2014 MINI Cooper Countryman Car views

2014 MINI Cooper Countryman Car views

The 2014 MINI Countryman puts the brand’s fun-to-drive spirit into the body of a versatile compact crossover.

• Interior / Exterior »

The MINI Countryman doesn’t exactly look like what we’ve come to know as a modern MINI, but it doesn’t not look like it, either. There are some similarities of proportion and style, but parked beside each other, the differences are obvious.



That said, the MINI Cooper Countryman in its many forms, including S, ALL4, and John Cooper Works cuts a unique figure. Sure to stand out from the crossover crowd in any office parking lot, the aggressive front-end, wide grille, flared fenders, and trim dimensions combine to give a sense of fun and athleticism not often found in the segment.
The lines themselves are modern and sculpted, but the upright nose, short hood, floating roof, and big round headlights are variations on MINI traditions.
The interior of the Countryman is, like its Hardtop and other counterparts, quirky. Big circular gauges dominate the information displays, while ovals, levers, and switches form the rest of the control theme. MINI wings flutter throughout the cockpit.
New for this year on all Countryman models is a John Cooper Works appearance package, which lets buyers add the sporty style of the JCW model without the added expense of the performance upgrades.

• Performance »

The Countryman might not be the MINI-est of MINIs, but it still follows the brand’s familiar rubric: base model, Cooper S, John Cooper Works. Except the Countryman throws in a crossover special feature: ALL4 all-wheel drive.

The five-door body of the Countryman varies only in accoutrement; each model’s chassis is fundamentally the same. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all of the engines are 1.6-liter four-cylinders, both normally aspirated and turbocharged. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a six-speed automatic is available on all models.

The base Countryman gets 121 horsepower from the sans turbo version of the engine, getting it to 60 mph in about 10 seconds. If that seems slow, it is; a Prius is a bit quicker. Using the Sport button improves the responsiveness of the automatic-transmission version, but it lacks paddles for driver engagement.
Upgrade to the Cooper S if you’d like a dash of sport with your quirky crossover, as its 181-horsepower rating from the turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder gives the Countryman a much-needed sense of pep. The Cooper S Countryman scoots to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.
The 211-horsepower John Cooper Works Countryman is where the fun is to be had, though. Zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds isn’t much quicker than the Cooper S, but a sharper setup and appearance helps get the most out of the Countryman’s performance potential.

All-wheel drive in the form of the ALL4 system is available on Cooper and Cooper S models, and is standard on the JCW Countryman. It’s not intended for rugged off-road use (nor is the Countryman itself) but it does enhance traction in low-grip situations like gravel roads, snow, or rain. An electronically activated differential splits power 50:50 front-to-rear in normal driving, and up to 100 percent rearward when traction fails in front. An electronic limited-slip differential is standard.
All MINIs are comparatively light and nimble for their segments; the Countryman is no different, except that it is very different–from other MINIs, at least. The height and weight of the Countryman are noticeably greater than that of the standard MINI. Accordingly, the go kart-like feel is traded for something more like hatchback-like feel. Ultimately, however, that’s markedly sportier and nimbler than most other crossovers, compact or otherwise. Electric steering delivers rather positive feedback, the Countryman’s brakes offer good bite and pedal feel, and ride quality is good for a fairly short-wheelbase vehicle.

That said, the Countryman is also the vehicle that will bring MINI tens of thousands of new customers who love the MINI brand but need the functionality of a crossover utility. And it delivers an endearing look wrapped around a feature-packed interior, which combine to offer a modern take on the idea of a small utility vehicle–shrinking the bulk (somewhat) without cutting too deeply into capability.
There’s no doubt upon seeing the Countryman that it’s a MINI, though side-by-side, you’d be hard-pressed to point to similarities. This styling magic captures the overall MINI effect in a completely different form, but still rings true to the brand and the vehicle’s purpose.
With three performance levels from Cooper to Cooper S to John Cooper Works, plus available ALL4 all-wheel drive, there are many ways to outfit a Countryman. Both manual and automatic six-speed transmissions are also available. If you’re after maximum bang-for-the-buck, the Cooper ALL4 might hit the spot; the John Cooper Works ALL4 is the hotshoe’s seat.

Cargo space is an inevitable compromise of the Countryman’s compact exterior dimensions, but with an typical sedan’s trunk behind the rear seats and up to 40 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, there’s still enough space for even a busy daily routine.
On the safety front, the 2014 MINI Countryman hasn’t been tested yet, but it does offer a strong set of standard safety equipment. Last year’s model earned a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, too–and this year’s Countryman is mechanically and structurally identical.
As with any other MINI, the array of equipment and appearance combinations for the Countryman are essentially endless. Well-configured in base form, but upgradeable to a number of high-tech and luxury features, there’s a Countryman for almost anyone–but beware the bottom line as you tick all of the boxes.
Photo Gallery: MINI Cooper Cars

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