Car pool: Mini Countryman
We try Mini’s diesel-powered, all-wheel-drive, four-door SUV.
The car: Mini Countryman D ALL4
The price: From $42,100 plus on road and dealer costs
Vital statistics: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel; 90kW/160Nm; 6-sp auto; 6.5L/100km and 152g/km CO2; AWD.
The tester: Stephen Ottley
Why we're driving it:
Mini recently added the Coupe and Roadster variants but we took the opportunity to reacquaint ourselves with the four-door Countryman. This one features a turbo diesel engine and all-wheel drive.
Likes:
It's the most practical member of the Mini family – the back seat is capable of seating two adults in relative comfort. Boot is wide and deep (but not very long). Softer suspension means a more comfortable ride compared with the rest of the Mini range. Retains the “go-kart-like handling” of the regular Mini hatch. Engine has just enough pulling power to haul it along.
Dislikes:
The engine can be noisy and sounds unrefined under acceleration. Expensive for a car that's no more practical than a regular hatch even if it's big for a Mini. All-wheel drive doesn't add much to the driving experience but does to the price ($2900 to be exact). Options quickly drive up the price.
Would I buy one?
If I wanted a Mini, the Countryman would be my pick. It adds practicality but retains the fun driving experience. But it's expensive and doesn't offer anything substantial over a hatchback like a Ford Focus or a small SUV like a Skoda Yeti.
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