Short test: Mini Countryman SD All4

We have become accustomed to the growth of machines. At least they don't get heavier anymore, but growth isn't always the best. Take a look at a simple, basic Mini. Once upon a time it was a practical tiny car, as if made for the urban crowd. Now it has become bolder, so much so that its five-door version is boldly larger than not only the former Mini, but also (for example) the former Golf. Does it have to be that big? According to customer feedback, yes, otherwise it wouldn't sell (and BMW wouldn't even increase it). But in fact, the previous generation was already more than big enough for its purpose.

On the other hand, there is a new Countryman. In any case, it has no historical predecessor, and if you park it next to the previous generation, it becomes noticeable, which is noticeably, almost shockingly larger. And this is not only good, but also great in this case.

From the beginning, the Countryman wanted to be the Mini family cross. While the previous generation did an excellent job of the second part of the title, it burned out a bit in the first. There is less space both in the back and in the trunk.

Space in the new Countryman will not be a problem. A family of four with older children will easily travel in it, there is enough space for her luggage, because the trunk is 450 liters and 100 liters more than before. The seats (also in the back) are comfortable, the front ergonomics are improved, but, of course, a little mini, as it should be for such a car, with different switches and devices. Well, the latter deserve rejuvenation, as they seem a little outdated. Luckily for them, if the Countryman (as has been verified) is equipped with a projection screen, you don't even have to look.

The SD designation on the test Countryman stands for a not-too-smooth but lively two-liter turbodiesel that, with its 190-tonne 1,4-horsepower Countryman engine, rides sovereignly no matter what the cabin and trunk are loaded with. The six-speed automatic handles it well, and overall it can give (despite the diesel in the nose) a bit of a sporty feel, especially if you move the rotary knob around the shifter into sport mode. Even the chassis, and especially the steering wheel, are part of the propulsion technology. The steering is reasonably precise, there's little lean in corners, the chassis isn't too stiff, the Countryman handles rubble well and can be a bit of fun, including sliding the rear end - also because the All4 mark on it means all-wheel drive. .

5,2-liter fuel consumption at the normal level is neither a high achievement nor a bad achievement, but for a thousand more (before the subsidy) or a good three thousand less, you get a Countryman plug-in hybrid. This one is just as lively, but much quieter and (at least in terms of the first kilometers) is also much more economical, especially if you are not on the track all the time. And this is the best choice.

text: Dusan Lukic

photo: Sasha Kapetanovich

Mini Compatriot SD ALL4

Basic data

Base model price:	36.850 €
Test model cost:	51.844 €

Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - displacement 1.995 cm3 - maximum power 140 kW (190 hp) at 4.000 rpm - maximum torque 400 Nm at 1.750-2.500 rpm.
Energy transfer:	the engine drives all four wheels - an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Capacity:	top speed 218 km/h - 0–100 km/h acceleration 7,4 km/h - average combined fuel consumption (ECE) 5,1 l/100 km, CO emissions 133 g/km. 2
Mass:	empty vehicle 1.610 kg - permissible gross weight 2.130 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.299 mm - width 1.822 mm - height 1.557 mm - wheelbase 2.670 mm - trunk 450-1.390 l - fuel tank 51 l.

SD Clubman ALL4 (2017)

Basic data

Technical information

engine:	4-cylinder - 4-stroke - in-line - turbodiesel - leaf spring volume 1.995 cm3 – maximum power 140 kW (190 hp) at 4.000 rpm - maximum torque 400 Nm at 1.750 rpm.
Energy transfer:	engine drives all four wheels - 8-speed automatic gearbox - tires 255/40 R 18 V
Capacity:	222 km/h top speed - 0-100 km/h acceleration 7,2 km/h - Combined average fuel consumption (ECE) 4,8 l/100 km, CO2 emissions 126 g/km.
Mass:	empty car 1.540 kg - permissible gross weight 2.055 kg.
External dimensions:	length 4.253 mm - width 1.800 mm - height 1.441 mm - wheelbase 2.670 mm - trunk 360–1.250 l - fuel tank 48 l.