The Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is Mini’s offering for those who want the distinctive styling and agile handling associated with the brand but need all-weather traction and more space than a normal Cooper S or Clubman S can offer. As such, the Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is a five-door, all-wheel drive, turbocharged hatchback capable of seating four passengers in comfort.
Riding on a new platform that is six inches longer, nearly five inches taller, and four inches wider than the Clubman S, there is little that could be characterized as miniature about the Cooper S Countryman ALL4. However, the exterior is readily identifiable as a MINI, and the interior features the quirky ergonomics, including a center-mounted speedometer, associated with the brand.
Providing sure footing in the situation of inclement weather is the ALL4 all-wheel drive system, which instantaneously splits power as needed between the two axles based on a number of factors including speed, steering angle and rate of acceleration. The system adds about 150 lbs. to the car and sends power to the front wheels under normal conditions.
The Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is powered by a turbocharged1.6-liter four-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, a figure that rises to 192 lb-ft for short bursts in “overboost” mode. Purists will appreciate the standard six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed automatic is available for those unwilling to exercise their left leg. Burdened with about 3250 pounds of MINI, the little engine nonetheless propels the Cooper S Countryman ALL4 to 60 mph from a standstill in about seven seconds with the manual; the automatic is about a half-second slower.
Fuel economy ranges from a low of 23 city, 30 highway with the automatic transmission, to 25 mpg city, 31 highway for the manual.
The Cooper S Countryman ALL4 has standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats, a trip computer, power window and locks and manual air conditioning.
Significant options include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, connectivity package comprised of Bluetooth, smartphone integration voice recognition and USB/iPod adaptor, navigation system with 6.5-inch high definition display, leather seats with power adjustability and a Harmon/Kardon sound system.
Some options can be bundled together for a net savings in five different packages. The Premium package includes the panoramic sunroof, an automatic climate control system and the Harmon/Kardon audio unit. A Sport package nets Electronic Differential Lock Control, a rear spoiler, 18-inch “Turbo Fan” wheels, sport seats, fog lamps and a black or white hood stripe. For those who reside in the northern states, the Cold Weather package makes winters livable with heated power folding mirrors, heated washer jets and heated front seats.
The Convenience package usefully comprises an auto dimming rearview mirror, auto rain sensors for the windshield wipers, auto headlamps, white turn signals (more convenient than yellow?), a universal garage door opener, a comfort access system and Bluetooth with a USB/iPod adaptor. Finally, the Convenience + Mini Connected package includes the navigation system, Bluetooth and USB/iPod adaptor, smart phone integration with voice recognition, auto dimming rearview mirror, auto rain sensors, auto headlamps, a universal garage door opener, a comfort access system and a center arm rest.
New - MINI Yours
In case the standard options aren't enough for you, MINI has added something entirely new known as MINI Yours, which allows further customization. The options include: an instrument panel covered in a smooth two-tone, soft-touch leather with exposed stitching, a two-tone steering wheel, a new MINI Yours 17-inch wheel, special pattern "Soda" mirror caps with a three-dimensional effect and MINI Yours Soda pattern Lounge Leather with unique Soda pattern on the sides of the backrests and headrests, as well as a contrasting black leather stripe that runs down the middle of the seats and is offset with premium piping.
Safety
Those prone to driving a bit too enthusiastically can take heart in the Cooper S Countryman ALL4’s long list of safety features. Actively working to prevent collisions are the Dynamic Stability Control system, Dynamic Traction Control, ABS, a Cornering Brake Control system (working to keep the car stable under braking when the car is turning) and an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system (which adjusts braking force based on the load in the car). In the event of a crash, the Countryman is fortified with dual front, side and ceiling airbags and one additional knee airbag on the passenger side.
Key competitors
The MINI Countryman Cooper S All4, as the name implies, is a hopped-up version of the four-door Countryman with all-wheel drive - pitting itself up against a short list of competitors including the Subaru WRX STI Hatchback and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X.