Auto and Motors Club

Is the most extreme and powerful sports across the range. Equip a 1.6-liter turbo engine 184 and, in the case of our test unit, the mechanics is associated with a six-speed manual gearbox and AWD system. This version is available from € 31,000 (see set).

The MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is designed for drivers who seek a car with a very personal aesthetic, with some spacious interior with a sporty feel and a powerful engine that is able to offer very good benefits.

Loaded design
like all models of the firm of British origin, style is one of the strengths. You may like it more or less, but recognize that it is an original car with personality, without doubt, one of the unfinished businesses of most of the models on the market.

In the case of our test unit, the body has very aggressive, thanks in large part to the alloy wheels 18-inch painted matte black and carbon fiber inserts that are present in the mirrors and intermittent side.

The interior follows the same lines of the body, with black as the dominant color. All plastics are combined with dark faux metal inserts and carbon fiber.

The cabin offers a good sense of space, since the height of the body is generous. In the front seat space is good in all dimensions.

Seating
the driving position features a raised position, even when we lower the seat to the fullest. The seats in our unit were covered in a fine-grain leather featuring a nice touch, the leather had a good thickness and apparent quality pretty good.

Aesthetically, the seats are inspired by the designs offered by MINI in the decades of 60 and 70.

For ergonomics, I have look better, and not only for lateral support (which is very poor), but because they never finished find comfortable (maybe the sidewalk and the back were too flat, at least for my taste). For an adult of average height (1.75 cm, approximately) the sidewalk will be left somewhat short, but the back cover back completely.

The headrests are not far from the head and are adjustable in height, with a total of four positions (see picture).

Both front seats have the usual regulations for height and length.

In the rear seats are the same drawbacks as in the front, to which must be added the lack of a central armrest (bursts very much). The headrests are close to the head and, like those of the front seats are adjustable only in height (in the case of the rear at three positions).

One advantage that the rear seats is that they are regular in length and can tilt the back. When you remove the seat back, the space we have for the legs is well managed, at least you would expect in a car just over 4 feet long. For the feet we have less room, because the vents of the HVAC system remaining space.

In all seats except the driver can be installed child restraint devices group 0 (up to 10 Kg), 0 + (up to 13 Kg), I (9 to 18 kg), II (15 to 25 Kg), III (22 to 36 kg). The installation of these devices seems to me simple and the seats are perfectly anchored.

Access to the cabin is very comfortable, since the height of the seat body and greatly facilitates the maneuver. Furthermore, the manhole is wide and the sidewalk and back are very flat.

The opening and closing of the doors do not convey the quality expected. Although they are very strong, we have enjoyed for several reasons: First, the door handles to open up a trigger that is very hard and very uncomfortable. Second, the hinges have three very distinct positions that remain smooth opening and closing, but also allow the doors are securely attached, which is appreciated when we want to remain attached when the car is parked on a road with a slight tilt or windy days. Finally, the closing of the doors is not bad, but should be more subdued.

Holes and compartments
although the interior has a retro design very attractive and appealing, it seemed impractical (there are few holes, all offer low capacity and are difficult to access).

The driver has a rigid bag on the rear panel of the door (see picture), a tiny tray located at the foot of the console and two cup holders located in front of the gear-shift (see picture).

The companion has a lighted and heated glove that offers enough capacity to store documentation, signal vest and some other foreign object that is not too large (see picture).

On top of the tunnel there is a pretty nifty rail that divides the seats and gives much play to leave certain objects such as glasses, a bottle of soda or a mobile phone (commercially, this solution is called “MINI Centre Rail”).

Fixing the storage modules is accomplished by means of clips that allow coupling and exchange, as required, other modules additional slides. The slides and mounting adapters can roam freely forward or backward along the MINI Centre Rail.If you look electronic devices like mobile phones or MP3 units, they are automatically connected to the entertainment system on board the car through the cables laid the Centre Rail.

Moreover, passengers in the rear seats have two compartments in door panels and two back pockets on the backs of the front seats.

Unless the glove in front of the passenger seat, none of the holes and compartments are lined or have rubber or similar funds.

Controls: layout and operation
For better and for worse, the MINI Countryman is a model that is doomed by design, and it shows, basically, by the provision of most of the controls.

