Do you need a smallish, all-wheel-drive turbocharged wagon to convey you and the Missus down a soggy or snowy road to your weekend cottage? Then Mini has got just the wagon for you: the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman S All4.
The rest of us, however, are left scratching our heads wondering why this vehicle, with an as-tested price of $35,400, is worth anywhere near that much. Sure, before adding all the options our car started out with a more reasonable base price of $27,650, but even the $35K version doesn't have a navigation system or leather seats. So yes, it could have been even more expensive.
Maybe Mini is hoping to pinch some Pacific Northwest or Nor'easter all-wheel-drive sales away from Subaru and Audi. After all, they're a trendy bunch in those parts, so they might be more willing to forego a little utility to drive a Mini.
Then again, even if those two unique groups become interested, there's still a big swath of flyover territory in between that needs convincing. That's going to be a much tougher pitch and even after ample time behind the wheel, we're still skeptical.
Sufficiently Motivated
The engine in the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman S All4 is the same one found under the bulbous hoods of other 2011 "S" model Mini Coopers. It's a recently updated 1.6-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder with Valvetronic and direct injection. The maximum torque produced remains the same as last year's S engines (177 pound-feet at 1,600 rpm), but horsepower has increased by 9 to 181 at 5,500 rpm.
We're happy to report that the Countryman S All4 is far from slow — even with the added weight and inevitable mechanical losses of all-wheel drive. Sixty mph arrives in 7.6 clutch-torturing seconds (7.3 with a 1-foot rollout as on a drag strip).
While that's pretty impressive for a small-displacement four-cylinder engine, the thing that truly impresses us in everyday driving is the deep and broad torque plateau that begins at just 1,500 rpm. Especially with the additional 15 lb-ft of twist (192 lb-ft total) available in limited spurts during "over-boost" conditions. There's hardly a reason to tach-out each shift because there's always enough grunt to satisfy a need to pass or merge even at relatively low engine speeds.
The Beauty of All4 Drive
There is a front-drive Countryman S, but our "All4" gets a permanent all-wheel-drive system. It consists of an open front differential with brake-actuated left-to-right torque redirection, along with an electromagnetic clutch-operated rear differential. Front-rear power distribution varies from 100-0 to 50-50.
At the test track and in less intense driving, it works seamlessly and most would be hard-pressed to detect power being shifted around. Also, there's none of the driveline-induced over- or understeer that happens in some other vehicles if you happen to jump out of the throttle midcorner.
All-wheel drive paired with a manual transmission is a unique combo you can't find in many crossovers.
Our Countryman S All4 was also equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission, although a six-speed automatic is available for an extra $1,250. We like the gear spacing and the well-spaced shift gates, but the clutch is another story. The weighting is fine; it's the engagement point that's a problem, as it requires using your entire leg rather than simply flexing your ankle. In other words, if your journey requires a lot of starting and stopping or a hill or two, your left leg is going to feel it. Thankfully, the car has a standard hill-hold mechanism that keeps you steady while you're working that clutch pedal.
That said, all-wheel drive paired with a manual transmission is a unique combo you can't find in many (hardly any) crossovers. Of course, Subaru and Audi do offer this, though in decreasing numbers.
A Big Mini That Still Drives Small
The Countryman's suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front and a multilink setup in back. Our test car rode slightly harsher due to its $1,000 Sport package that includes 18-inch wheels (short tire sidewalls) with performance run-flat tires (stiff sidewalls). The package also includes auto-leveling xenon headlamps with pressure washers, white-lens turn signals and black or white hood stripes. Our test car was also outfitted with optional $1,000 Anthracite-colored double five-spoke wheels — they only look like two-piece bolted-together wheels, however.
We found the ride and handling trade-off was often very good. In fact, compared to the smaller Minis with their shorter wheelbases and squarer footprints, we prefer the less frenetic ride and lack of nervousness in the Countryman's steering. We attribute this to, among other things, the Countryman's 102.2-inch wheelbase and suspension travel.
The Countryman's wheels are 1.9 and 5.1 inches farther apart than the other Mini models and although it looks much higher off the ground, the Countryman's ground clearance, at 6.3 inches, is only 1.2 inches greater than that of the other Mini models. Yet the car still feels confident and capable, but without the need for constant vigilance. We wonder how many of the occasional tire thumps would still exist if the stiff-sided run-flats were replaced with conventional tires.
Pushed to their limits, however, the Countryman's Goodyear Efficient Grip tires (there's a marketing coup) grip our skid pad with 0.83g in lateral acceleration and weave through the cones at an exhilarating 67.7 mph. Pressing the Sport button modifies only steering weight and throttle tip-in, not suspension firmness. We have loved the direct action and the remarkable amount of feel from the electric-assisted power steering in the Mini since it first arrived. It's as good in the Countryman, just less likely to change lanes if you sneeze.
