Flash Drive — 2012 Mini Countryman a capable, fun ride

By Bruce Caldwell

Model Tested: 2012 Mini Cooper S Countryman All4

Engine: 1-6-liter turbocharged dohc I-4, 181 hp, 177 lb/ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive

EPA Ratings: 25-mpg city
31-mpg highway

Base Price: $27,050

As Tested: $35,500

Performance:

A sports car that can go off-roading

Strong, responsive engine

Excellent 6-speed transmission, smooth clutch

Welcome hill hold clutch function

Comfort:

Stretch out front seat room

Extra thick, contoured steering wheel

Largest ever Mini Cooper rear seat

Decent highway ride

Utility:

It’s the largest Mini ever, so it carries more than other Minis

Four doors and a hatch optimize accessibility

Folding rear seats and flat cargo floor

Wide hatch opening

Decent cargo capacity

WOW Factors:

High fun-to-drive factor

Uniqueness of a Mini Cooper S

Tons of high-tech features; it’s like an iPad on wheels

Very light interior thanks to panoramic sunroof

Gets lots of positive attention

Fun, fun, fun

Whines:

Extensive option list can run up price

Oversize central speedo is more funky than functional

Too small interior storage bins

Electronic features not very intuitive

Small center armrest interferes with odd E-brake

Too small sun visors

Bottom Line:

The Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is unique and quirky. Its many odd features can be annoying, but its incredible fun factor quickly overrides them. The Mini Countryman ALL4 functionality is fine, but having on and off road fun is the key reason to buy one.