Model
Tested: 2012 Mini Cooper S Countryman All4
Engine:
1-6-liter turbocharged dohc I-4, 181 hp, 177 lb/ft
EPA
Ratings: 25-mpg city
31-mpg highway
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.
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