As usual in models of MINI, the speedometer is located in the middle of the dashboard (see image). In the versions equipped with a navigation system, the speedometer is really bad and distracts too much if we want to see the speed at which we move on, however, counter, which is behind the wheel and more into view, includes a small display in which you can see the speed with digits.

Most managers have a difficult access (especially those located in the center console). Neither end to be intuitive and too distracted when driving. To operate any function or check a fact, you have to invest too much time to locate the command and then activate it.

The speedometer incorporates in its interior, a multifunction display from which much information can be displayed on the onboard computer, stereo, air conditioning, telephone and vehicle settings among the most remarkable (see picture). It has a graphical interface clear and modern, in which mainly prevails design appeal. You can navigate through the remote control behind the change. It’s so easy and intuitive to use than when one is already accustomed to using it, can be manipulated without taking your eyes off the road or on the screen.

All controls offer a solid feel and quality, although some more than others. Those who offer better feel, are the levers that activate metal windows and central locking. I also liked the operation of controls that allow you wipers, exterior lighting and signal lights (see picture). The remaining controls are precise but his touch is normal.

The parking brake is mechanical and is unconventional, since the control which actuates it is not the traditional lever tondos know, but a kind of shooter very similar to that equipped a second-generation Renault Megane (pictured). Its management requires very little effort and is soft, but has too much travel. With respect to a conventional control, it may free up some space, but not an improvement, at least in my point of view.

Sound system and climate
Our test unit equipping an audio signed by “Harman Kardon”. The sound is very clean and offers powerful (note that is a higher quality optional equipment).Manages both audio CDs with MP3/WMA/CD, including MP3 players connected via USB Jack.

There are USB ports in the glove (that of our unit did not work) and another between the two front seats. There is also a jack in the same location (see picture).

The air conditioning worked properly throughout the test. He has been able to cool and heat the cabin quickly without having to use the full power of the ventilation system. The seats available for our heating unit (like the air conditioning system has always worked very quickly and effectively).

The climate is better in the front seats in the rear, but rear passengers have vents for the feet, which is appreciated.

Interior finishes
the quality of materials and assembly of many pieces does not correspond with the category and price this Countryman as sporty. The most visible parts of the dashboard and door panels have a soft touch plastic coating and reduced thickness. The remaining materials are plastic look and feel simple, perhaps too much.

In addition to quality, all inland areas lack some strength and better fit between parts. We have detected occasional failure of finish. For example, insertions of “carbon fiber” that adorn the center console and one of the vents of the HVAC system were not well adjusted. In addition, some areas of the center console, speedometer and tachometer do crunches responded with a slight pressure on them.

There are other things that we felt were improved. For example, the closure of the glove is not very carefully and all the mechanisms that allow us to adjust the settings of the seats are hard and require much effort from the user (especially for longitudinally moving the rear seats).

New ambient lighting
MINI offers an optional light package that makes the carrier acquires a special atmosphere. The light color can be changed continuously, ranging from warm orange to sporting blue. These lights are present on the door handles on the roof and the “MINI Centre Rail.” Otherwise, the interior lighting is poor. There are only two points of light on top of windshield and on the floor.

Trunk
It has a capacity of 350 liters (sight looks much smaller than indicated by official count). The forms of its surroundings are fairly regular and the floor is completely flat, making it much easier loading and unloading (see picture).

To increase cargo capacity, can bring down the two rear seats. When performing this operation, the volume increases to 1170 liters. When the rear seats folded down, they are almost flush with the floor, the trouble is that, being independent, the floor is not completely flat (see picture).

Under the boot floor is very spacious compartment which can be saved, as in the case of our test unit, the tools to replace a wheel in the event of a puncture, warning triangles, a first aid kit, cat, game parts and lights up a fire extinguisher (see picture). Only the cat (which was very well kept in a dedicated bag) was restrained by two straps. The rest of the items were loose. This compartment is covered by a tray very solid and well made those folds perfectly.

The entire environment of the boot is lined in a quality trim that has a very soft and pleasant touch. The same material is present in the boot floor and mats.

The door covering the trunk is supported by two springs. Here, make the opening is very progressive and slightly heavy. By contrast, the closure is faster and requires less effort from the user.

