Engine
Two petrol and two diesel engines power the latest Countryman, all described as new to the Mini range. There is also to be a plug-in hybrid variant, Mini’s first. This quotes official efficiency figures of 134.5mpg and 49g/km, and a 25-mile range on electric power only.
Like on most of today’s crossovers front-wheel-drive is standard, but the car also delivers a degree of off-road ability with the availability of an all-wheel-drive transmission dubbed ALL4. Six-speed manual or Steptronic auto transmissions are on offer.
Our test car is the smaller of the two diesels, the Cooper D, fitted with a four-cylinder engine of a shade under two litres and with 150hp on tap. Matched to a manual gearbox, it quotes a 0-62mph time of 8.8 seconds, while returning combined cycle fuel economy of close to 60mpg and with the options loaded onto our car emissions of 132g/km.
On the road
The Mini has always been renowned for its precise but fun handling. Trying to maintain this reputation alongside the bulk of a crossover must have given the chassis engineers their biggest challenge.
Overall they have succeeded. The Countryman is generally a fun car to drive, and its road manners belie its steroid-induced image. The engine has plenty of power, with excellent pick-up from low revs but equal refinement, no louder or coarser than any petrol unit.
On the road, our car cruised in comfort, with a slightly but not uncomfortably firm ride even in the Normal drive mode, which is the best all-round selection over ‘Eco’ or the more raucous ‘Sport’.
But it is in corners where the car came alive, displaying inch-perfect turn-in, sharp response to steering inputs and grip to a level that makes one forget that this is a crossover. Body roll was absent, despite the slightly higher ride height. The new Mini Countryman retains all the dynamic abilities that have made its smaller sisters renowned in the handling department.
Next page: Equipment, summary and specifications
