Mini Countrymen

[mike9009]

I will probably be looking to replace my Mini Clubman S in a few months. I have owned it for three years and although its been great I am a PHer and want to move on.

We live on the Isle of Wight so the stock of Countrymen at our local dealership is limited (They currently do not have either a S or SD)

I am looking for views on the S versus SD. I will have a fixed budget, always buy second-hand which could cover either model. So I am not after advice about running costs etc. That bit will be my decision.

Anyone driven both and offer advice? I drove a Cooper Countryman a couple of years ago but found the ride a little jarring on our local roads. I suspect a switch away from runfats may help that - even if it slightly deadens the response? Do the Countryman S engines suffer from the death rattle? Any model specific issues which may alter my perspective. Ideally I would like one with full leather and the media/ satnav pack. How does each handle/ perform?

Whats the luggage space like, compared to the Clubman (we have two young kids and on long trips I am not adverse to using a roof box)

Many thanks

Mike

Edit : also not really bothered about 4WD - is it worth it/ better?

Edited by mike9009 on Monday 13th January 20:50

[Waugh-terfall]

I've spent time in a 2WD Cooper Countryman Auto and a Cooper S All4 Paceman Auto, the All4 is impressive. Incredible traction, will allow the back end to step out of line when provoked, utter weapon on twisty wet roads.

Economy-wise you're looking at 27-32mpg for the Cooper S, around the 40mpg mark for the SD. Both feel punch enough, good sludge of torque.

If you're going for a Cooper S/SD, chances are you'll have a car with the CHILI Pack, which means you'll have 18" Turbo Fan alloys, RFLs are standard-fit on 18" wheels upwards.

You shouldn't find 'Death Rattle' issues as it's the N18 unit, the older (pre-2010 LCI) cars had the N14 which suffered from this from time to time.

Luggage space is good, most will have a split level floor and the back seats slide fore and aft 60/40 whilst each backrest will fold flat individually. Rear passenger space is excellent.

My Boss recently packed a manual SD All4 with his two young kids, their luggage and a large families worth of Xmas presents and heading from London to Edinburgh over the Holidays and was absolutely full of praise for it.

Edited by Waugh-terfall on Wednesday 15th January 22:56

[blank]

Diesel sounds like a bad idea on the Isle of Wight.

DPF won't like short journeys / low speeds.

[mike9009]

blank said:

Diesel sounds like a bad idea on the Isle of Wight.

DPF won't like short journeys / low speeds.

Thanks for both replies.

I do half my miles on the mainland on business. Plus there are some decent 'quick' a roads on the island. Point taken though. The worst thing is the condition of the roads on the island, hence my comment about rfts.

Interesting comment about the 4wd. I might need to consider that, will need to read more as my dealer won't be impressed me testing the difference between each at the limit!

Mike

Edited by mike9009 on Wednesday 15th January 22:58

[Oggs]

blank said:

DPF won't like short journeys / low speeds.

My wife and her other instructors have never had any problems with DPF on the Mini.