The brakes are more than capable of handling the extra weight, too. Our shortest stop was 117 feet and the pedal feel was consistent throughout the tests with little, if any, signs of fading.
Scaling the Mini Lineup
In terms of relative and absolute size, the Countryman holds some surprises when compared to the rest of the Mini clan. It is, indeed, about 5-6 inches taller than the Clubman or Cooper, and naturally, its two full-size rear doors push the now-familiar shape into a longer vehicle, too. Some say the proportions of the Countryman don't quite work (wheels look too small and the driver looks like a child behind the wheel of a regular Mini Cooper) but compared to the 2.5-door Clubman and the basic two-door Cooper it isn't much larger inside with two exceptions: rear leg- and shoulder room.
Despite the Countryman's overall length measuring 6 inches longer compared to a Clubman and 15 inches next to a Cooper, front legroom in this Mini actually measures 1 inch less than both of the smaller coupes. Rear legroom is much improved, however, as the Countryman has 1.5 inches more room than the Clubman and nearly 4 inches more than a standard Cooper. There's at least 6 inches of additional shoulder room in the rear bucket seats of the Countryman as well, which makes it feel even more spacious.
Finally, the luggage and maximum cargo capacity measurements may sound significant on paper, but they don't render much more utility in absolute real-world-use terms. The Countryman can hold 16.5 cubic feet of luggage (including some under-floor space) with the rear seats up and 41.3 cubic feet of cargo with the seats folded down.
Honestly, none of the Minis are cargo haulers — the name Mini should tell you that — and each could easily swallow groceries and/or a couple of bikes if you really tried. And yet, all Minis seat just four passengers — in sliding scales of comfort depending on the scale of those passengers, that is. By the way, the rear buckets in the Countryman slide a few inches fore and aft for a little extra flexibility.
At 3,252 pounds, the claimed curb weight of the Countryman All4 is 584 pounds greater than a Mini Cooper S and 397 pounds more than a Clubman S. Despite our skepticism and an engine that hums at 2,500 rpm at 70 mph in 6th gear, this translates to an EPA combined (real-world) fuel consumption difference of just 3 mpg, which is pretty remarkable considering the weight and all-wheel drive.
We validated the government estimate with our own 26 mpg over 1,400 miles of mixed driving.
Does It Work?
When we finally put our data away and stopped drawing the obvious comparisons, we must admit that we enjoyed driving the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman S All4. Not just because of the attention it earned, but because Mini retained the charm of the other models while making it more livable, some say tolerable, as a daily driver.
Had this been a full test of a front-drive $25,250 Countryman S and not this $35,400 All4 with its $7,500 in options, we'd feel much better about the four seats, so-so luggage and cargo volume, and tragically Mini interior design. We love how the Countryman drives, rides (most of the time), and even the looks are growing on us.
But at $35,000, this Countryman is less impressive, mainly because there are so many other vehicles in the same price category that offer so much more. That's not the final word on this particular Countryman, though, as we recently added it to our long-term test vehicle rotation. Now it has 12 months to show us why it deserves its lofty price. As of right now, we're thinking the base model is a better way to go no matter where you happen to live.
The manufacturer provided Edmunds this vehicle for the purposes of evaluation.
Add A Comment »
gymguy1 says:
08:49 AM, 05/05/2011
I have the opportunity of driving a 2011 Countryman for 10 days. Not to compare apples and oranges but I must say that previous 2006 Kia Rio, rode smoother than the 2011 Countryman. Countryman feels every bump and road crack and does not have a smooth ride even on smooth roads. I also noticed much more road noise coming through the floorboard in the front and rear of the Countryman. The climate controls are a bit cumbersome compared to other vehicles that have a simple on/off control, climate dial and recirculate option. The many options/switches causes me to look away from the roadway to figure which control option to press. This vehicle has automatic climate control which is nice but not always a time saver in day to day commutes. A big hang-up is that the sun visor does not slide like on volkwagen vehicles. I have to adjust my whole body by sliding forward or using my hand to block the sun when it encroaches from my side view. There is an option for a second visor but it takes away from the overhead handle. Also on cold mornings the engine grinds as it starts up as all the oil has dropped to the pan. I hope this is not a major issue in time to come. I do like the vehicle and for breaking it in does need some time for the seals to set. There is a delay accelerate from stop to go but once moving, the accerleration is not a problem. Am taking a long road trip over the weekend and will see how it does on the highway here in Texas.
britcars says:
12:01 PM, 05/03/2011
I'd take the WRC version. Now that's a car...
www.britishcarnews.wordpress.com/2011/05/03/mini-gets-dirty-again/
thesteve says:
07:56 AM, 02/19/2011
I'm in no hurry to get rid of my STI. But some day when I want to get something a little more practical, I might consider something like this. Like my Subie, of course, AWD would be nice to have in Colorado. You can get by pretty well with FWD (or even RWD) and snow tires during winter. But introduce some slippery slopes and AWD comes into its own. And it'd be nice to have the fold down seats and extra storage for things like bikes, snowboards, etc.
