Within six months there was additionally a 143bhp Cooper SD with 4WD. The Cooper D and Cooper S were additionally supplied with ALL4 four-wheel drive; from June 2013, this was available on the Cooper as nicely. The most popular Countryman of all, the John Cooper Works, appeared in September 2012, powered by a 218bhp 1.6-litre turbo with commonplace 4-wheel drive. At the same time, the Countryman range was refreshed with upgraded interior detailing and a typical rear bench seat; two sculpted chairs were a no-cost various. Which one ought to I buy? There are not any lame ducks in the Countryman vary; all the engines and transmissions are a pleasure to reside with, although Steptronic autos are significantly thirstier than their handbook equivalents. The One will get air-con, rear parking sensors, powered home windows all round, Bluetooth and a DAB radio, but no alloy wheels. Cooper spec provides alloys, whereas the Cooper S and SD feature sportier trim however nothing vital by way of additional package.
The key when buying, although, is to establish what extras are fitted, as a result of numerous MINIs are specified with option packs. One additional we’d keep away from is a set of 19-inch wheels, because these make the journey very harsh. Small SUVs have develop into highly regarded because the arrival of the Nissan Juke, which was launched at round the same time because the Countryman. Distinctively designed, provided in front or 4-wheel-drive varieties and with a sporty Nismo option, too, the well priced Juke is widely available on the second-hand market. Two automobiles that have both proven to be very talked-about are the Renault Captur and Peugeot 2008. These don’t include a 4-wheel-drive possibility, but they do provide loads of car in your money. Other options you might want to contemplate for their good worth are the Vauxhall Mokka and Ford EcoSport, although in lots of other respects they’re somewhat underwhelming. Supply of each is plentiful.
The reading lights can come on by themselves after the automotive has been locked, and so they then must be switched off manually. It’s price holding out for a automobile that has the optional flat load flooring equipment; it was a £155 further. Retro-fitting the kit is possible, but might be costly. Rattling trim is a far-from-unusual subject on the MINI, with noises most more likely to emanate from the dashboard. However, the door playing cards can vibrate as nicely. The Countryman’s two-tone alloy wheels are liable to corrosion, especially if cleaned regularly with chemicals. Many have been changed beneath guarantee. In typical MINI style the structure is relatively busy, however with familiarity the sprint turns into straightforward to use, whereas excessive-high quality materials are used throughout. There’s numerous space for 4 adults, and the rear seat slides for added versatility. The load bay has 350-1,170 litres of house, relying on the configuration.
