3-cylinder 1.5 turbo is adequate in most situations
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Current Minis, including this one, are among the sharpest (read firmest) handlers in their respective categories, but somehow the Countryman manages to smooth out rough surfaces surprisingly well, especially at higher speeds. Obviously, if go-karts aren’t your vibe, it’s better to avoid the optional sports suspension and lower profile 18 and 19-inch rubber. Standard, softer riding wheel sizes are 16” for the Cooper and 17” for the Cooper S.
The base Countryman Cooper gets power from a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbopetrol with 100kW and 230Nm, and the Cooper S comes with a 141kW/300Nm 2-litre turbopetrol. Both models come with six-speed manual transmissions but can be upgraded to Steptronic autoboxes - six speeds in the Cooper and eight in the S. Mini has a hotter JCW version with 170kW planned for June and the Countryman will get Mini’s first turbodiesel in our market in September.
We’ve experienced Mini’s (and BMW’s) three-pot before in other models, and it’s fantastic little engine. Under partial throttle it pulls off the line in a way not too dissimilar to the bigger 2.0, and only at high revs, or when asked for flat-out acceleration does its relatively small displacement become evident. The S’s extra shove is nice to have when overtaking, and might match the Countryman’s big body better, but the 1.5 is more than adequate in most situations and it’s also around 70 grand easier on the pocket.
Mini has a very specific flavour when it comes to interior design, with obsessive attention to detail in areas often ignored by other brands. Look beyond the chrome toggle switchgear, colour-changing LED mood lights and big, round central display that give modern Minis their unmistakable character, and you’ll find nice touches like tartan patterned surfaces inside the cubbyhole and centre console, cleverly placed Union Jack motifs and an amazing array of cabin materials ranging from standard black plastics, to gloss-painted dash inserts, to intricately engraved bezel surrounds. It all sends the sense of occasion through the roof, at a level unlike any other car in the segment.
As expected much of the customisable paraphernalia comes at extra cost, and the Countryman’s options list might be one of the longest we’ve ever seen. Mini’s done well to group some features into handy packages, but it’s still possible to go bananas with radical combinations of illuminated Chestnut trimmings paired with Cross Punch Pure Burgundy upholstery, or British Oak with Hazy Grey, or Chester Indigo Blue with Lounge Carbon Black.
You’ll also have to pay in for navigation which comes in two ver- sions, LED headlights, panoramic roofs, fancier sound systems, parking sensors and other frilly bits. As with any Mini it’s best to consider the prices a starting point before personalisation.
But, spring for the optional foldout picnic bench that offers a comfy sitting space on the boot’s sill. It’s perfect for sipping a craft ginger ale on a Midlands Meander pitstop with the family, and a bargain at only R1700. Follow me on Twitter @PoorBoyLtd PRICES: Cooper 1.5 manual R423 824 Cooper 1.5 auto R442 052 Cooper S 2.0 manual R493 306 Cooper S 2.0 auto R512 806