Nicholas reviews the Mini Countryman. Read his other car reviews. Ed
When the Nissan Juke was reviewed a little while ago, there were murmurs of dissent after I compared it to the Mini Countryman. I was reassured the squat Mini would be more fun to drive, but after spending some time with one at Snows Garage, I can confirmed this isn’t the case.
This is no slur to the Mini however. The Juke is good car that has such a good balance in the way it flows down a twisty road it is comparable to much sportier (and lower) cars.
One thing the Juke can’t match is the Mini’s image and handsome looks. The Juke is love it or hate it; the Mini is just love it.
Retro styling – modern engineering
Based on the styling of the smaller Mini hatchback, the Countryman looks retro but is very modern underneath, with a 110bhp 1.6 diesel engine and all wheel drive. Economy for the diesel is 57.6mpg for a 0-60mph time of 11.1 seconds.
The transition from little hatchback to a bigger, practical family car hasn’t meant the disappearance of the Mini’s characteristic enthusiasm to turn into corners or power out of them with poise. However what has been lost is a little bit of steering feel. In fact, with its raised ride height and super quick steering, it sometimes feels like it’s tripping itself over on the way into corners.
The Nissan Juke loses against the Mini Countryman’s sharp turn in but gains in its ability to connect the driver to the road better than the big Mini. The Juke may not be as keen to turn but you have the ability to play with the throttle round corners to tuck the nose in tighter or push it wide; and this is even with an automatic gearbox. The Mini feels more aloof, less willing to react to subtle driver inputs.
A lot for a car this size
On its own merits, the Countryman is a fine car. It is well built, full of character and makes more sense as a diesel than any other Mini. It also has a great image and works well as either a family car or a bit of fun. It is comfy and quiet and is well specified with toys such as parking sensors fitted as standard. £22,450 is a lot for a car this size, but few can muster the sense of occasion this can.
Whether you prefer the Juke or the Mini is a question of how you like your cars to drive and how you like your cars to look.
Summary
The Countryman’s only disappointment is that it can’t compare to the smaller Mini when you’re driving for pleasure rather than necessity – but not even the Nissan Juke can’t do that. 8/10
Thanks to Snows Mini, Forest Road, for the loan of the vehicle.
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