Countryman or XC40... Alternatives? Opinions? PHEV?
Discussion
Mrs M is about to change her car. She’s had 3 minis on the bounce over the past 10 years and loves them. With the kids getting into their teens a bigger car would be better this time: more room in the back, 5 seats and a bigger boot. It won’t be our main family car so will be mainly be used to commute daily, 18 miles e/w with a mix of country lanes and motorways and local stuff at the weekends.
She doesn’t want too big a car, but I feel the extra height of a crossover would be an advantage for seeing over hedges and motorway spray. With so much changing in the motoring industry at the moment I’m worried about residual value after 3 years so I’m thinking of leasing for the first time rather than buying outright or a PCP. We’d also consider electric or PHEV. No charging points at work at the moment but may be happening.
We had a quick look at the Countryman, Volvo XC40 and Mercedes GLA at the weekend. She loved the Countryman and really liked the XC40. The GLA felt a little lower and more cramped in the back.
If we opt for the Countryman, what are owners thoughts on Petrol v PHEV? Any other cars that we’ve overlooked?
She doesn’t want too big a car, but I feel the extra height of a crossover would be an advantage for seeing over hedges and motorway spray. With so much changing in the motoring industry at the moment I’m worried about residual value after 3 years so I’m thinking of leasing for the first time rather than buying outright or a PCP. We’d also consider electric or PHEV. No charging points at work at the moment but may be happening.
We had a quick look at the Countryman, Volvo XC40 and Mercedes GLA at the weekend. She loved the Countryman and really liked the XC40. The GLA felt a little lower and more cramped in the back.
If we opt for the Countryman, what are owners thoughts on Petrol v PHEV? Any other cars that we’ve overlooked?
The Lexus NX300 is a little big for our needs, as our other car is an X5. Although the UX250 looks like a great option It’s probably above the top end of what we want to spend, although the specification looks impressive...
Spoke to Mini yesterday regarding the Countryman PHEV. Not heard anything regarding the 48hr test drive but they did mention to expect 8 miles full electric range rather than the suggested 30 miles. I was expecting 18-20 but that seems very pessimistic! Does anyone have any first-hand experience?
Spoke to Mini yesterday regarding the Countryman PHEV. Not heard anything regarding the 48hr test drive but they did mention to expect 8 miles full electric range rather than the suggested 30 miles. I was expecting 18-20 but that seems very pessimistic! Does anyone have any first-hand experience?
We are currently looking at similar sized cars to replace our Clio, I personally think the X1 offers better value than the Countryman but does lack the quirky touches of the Mini.
Check out the new Evoque if it's in budget - my dad's just got an R-Dynamic SE and it is wonderful in terms of tech and comfort.
Check out the new Evoque if it's in budget - my dad's just got an R-Dynamic SE and it is wonderful in terms of tech and comfort.
We had the Countryman Cooper S with JCW spec last year and i liked it. The ride is very hard with the JCW set-up and big alloys but the spec was good and very quick.
Boot is a good size, and with the seats folded down you have plenty of storage. Not driven the PHEV, but the 1.5 3 cylinder is very good and gets good MPG. Plus with the Mini there is loads of options to spec it to your taste.
We pick up a new X1 in a few months, but not had a chance to drive a demo version.
Boot is a good size, and with the seats folded down you have plenty of storage. Not driven the PHEV, but the 1.5 3 cylinder is very good and gets good MPG. Plus with the Mini there is loads of options to spec it to your taste.
We pick up a new X1 in a few months, but not had a chance to drive a demo version.
Challo said:
We had the Countryman Cooper S with JCW spec last year and i liked it. The ride is very hard with the JCW set-up and big alloys but the spec was good and very quick.
Boot is a good size, and with the seats folded down you have plenty of storage. Not driven the PHEV, but the 1.5 3 cylinder is very good and gets good MPG. Plus with the Mini there is loads of options to spec it to your taste.
We pick up a new X1 in a few months, but not had a chance to drive a demo version.
That’s good to know. I think heart is saying Countryman. Between us we’ve had 5 Minis and we like the brand and styling. I spoke to another couple of Mini dealers today who suggested to expect a 16-20 mile electric range on the PHEV.Boot is a good size, and with the seats folded down you have plenty of storage. Not driven the PHEV, but the 1.5 3 cylinder is very good and gets good MPG. Plus with the Mini there is loads of options to spec it to your taste.
We pick up a new X1 in a few months, but not had a chance to drive a demo version.
Had a quick look at the T-Cross and T-Roc at lunchtime. Not a huge difference size-wise from what I could see. Difficult to gauge when not next to the Countryman or XC40 but the rear middle seat looked a bit of a squeeze and boot looked smaller. They bothe seemed quite dark and claustrophobic inside, but I think the black on black interior is probably a factor there.
Did you opt for leather in the Mini? I’m surprised how many have cloth...
Mefster said:
That’s good to know. I think heart is saying Countryman. Between us we’ve had 5 Minis and we like the brand and styling. I spoke to another couple of Mini dealers today who suggested to expect a 16-20 mile electric range on the PHEV.
Had a quick look at the T-Cross and T-Roc at lunchtime. Not a huge difference size-wise from what I could see. Difficult to gauge when not next to the Countryman or XC40 but the rear middle seat looked a bit of a squeeze and boot looked smaller. They bothe seemed quite dark and claustrophobic inside, but I think the black on black interior is probably a factor there.
Did you opt for leather in the Mini? I’m surprised how many have cloth...
The good thing on the countryman was the double sunroof which made it lighter inside. We had the half leather sports seats in ours. My OH loves the minis, they just seem more fun.Had a quick look at the T-Cross and T-Roc at lunchtime. Not a huge difference size-wise from what I could see. Difficult to gauge when not next to the Countryman or XC40 but the rear middle seat looked a bit of a squeeze and boot looked smaller. They bothe seemed quite dark and claustrophobic inside, but I think the black on black interior is probably a factor there.
Did you opt for leather in the Mini? I’m surprised how many have cloth...
We have a Countryman Cooper S (Exclusive) for the wife and she adores it - best car she's ever had in her words. She had a Cooper SD before that. I really rather like it as well and use it frequently as a runabout. It's not likely to make the hairs stand up on your arms from driving pleasure but as a vehicle for taking persons from Point A to Point B it is bloody lovely. I think we're getting about 36/37 mpg currently.
Hope that helps!
Hope that helps!
Wife has Countryman PHEV. Early ones have smaller battery ~7kwh, newer ~10kwh. Ours is newer, Exclusive too, nice place to be and it is a nice and fun steer for 'SUV'. However road noise insulation is non-existant.
Electric range 18-24 miles (in winter, with preheating from mains). If you don't plug in - mpg is pretty bad ~35 mpg, so not very economical in long distance travel. We have home charging point installed, full charge £1.6 at standard 15p/kwh tariff, £2 with battery and interior pre-heating. Overall - 75 mpg.
Like all MINI's - very spec sensitive, and everything is extra. Our's is £39k list, and still does not have most essentials. Bough via carwow.
Electric range 18-24 miles (in winter, with preheating from mains). If you don't plug in - mpg is pretty bad ~35 mpg, so not very economical in long distance travel. We have home charging point installed, full charge £1.6 at standard 15p/kwh tariff, £2 with battery and interior pre-heating. Overall - 75 mpg.
Like all MINI's - very spec sensitive, and everything is extra. Our's is £39k list, and still does not have most essentials. Bough via carwow.
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