Turbo 1.6-liter 184 hp
The MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is powered by a gasoline turbo engine has a displacement of 1.6 liters. It offers an output of 184 hp at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 240 Nm between 2,400 and 5,000 rpm (see motor).

Although it has to ballasting of 1,455 kg weight, AWD system and some developments that are rather long, its operation, performance and response are very surprising.

It is an engine that pays great, that he noted with force and is capable of getting very good response, acceleration and performance. In fact, accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 7.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210 km / h, which is reached with relative ease.

We have found a few things that perhaps could have been improved. First, it is likely that the car stalling sometimes when we go from a standstill, and the AWD is more noticeable than it appears in such situations. It is not something that happens regularly, although it is advisable to play well with the gas and the clutch in these cases. Moreover, although the engine delivers excellent performance, we have identified a small bump in power, not too important, at 3,500 rpm.

Besides having a good performance, is a very smooth engine and just use parasitic resonances and vibrations transmitted to the interior. In fact, when turning at idle, it seems that the engine is off.

The fuel consumption is high or at least, we think it fits what we would expect in a car of this weight, and power transmission. A road legal speeds, the use of MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 can vary between 7.5 and 10 liters, a figure that varies depending on whether we move on road or street circuit.

If we decide to squeeze the maximum engine and enjoy a sportier driving, fuel consumption can be increased up to 13 liters on average, a figure that begins to be considerable.

The hood that covers the engine is made of aluminum and, moreover, is assisted by two shocks that can greatly facilitate the opening and closing.

The fuel tank cap is threaded. If refueling, we leave fixed on a support specific to that function, thanks (see picture).

Ongoing
Touch with all the controls (steering wheel, pedals and change) is well able to make driving enjoyable.

The feel that changing six-speed manual is solid and allows us to handle it smoothly or quickly as required.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is a sports version by touch, rather than for efficiency and performance. Conveys a sporty feel thanks to the leadership (is straightforward and copy any suggestion by the driver, no matter how small) and the hardness that transmits the suspension.

Although the suspension is firm, not a car uncomfortable. The front absorbs bumps very well and the back does the same but with occasional rebound somewhat drier.

The body roll is well contained and crowd control is quite correct, and considering that it is a heavy car.

When riding in town or on the road to a fast pace without being at a speed too high, although respectable, is a car with sporty feel and fun to drive. It is also a car that conveys some confidence at the wheel and has fairly easy and predictable reactions when they exceed the limits of adhesion, even with the stability control off.

When it comes to make the most of the engine, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is a car more awkward, since it appears early understeer, especially in the slower corners. However, the rear gives enough game to play with him and to counter that trend understeer slightly less marked.

Although the steering is very direct, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is not a particularly fast car when changing direction, although it is not too awkward.

If you want a sportier feel. Management can harden and improve throttle response.These two functions can be activated by pressing a button (called “Sport”) which is located in the center console.

Brakes, tires and lighting
the brakes, while not bad, could be more powerful, especially when they abuse them on roads with many curves. In such situations, it may fail quickly. The pedal feel is not too bad, although it is too fluffy for what to expect in a sporty version as space like this.

The tires have performed quite well in wet and dry, with a pretty good level of grip.Our test unit equipped them with a measurement Runflat EfficientGrip Goodyear 225/45 R18 load coded “91″ and velocity “W” (see picture).

The ride quality is remarkable, since the MINI offers a strong footprint and a noise and low vibration. On the road, the noise level is normal, and the most imposing, but not excessively, is produced by the aerodynamic and engines (the latter, to a lesser extent). However, comment is unacceptable that our test unit was equipped with a sunroof, so without it, it is likely that more could be alleviated aerodynamic noise.

All the lighting of the headlamps is of high quality. Our test unit outfitting xenon headlights that offered a broad and powerful illumination.

Finally, there’s talk of price and equipment. The starting price of the version under consideration is € 31,000, a figure that may increase significantly if we choose to customize and complete your equipment (here you can set it up).

Conclusion: If you’re a MINI fan and you need some extra space and versatility, the Countryman may be the alternative you were looking for. In addition, but you lose that touch of sporty versions of the signature benefits and services of British origin, the Cooper S can be the right choice if you enjoy a powerful engine that is able to offer very good benefits.