3 – 2013 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 (80.26%)
In third place, we have the fun-to-drive, smile-inducing MINI. Loveable for its looks and heritage, the Countryman is MINI’s answer to all the naysayers who felt MINIs couldn’t be practical, family vehicles. Equipped with all-wheel drive, a three-person backseat and four doors, this Cooper is all about being efficient for everyday life.
Let’s start with the bad (since there is much more good when it comes to the MINI). Right away, it’s the Countryman’s price that landed it in third place. As the most expensive of the bunch, it’s hard to justify the premium when you can get the same amenities and, essentially, performance in a vehicle that will cost you about $58k less. However, MINI owners (and those who wish to become MINI owners) will defend their purchase price till the EVs come home as being totally worth it -- and with good reason.
Outfitted with a 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged engine good for 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is one of the peppiest in the lineup. The MINI was one of the fastest off the line in our 0-25mm test, and in non-winter conditions MINI says it will hit 100km from standstill in 7.8 seconds (with the 6-speed auto, as tested). All testers agreed that the MINI offered a most enjoyable time behind the wheel with good engine response, excellent acceleration and an exhaust note that had all drivers grinning.
The ALL4’s permanent 50/50 all-wheel drive is also quite impressive, boasting the ability to push as much as 100% of the power to the rear wheels in extreme conditions. Of course, the AWD components on the MINI also meant that most of the drivers felt the MINI’s weight -- this isn’t a lightweight hatch Cooper, after all.
Exterior and interior looks of the 2013 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 can be polarizing, and have been since it was first introduced in 2010. Some find it too boxy and square to be called a MINI, while others feel it follows the company’s styling cues perfectly. Inside, the larger-than-life, middle-mounted speedometer is another point of design contention and had some intrigued, while others were annoyed and didn’t see the point.
All confirmed the seats in the MINI Countryman were sporty, yet comfortable. Room in the back seat is limited, but at least there is the option to try and squeeze a third human being in there (though we recommend they be of the small variety). And with 460 litres of cargo space, the MINI was far from the most spacious, but was not the worst and the 4moms Origami stroller fit quite nicely, as did the baby seat.
In third place, we have the fun-to-drive, smile-inducing MINI. Loveable for its looks and heritage, the Countryman is MINI’s answer to all the naysayers who felt MINIs couldn’t be practical, family vehicles. Equipped with all-wheel drive, a three-person backseat and four doors, this Cooper is all about being efficient for everyday life.
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| Some find it too boxy and square to be called a MINI, while others feel it follows the company's styling cues perfectly. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |
Let’s start with the bad (since there is much more good when it comes to the MINI). Right away, it’s the Countryman’s price that landed it in third place. As the most expensive of the bunch, it’s hard to justify the premium when you can get the same amenities and, essentially, performance in a vehicle that will cost you about $58k less. However, MINI owners (and those who wish to become MINI owners) will defend their purchase price till the EVs come home as being totally worth it -- and with good reason.
Outfitted with a 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged engine good for 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 is one of the peppiest in the lineup. The MINI was one of the fastest off the line in our 0-25mm test, and in non-winter conditions MINI says it will hit 100km from standstill in 7.8 seconds (with the 6-speed auto, as tested). All testers agreed that the MINI offered a most enjoyable time behind the wheel with good engine response, excellent acceleration and an exhaust note that had all drivers grinning.
The ALL4’s permanent 50/50 all-wheel drive is also quite impressive, boasting the ability to push as much as 100% of the power to the rear wheels in extreme conditions. Of course, the AWD components on the MINI also meant that most of the drivers felt the MINI’s weight -- this isn’t a lightweight hatch Cooper, after all.
Exterior and interior looks of the 2013 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 can be polarizing, and have been since it was first introduced in 2010. Some find it too boxy and square to be called a MINI, while others feel it follows the company’s styling cues perfectly. Inside, the larger-than-life, middle-mounted speedometer is another point of design contention and had some intrigued, while others were annoyed and didn’t see the point.
All confirmed the seats in the MINI Countryman were sporty, yet comfortable. Room in the back seat is limited, but at least there is the option to try and squeeze a third human being in there (though we recommend they be of the small variety). And with 460 litres of cargo space, the MINI was far from the most spacious, but was not the worst and the 4moms Origami stroller fit quite nicely, as did the baby seat.
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| Inside, the larger-than-life, middle-mounted speedometer is another point of design contention and had some intrigued, while others were annoyed and didn't see the point. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour) |