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The mini is a cult, but not necessarily practical. The Countryman offshoot plays like the classic Mini with retro design elements, but offers much more space. Unfortunately, he is not necessarily the brightest.
Retro design and new chic?
With the 2010 first-generation Countryman (to 2017) entered the BMW subsidiary Mini new territory. From the cuddly small car Mini, an SUV version was derived, which combined retro design and leggy. Four normal doors and a tailgate indicated everyday usability. Instead of the headquarters in Oxford, the country man ran in Austria at Magna Steyr off the line and for the first time could be ordered a mini with all-wheel. The clientele liked it: The Countryman quickly established itself as the most popular derivatives of the cult car.
Even bigger, he stays small
Body and Interior: The first-generation Countryman stretches to a length of 4,11 meters, surpassing the classic mini-brother by almost 40 centimeters. Also in terms of height (1,55 meter), he towers over his siblings. For a mini, the five-door is so spacious. Thanks to the adjustable rear seat, four adults can comfortably get over in favor of more knee or luggage space. The seats are ok. The luggage compartment offers with 350 liters lower golf class format, also the maximum size with folded down rear bench (1.170 liters) is average. The overview succeeds well thanks to frameless side windows. When processing one should be prepared to make compromises. As a premium model of the high-leg Mini convinced only conditionally. It rattles and crackles in the plastic parts, cup holders are prone to breakup and the operation is not always intuitive.
Wide range of services
Engines and drivetrain: The Countryman is classically offered in the variants One, Cooper, Cooper S and since 2012 also as John Cooper Works (JCW). Add to that the diesel versions One D, Cooper D and Cooper SD. The four-cylinder gasoline engine comes from the BMW cooperation with the French PSA Group. The 1,6 liter large basic engine is available in teat and turbo variants in four performance levels. The One uses the basic version with 72 kW / 98 PS, an engine for rather patient drivers. If you like it more lively, take the next step with 90 kW / 120 PS (Cooper) or the 135 kW / 184 PS strong expansion version in the Cooper S. In the top model JCW provide 160 kW / 218 PS for propulsion. In addition to the gasoline and three four-cylinder diesel are available. These also have 1,6 liter displacement and come from the BMW engine rack. The base unit with 66 kW / 90 PS is used in the One D, in the Cooper D the 82 kW / 112 PS version and in the Cooper SD the top diesel with 105 kW / 143 PS. The engines, which are used from the facelift center 2014, meet the emission standard Euro 6 - the earlier units the emission standard Euro 5.Frontantrieb is standard, the Cooper S models can also be ordered with all-wheel. This is part of the JCW standard. For the power transmission always provides a manual six-speed transmission, except for the base diesel, all engines can alternatively be combined with a six-speed automatic transmission.
5 stars in the crash test
Equipment and safety: As typical for mini-models, the fewest Countryman vehicles in the basic equipment (including manual air conditioning and CD radio) should be rolled from the dealer yard. On average, mini-customers invest 20 percent of the purchase price in additional extras. Finally, the option lists are long and entice with many comfort and design features. Interested parties of a used Countryman must therefore compare exactly the equipment specifications. Six airbags and 5 stars in the EuroNCAP crash test are on the safety side. Modern assistance systems are not yet on board in the first Landmann generation.
No real light
Quality. Light and shadow are close together. The lighting system is one of the weak points of the Countryman. The TÜV criticizes headlamps and taillights in all vintages. Here, the defect rate is significantly above the average of the examined vehicles. In addition, the Countryman pats above average oil loss. Interested parties should therefore not only look at the engine and underbody, but also take a look at the parking space floor and any oil spills. The SUV scores points with good results in the evaluation of brakes and suspension. Buyers of a turbo should take a close look as the vulnerable turbo led to recalls. The previous owner should be able to prove the repair, otherwise there are serious engine damages.
Conclusion: If the classic mini cut to spack, could be happy with the Countryman. However, you have to reach for a used one deep in the bag, here beat the high cost. Around 10.000 Euro you have to invest for a Mini One with 98 PS from the first year of production. Interested parties, who also manage with less space and with doors, can also look around at the 2013 offered technically largely identical three-door named Paceman. This was less popular than the Countryman and is slightly cheaper in the used car portals.