I can't help but compare this with the Juke though. The Juke seems to be a great value but I know I'd hate the required CVT. And that would be a strong reason to look at the Mini even if it is more expensive. Also, Mini's have had some of the best resale values during the past several years.
ttbuyer says:
11:07 AM, 02/16/2011
As a brand, Mini is speeding down the road ruin: first stop Irrelevancy and then Extinction.
subafly says:
11:43 AM, 02/15/2011
$35k is too much for something that's similar enough to a WRX that costs $10k less. They're different beasts but cross-shopping the two it's a no-brainer. Or even a Forrester. I really dig the Countryman but the compromises in interior style, size, power etc are too much. Granted you get better mileage for the lower HP but it's a marginal tradeoff. For $35k you could get the STi or Evo or a handful of other impressive cars. Even the Volt.
151aeweenie says:
02:19 PM, 02/14/2011
Japanese cars in this segment will almost always offer a better value than the Euro models. Having owned a few of each (Euro spec Integra Type R, 04 Forester XT, 08 R32, wife's current daily driver and 10 Mini S Convert my daily driver) I definitely prefer the Euros. Sure they are typically slower and more expensive, but the balance of comfort/luxury and performance is hard to match in a daily driver. The cool thing is that there is so much out there to choose from, something for everyone.
I am currently looking at getting my wife a new car (awd a must up here in the PNW) and I keep coming back to the Countryman. I've checked out the latest RDX, Forester XT, Volvo XC60, Audi A4 Avant and others, but none of them can match the fun to drive feel/package of the Countryman, they feel bloated and dull in comparison. The size is good for us and if we need more space for long trips I can throw the Thule box on top. Just my 2 cents.
prefcustomer, wait for the 2012 3rd Gen R32 replacement, should be right in your wheel house: almost 270hp, 6-speed manual, AWD and either in 2 or 4 door hatchback. I'd get one, but need an auto for my wife.
acepdx says:
09:04 PM, 02/09/2011
Interesting comments; some from drivers, some not. Compared to a CRV? Like comparing Phyllis Diller to Marisa Miller. Both are women.
Drive the Countryman, you will smile. Drive the CRV, you will snore. Great car, but intentionally boring. Very practical. Well made. I have one. I hate it.
If you want to be practical, don't buy a Mini. It is unique, it has shortcomings, and I have one on order. Frankly, I only hope the new to them All4 is not the disaster the CVT auto they had was. Will there ever be a car from Europe you can drive for five years without issues? Probably not.
It's a niche car. The responses indicate it at least is a noticeable niche car.
tho76 says:
06:02 AM, 02/09/2011
The Juke, really? That thing is pig-ugly. While not everyone will agree on the Countryman's looks as pure Mini, neither is the current Mini pure 'Mini'. I would love to own the Mini coupe but I have family of four and I would like to get the kids in back when needed without bending them in half. That is why I'd love to own the Countryman even if I don't agree with the name and the looks are best described as 'handsome'. Kinda how the girls would describe me back in high school when they were trying to be kind. The Juke on the other hand would have been avoided in the halls like the plague.
And since this thing IS actually designed and built by BMW, $35 grand is a fair for all of the space, kit, and uniqueness provided.
equ says:
05:01 AM, 02/09/2011
Mini cooper S's and JCW's drive very well... No denying. I tested a Countryman All4 S but with auto and found it to be pretty sucky. A far cry in driving dynamics but greater comfort... Has good steering feel, but leans deeply in turns. Will appeal to mini fans who just have to have the silly interior.
We almost bought a mini cooper S for my girlfriend to commute in... Shopped and shopped, drove some new and used ones. I have not yet seen a mini with over 25k miles on it that did not have issues. They just seem to ... fall apart ... especially on the cratered roads that we have here in the Northeast. The RFT's are a real nuisance and in general it is a very heavily marketed brand.
blueguydotcom says:
06:18 PM, 02/08/2011
@mag - I've had a few 3 series cars and yes, the inline 6 is insanely creamy and smooth to redline (at least the non-N54/N55 engines). I worry about the turbo 4 in the F30 for the same reasons as you do. The audi 2.0T feels like what it is...a 4 cylinder after you play with an inline 6. Nothing can hide the roots of the engine. hot weather with the AC or muggy weather the 2.0 TFSI is just not where it's at and the cooper S 1.6 suffers from the same fate in my experience with a 2007 Cooper S for 2 years.
@coolb - order one. That's the only way to get a BMW/Mini exactly as you want.