For some time, the Mini Countryman has been considered the largest mini model, which can also satisfy the basic family needs and the customer's wishes for easier entry and higher seating. However, when the cooper SD ALL4 is added to its name, it means even more sporty driving, even off-road, and economical consumption.
Of some kind mini SUV, which in combination with All4 four-wheel drive it can also overcome many more difficult transport obstacles, but its low belly and road tires mostly stop it when it comes to off-road adventures. But in step with fashion trends, it offers what customers want and that is "to be taller". At the same time, the question arises as to whether it is an abbreviation cooper S, which in the brand means pronounced sportsmanship and dynamism, can be combined with the letter D, which means a diesel heart and thus frugality.
We got it for a test country mana cooper SD, which visually differs from the gasoline-powered Cooper S only by the additional letter on the rear of the vehicle, while the side sills still say: Cooper S, and the characteristic letter eS is also on the temporary gills on the fenders and the engine hood. Design-wise, everything is nice and right, including the two exhaust pipes at the rear and the contours of only these adapted to the rear bumper, and the designers didn't even forget about the details in the form of re-appearing air intakes. 17-inch rims, which are standard on this model, work pleasantly and almost necessarily, we didn't even miss more than that.
Upon entering, it becomes clear that the countryman is a typical mini and that it is sitting really noticeable higher, and that's it better also transparency over what is happening around the vehicle. There is a lot of chrome and hard plastic that we don't like so much, they also added a concrete measure to it piano blacks, which raises the image. A huge and distinctive center gauge also found a place at the top of the upright center console in the countryman, and the ergonomics, like the others, are self-contained and take some getting used to. Quite a few switches are placed quite low and behind the gear lever, the air conditioning is automatic, but only one is zoned. Navigation device (which requires an additional payment) is nicely placed in the previously mentioned center gauge, so in front of the driver there is only a smaller rev counter and a digital speed display.
The driver's workspace is sporty, in terms of space, it is much more airy than other models of this brand, but do not expect space miracles. There are many attention-grabbing details that let passengers know they are sitting in the car higher price class, among these it is worth mentioning the ambient lighting with many color combinations, the aluminum leds on which there is a case for glasses in piano black, and we could go on and on.
In the second row, the buyer has the option to choose from two separate seats and a classic bench seat. We would rather choose the latter in favor of the familiality mentioned in the introduction. The trunk is not record-breakingly large, but it is well finished and has a convenient double bottom, under which you can actually put something concrete. In terms of equipment, this is a typical mini (it almost reminded us of a BMW), which means that you basically get all the essentials and some treats, but for premium feelings you have to dig into your pocket extra (and quite deep). Parking aids, xenon lights, navigation, panoramic roof, etc... all this comes from the list of additional payments.
It was spinning under the hood 2.0 liter diesel, which we already know well from the place under the hoods of various BMW models. It is accompanied by a typical Robat sound at start-up, which is also well audible inside, but at the same time it pulls nicely and does not resist revs. 105 kW and (only) 305 Nm of torque, seems in practice to be enough for the vast majority, and it is also confirmed to be sufficiently powerful in practice. We have to say, however, that based on the letter on the side of the vehicle, we expected a bit more of that Cooper S "kick", because the acceleration, even when pressing the sport button, is not as much as we expected. The engine never overpowers and somehow we felt it needed it additional 20 kW, as it would be much closer to its petrol brother in terms of capabilities and thus more worthy of the letter S in the name. Since the vast majority do not need that much power after all, we must note that, given the dimensions and weight, this is a more than sufficiently bouncy, dry little one. However, the letter D is known for the consumption, which was around seven liters in the test, which is a solid, but nothing breathtaking figure considering the four-wheel drive. The average has stabilized at 7.4-liter. However, the range is quite limited due to the relatively small tank.
All4 four-wheel drive it is expected and welcome adaptable, which means that the electronics demarcates the torque on each axle according to the current needs, and in fast-driving corners, allocates a greater amount (percentage) of torque to the rear wheels, which puts a smile on the driver's face, and the car feels like a fish in a twisty mountain section. leads.
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30,400 euros as much as the "basic" cooper SD costs, given the badge on the nose, it is as expected, and the extras that the tester was able to increase this amount by just under ten thousand, which, considering everything, is quite concrete salted price. You get almost for that fully equipped mini, but yeah, still just a mini. For this money, you can get a D-segment business limousine from the parent company BMW. By this, we mean that we know which one the vast majority of "Slovenes" would choose.
More information about the model: www.mini.si/countryman/cooperSD
Price of the test model: 30,400 euros (basic), 39,259 euros (test)
