The Cooper S Countryman is M MINI’s offering for those who want the distinctive styling and agile handling associated with the brand but need more space than a normal Cooper S or Clubman S can offer. As such, the Cooper S Countryman is a five-door, front-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. 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.
The Cooper S Countryman is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-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 to 60 mph from a standstill in about seven seconds with the manual; the automatic is about a half-second slower. Fuel economy is an impressive 32 mpg highway for both transmissions and 26 or 25 mpg in the city for the manual and automatic transmissions, respectively.
The Cooper S Countryman has standard features including 17-inch alloy wheels, leatherette seats, a trip computer, power window and locks and manual a/c.
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’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 is a hopped-up version of the four-door Countryman with - up against a short list of competitors including the Ford Focus ST, Mazda Mazdaspeed3, Nissan Juke and possibly some CUVs such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Escape or Honda CR-V.