Road Test: MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 

Review by Jay Williams - 22/June/2011

Ever since its inception back in 1959 the name MINI has been synonymous with small two-door cars, that was until the brand was acquired by BMW.

Since then, BMW has expanded the MINI brand from the core two-door MINI Hardtop/Hatch to include the MINI Clubman (estate), MINI Convertible and the MINI Countryman.

Featuring five doors, a longer wheelbase, more interior room than the Clubman, higher ground clearance and the optional all-wheel-drive powertrain, we thought we would take the the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 crossover SUV for a test spin.

Drive: 3.5/5

Driving the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 you instantly notice the high levels of refinement and build quality that has gone into making this car.

Measuring in at 4.1-metres long and featuring a long-wheelbase the Countryman is the largest in the MINI brand, but it's still quite small for an SUV. 

Even with the added dimensions the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 still handles much like a go-kart. The steering feels solid and precise, while the Electric Power Steering (EPS) featured as standard makes a significant contribution to the agility of the car.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 handles tight corners quite well, remaining fairly flat through most sections of the road. 

Compared with the other models in the range, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 comes with sports suspension that lowers the car by 10 millimetres.

Even with the sports suspension fitted the overall ride quality was comfortable enough for everyday use while still firm enough not to sacrifice cornering performance.

Another feature that is standard is DSC Dynamic Stability Control comprising ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, CBC Cornering Brake Control, a Brake Assistant, and a Hill Start-Off Assistant. 

The DTC mode allows for controlled slip on the drive wheels for setting off, on loose sand or in deep snow and comes as standard with the MINI Cooper S Countryman and in conjunction with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.

Engine: 3.5/5

The MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is the first model in the brand to combine fully variable valve management with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. This highly advanced combination gives the 1.6-litre four-cylinder, with its twin-scroll turbocharger, a great balance of power and fuel economy.

Valve management adjusts the stroke and opening period of the intake valves within fractions of a second to the respective level of power required, the camshaft acting on the valves through an additional intermediate lever, and not directly through the follower arm. The rotating point of this additional lever is adjusted infinitely by an eccentric shaft controlled by an electric motor.

Producing a maximum power output of 135kW at 5500rpm and peak torque of 240Nm at 1600rpm, increasing briefly with an Overboost function all the way to 260Nm for extra power when accelerating hard.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is a very zippy machine, taking just 7.6 seconds to accelerate from 0-100km/h. It seems fast, but not quite as fast as its smaller siblings, and once you start to load up with passengers the 1.6-litre has to be pushed harder to get the best out of the engine.

Fuel consumption is 8.1-litres per 100 kilometres (claimed), we managed 9.7-litres per 100 kilometres which isn't too bad considering we weren't driving in the most frugal of fashions.

Overall the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is a fun and easy car to drive.

Exterior: 4/5

At first glance the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 looks like a MINI Clubman that's on a high protein diet. It is 384mm extra in length over the standard MINI Cooper S, has five doors and can fit four adults in comfort.

The proportions and horizontal subdivision of the rear end underline the sporting character of the MINI Countryman, giving it a bolder presence on the road. Broadening out in steps from top to bottom, the body structure emphasises the stable stance of the car, the muscular shoulder line additionally highlighting the masculine character of the new MINI.

Meanwhile the rear bumper comes with a diffuser guiding the flow of air beneath the rear end of the car to optimise the aerodynamic qualities of the S model. The most powerful model in the range also stands out through its special roof spoiler, a twin-exhaust tips, as well as air vents in the rear wheel arches.

The MINI Countryman is available with a choice of eleven body colours, five non-metallic, six metallic. The MINI Cooper S Countryman, the MINI Cooper Countryman, and the MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with the roof finished either in Black or Light White as an alternative to the colour of the body.

The model we test drove was white with a black roof, side mirriors and black highlighted wheels. The white/black combo worked well and maintained the aggressive styling of the bolder MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4.

Interior: 3.5/5

Premium levels of design, quality, equipment and individualisation seep through the interior of the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4.

The semi-prestige fit-out features mostly soft touch materials, chrome finished fighter-jet styled switches, a supersized speedo and a small tacho fitted behind the steering wheel.

Instead of a conventional centre console between the seats, the MINI Countryman offers an innovative rail system, the completely unique MINI Centre Rail, enables the driver and passengers to slide cup holders, ‘MINI’ branded sunglass holder or small compartments along the rail so that everything is close to hand when you need it.

One of the more unique features to the MINI Countryman was the choice of interior lighting, a chrome roof mounted switch allows occupants to scroll through a number of colour variations depending on the mood you are in, or you can just set the switch to auto mode and let the car decide for you.

The leather appointed seats found in the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 are some of the most comfortable sport seats you'll experience, they offer a good level of cushioning for long trips and great side bolstering to keep you in your seat during spirited driving.

The MINI Countryman offers space and versatility. The rear seat bench with either two, or three, seats features adjusting seat segments coming in a 60:40, or 40:20:40 split.

Additional space in the rear can be made by moving the backrests to a cargo position increasing luggage space from 350 to 440 litres while still accommodating rear-seat passengers.

The rear seat backrests moving down both in part or in full also help to provide flexible space at the rear, This luggage capacity to increase all the way to 1,170 litres, enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed.

Our test vehicle featured the Harman Kardon high-end audio and navigation system with mobile telephone interfaces including the option to integrate an Apple iPhone and extra Smartphones.

Overall: 3.5/5

If it's individualisation and style you're after the MINI Countryman line-up has you covered, but, it comes with a premium price tag.

The MINI Countryman pricing starts at $37,700* (MRLP), the MINI Cooper D Countryman starts at $40,950* while the four-wheel drive MINI Cooper S ALL4 starts at $50,400*. But once you start ticking the options box the price starts to jump quite a bit.

However, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is a great car to drive and would be a comfortable choice to live with day-to-day depending on if you had the extra coin to spend.

* Price is the manufacturer's recommended retail driveaway price (RRP) and includes the vehicle price, 12 months registration, stamp duty, luxury car tax (if applicable), CTP insurance cost estimate (based on private purchaser with good driving record) and a recommended charge for dealer delivery.