fuel is required thanks to the 11: 1 compression ratio, which once again brings me back to the surprising lack of power. Honda was cranking 160 hp from a 1.6-litre over two decades ago and it ran on regular fuel. What’s going on, Mini?
Inside, the Countryman is laid out in true Mini fashion, which is loved by so many – my wife could not get enough of the car. From the centre rail to which you can attach drink holders, the centre console armrest, sunglass holders, etc., to the massive central speedometer, the Countryman is a whole lot of fun to look at and play with. The big aircraft-style switches for the power windows and other assorted controls are attractive and well-built.
There is definitely a market for Mini, and the Countryman will only serve to expand that market as it is a more year-round, family friendly vehicle that manages to hold on to that Mini ownership experience, high price and all.
2011 Mini Countryman
Type of vehicle: Front-wheel drive five-door compact
Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cylinder
Power: 121 horsepower at 6,000 rpm; 114 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Brakes: Ventilated front discs, solid rear discs. ABS with electronic brake force distribution (EBFD)
Tires: All-season P205/55R17
Price: $27,850 (base), $32,150
Destination charge: $1,595
Transport Canada fuel economy (L/100 km): 7.3 city, 5.6 highway
Standard features: 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, chrome door handles, leatherette upholstery, manual seat adjustment, folding rear seat, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, roof rails, power mirrors, cruise control, power windows, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary input, keyless entry with push-button start, rear wiper, interior centre aluminum storage rail.