I also noted how busy they were on a Saturday morning. Mine new and still problem with delay at 3k 2 months. And in full-throttle overboost conditions, this engine delivers 192 lb. Our Mini Countryman, now at 27,454 miles, actually increased its rate of mileage accrual once the trees stripped naked. Additionally, it can access Google local, and even hosts a Twitter client with canned 'Tweets' for those inclined to social networking. There is no center console in the Countryman, only an innovative Center Rail that accommodates movable storage bins and cupholders.
In hot sun car gets hot because it never covers completely. Far below what the sticker says. And setting the airplane-throttle-style parking-brake handle causes your hand to bang into the armrest when the latter is fully down. Despite the increase in weight over its smaller stablemates, the Countryman is still a joy to drive. During his journey, Seabaugh stopped 10 times along the way at gas stations. As the velocity builds, the chassis responds without distress.
Depressing the throttle past its normal limits initiates an overboost function good for a 9-second stint of 192 pound-feet at 11. The Countryman serves up real practicality with spunky driving dynamics. Three center clusters can be had, but if you opt for the upgraded Visual Boost Radio or Visual Boost Radio with Nav, Mini Connected is available. And you would not believe how many strangers come up to me and ask about it all the time! Mini has added a new center rail system that runs between the front and back seats. Thank you Max, Justin and James for my car and a few laughs. The Peugot engines are not known for building quality product. Our Countryman S test drive begins in Austin, Texas, billed as the live music capital of the world.
Well, wonder no more, as the all-new 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is here to answer all those questions. The work was covered under warranty. Once the engine is urged to its 5000 rpm sweet spot, a torque surge gently pushes us back into the leather-wrapped buckets. At 26,503 miles, Mini had to repair a rear brake-pad sensor that was prematurely requesting pad replacement. Looking past the accumulated dust layers on its flanks, the Countryman S is obviously all Mini. All versions of the Mini Countryman are expected to hit dealerships in January, offered in a palette of 11 exterior color choices and with a wealth of customization options. The engine sufficiently cools without one, plus the car better satisfies strict international pedestrian safety standards.
One note: We found the side mirrors to be placed too low, making them hard to see for shorter drivers. Four fully adjustable bucket seats a first for Mini , are on duty inside the car, and the rear seats can fold flat to increase the cargo area to an impressive 41. Bottom line, this larger Mini is not much different than the rest of the model line. Like the other vehicles in Mini's lineup, the Countryman reaches out to a niche market both in terms of styling and driving dynamics. Lots of pings, loudly, over small potholes and rough road. The Cooper S Countryman comes with the turbocharged 1.
Final assembly is in Graz, Austria. With 17-inch tires instead of the 18s found on that previous Countryman, this car squealed around the skidpad for 0. Otherwise, the Mini performed in-state duty, which highlights what a bummer this winter has been for people who like snow. Dealer options include shelves, but takes up lots of space. The Pirelli Sottozeros that replaced them served admirably the few times we saw snow and allowed us to play. We hear Mini has been able to get a bench seat option for the Countryman approved by the feds.
Moving to the inside, there are innovative design and function elements throughout. The large windows and elevated seating provide wide, unimpeded views. Put something in one of the cup holders, and it blocks the window switches at the bottom of the center stack. Under the hood of the Cooper Countryman is a 1. Both engine choices displace 1. The claimed 0-60 time of the S is almost three seconds quicker than the standard Countryman, at 7.
Rear Spoiler, Keyless Entry, Remote Trunk Release, Steering Wheel Controls, Child Safety Locks. Also lit are the door panels and door handles, along with the speedometer and tachometer. Both repairs were covered under warranty. This system, which offers snap-in accessories that can slide the length of the rail, is illuminated during night driving for improved visibility and access. Like the C-pillar facing towards the rear axle, this special line again emphasizes the impression of a powerful body resting securely on its wheels. The rear air dam functions as a diffuser, guiding the flow of air beneath the rear of the car and optimizing its aerodynamic properties. Inside, the Countryman is roomy on all fronts for driver and passengers—your legs, head and shoulders will have plenty of space.
Just 4400 miles later, the oil-pump solenoid went on the fritz. In a nutshell, Mini set out to build the Countryman because of a large customer base that Mini believes remains untapped — much like did when the Cayenne hit the streets. To be safe, he checked the oil level and found it fine. Or a better-looking startled anime pig, anyway. I found only one thing to niggle about? My Kia Rio had a smoother ride. It usually happened under hard acceleration and on an incline.
The Countryman made it all the way to 13,157 miles before requesting its first service, an oil change and inspection. Plastic housing is too wide. This is a daily-drivable family-mover, so we can excuse some gearbox laziness. Next up are the Cooper S models with the same two transmission variants and turbocharging. It had us weighing the pros and cons of going full rally. Our time together quickly reinforced our initial impression: The Countryman is fun. Splitting the center accessory rail into two pieces to allow those in the back seat to kick each other in the calves is a no-cost option.