BMW Mini Countryman: compact, but surprisingly versatile
The Mini Countryman is slightly larger than its predecessors, but it is the modern answer to what a utility vehicle should be, Ireson says. It comes in an all-wheel drive option and offers both manual and automatic six-speed transmission.
BMW's Mini Countryman, a compact crossover, is surprisingly versatile while coming in its characteristically small size.
BMW/AP/File
The MINI Countryman is an answer to a question you may not know to ask, but it's one worth hearing. Compact, feature-packed, and surprisingly versatile, the Countryman is a modern take on what a utility vehicle should be.
Styling leaves little doubt the Countryman is a MINI, though closer inspection yields little in the way of specific detail borrowed from the Cooper Hardtop hatchback. It's more a matter of capturing the overall MINI effect, which the Countryman does both inside and out, despite its larger size.
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.
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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.
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