We tested the new Mini Countryman today...
Discussion
And it's pretty good.
Firstly the positives...
It's much more refined - less road noise, the damping is better etc. - than the outgoing model and the interior is a step above, being very similar to the current model Mini Hatch. We drove both an automatic Cooper SD and a manual Cooper S. The 8-speed ZF auto is predictably good and the manual is, again, much improved compared with the outgoing model.
Now the less good...
Both engines were average and I can now appreciate the underwhelming reaction by the motoring press. Both units are completely forgettable with zero character. The diesel feels lacking in power and torque and the petrol felt like a diesel. I would like to try the 3-cylinder 1.5L unit in the Cooper however I fear any zing it may have in the Hatch would likely be blunted by the increased weight of the Countryman.
And then the price...
A Cooper D ALL4 automatic with few options other than the larger capacity* fuel tank (costing £50 and, admittedly, a nice idea), the Chilli Pack, 18" alloys and powered tailgate was £35k?! I'd say it's probably £5k too expensive and I can't help but feel that Mini are going to cause themselves problems by pricing the car at this level. The Cooper D is only the mid-range model and you could easily specify a Cooper SD to near £40k which is madness given Mini are currently offering no discounts.
*61L instead of the standard 55L
The finance deal on the Cooper D we specified - the £35k model - was a 48 month contract with a £4k deposit, a monthly payment of £460 and a GFV of £14k, based on 10k mileage per annum. This was admittedly only their first try with the numbers so perhaps there'd have been a slight improvement after negotiating but it's still quite steep.
I do however think that when 2-year old models with 20k on them are available, they'll be a reasonably decent buy as I fear the depreciation on these may be savage.
Based on our experience today therefore, we won't be replacing our 62-plate Mini Countryman Cooper S with a new Countryman. It's not a bad car however it's now an expensive one and the prices Mini are asking puts it up against some far more serious, and upmarket, metal.
As such, we'll probably be turning our search to used RSQ3s, SQ5s and Mercedes GLCs in the next couple of weeks.
Firstly the positives...
It's much more refined - less road noise, the damping is better etc. - than the outgoing model and the interior is a step above, being very similar to the current model Mini Hatch. We drove both an automatic Cooper SD and a manual Cooper S. The 8-speed ZF auto is predictably good and the manual is, again, much improved compared with the outgoing model.
Now the less good...
Both engines were average and I can now appreciate the underwhelming reaction by the motoring press. Both units are completely forgettable with zero character. The diesel feels lacking in power and torque and the petrol felt like a diesel. I would like to try the 3-cylinder 1.5L unit in the Cooper however I fear any zing it may have in the Hatch would likely be blunted by the increased weight of the Countryman.
And then the price...
A Cooper D ALL4 automatic with few options other than the larger capacity* fuel tank (costing £50 and, admittedly, a nice idea), the Chilli Pack, 18" alloys and powered tailgate was £35k?! I'd say it's probably £5k too expensive and I can't help but feel that Mini are going to cause themselves problems by pricing the car at this level. The Cooper D is only the mid-range model and you could easily specify a Cooper SD to near £40k which is madness given Mini are currently offering no discounts.
*61L instead of the standard 55L
The finance deal on the Cooper D we specified - the £35k model - was a 48 month contract with a £4k deposit, a monthly payment of £460 and a GFV of £14k, based on 10k mileage per annum. This was admittedly only their first try with the numbers so perhaps there'd have been a slight improvement after negotiating but it's still quite steep.
I do however think that when 2-year old models with 20k on them are available, they'll be a reasonably decent buy as I fear the depreciation on these may be savage.
Based on our experience today therefore, we won't be replacing our 62-plate Mini Countryman Cooper S with a new Countryman. It's not a bad car however it's now an expensive one and the prices Mini are asking puts it up against some far more serious, and upmarket, metal.
As such, we'll probably be turning our search to used RSQ3s, SQ5s and Mercedes GLCs in the next couple of weeks.
That's an expensive Mini IMO. I was admiring a new VW Tiguan whilst out earlier & I think they're a much better proposition than a Mini for the £s if you need an element of 4x4 - anyway, I thought Mini's had good residuals although clearly the monthly figures don't quite imply that!?
MrBarry123 said:
As such, we'll probably be turning our search to used RSQ3s, SQ5s and Mercedes GLCs in the next couple of weeks.
I tested one as well.Thought the Cooper S was lacking a bit of fizz, but it had bags of character compared to other small SUV's i've driven and owned. Was fun to drive, and that's an attribute i've missed in recent years.
Anyway, just ordered a JCW with a fair few options and got an insanely good deal (considering it's not even out yet). You can PM me if you want to know exact deets.
We drove a JCW Clubman straight after the Countryman CS, and it was like someone had released the handbrake!
Edited by Labbetts on Monday 13th February 11:39
I have a 2012 Mini... I really like it other than no leg room in the rear....looks like they have sorted that now
The larger fuel tank is a must.....I have to fill mine sometimes 2/3 times a week
The rear lights look crap...over sized ( but on the clubman they look great)
I will not replace it with a new one, I would rather have a 1 series
Many mini's must be on finance/ pcp/ whatever they are getting so expensive.....
And everyone has one!
The larger fuel tank is a must.....I have to fill mine sometimes 2/3 times a week
The rear lights look crap...over sized ( but on the clubman they look great)
I will not replace it with a new one, I would rather have a 1 series
Many mini's must be on finance/ pcp/ whatever they are getting so expensive.....
And everyone has one!
The wife's X5 went bang on Wed and I off loaded at we buy any car. Went down to Mini to look at. 2013 Countryman S with 20k on the clock £13.5k. There was a new Countryman in the show room and all I can say (as someone not knowing these cars and needing a good car for wife to drive the new baby and a dog) is the new one wins hands down. The interior quality, the standard kit and the boot!! Wow the boot!
Bought a new cooper Countryman there and then (racing Green :-), chilli pack, fuel tank), pick up on Wed. I agree with the engine but as a package for my family as the second car (I have a 2016 RS6 for long trips and holidays) it's perfect. I think they'll sell like hot cakes (petrol engines).
The boot is 450 litres, a massive buggy fits Lying down with the parcel shelf in. Standard Nav, more seats, looks more rugged.
I think it's s winner and it's not even for me. The wife isn't into cars and she loves it, the power of the brand over say a Qashquai is massive
Bought a new cooper Countryman there and then (racing Green :-), chilli pack, fuel tank), pick up on Wed. I agree with the engine but as a package for my family as the second car (I have a 2016 RS6 for long trips and holidays) it's perfect. I think they'll sell like hot cakes (petrol engines).
The boot is 450 litres, a massive buggy fits Lying down with the parcel shelf in. Standard Nav, more seats, looks more rugged.
I think it's s winner and it's not even for me. The wife isn't into cars and she loves it, the power of the brand over say a Qashquai is massive
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