2011 MINI Cooper Countryman Reviews

2011 Mini Cooper Countryman

Taking the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman out for a test drive was a fascinating experience, because we didn't know what to expect. We drove over some hard gravel and dirt roads and through some rough weather, and the Mini performed admirably.

The initial turn of the wheel produced a sharp turn of the car, but as the car went through the turn, the handling gradually became less light and more robust. The world of the traditional Mini Cooper and the world of the SUV are so diametrically opposed that any crossover is bound not to be perfect.

The Countryman comes with 4-seat and 5-seat options, with either one offering plenty of back seat head and leg room. Trunk space was decent, definitely superior to the original Mini Cooper, and driver head room was drastically improved.

The 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is a new crossover from Mini that’s both sporty and family-friendly. Mini Coopers aren’t practical family cars. The Countryman changes this. The 2011 Countryman also has the most cargo space in Mini's lineup with a maximum of 41.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The Countryman has a lot more cargo room than the Cooper Hardtop, but it’s easily beat by many affordable small cars like the Honda Fit that are cheaper and roomier.

The 2011 Cooper Countryman occupies a weird place in the market. One thing the Juke can match is the Countryman’s performance. Its 1.6-liter engine makes 188 horsepower, which is seven more than the Cooper S Countryman, and 67 more than the base Countryman.

The Mini Countryman is a new model for 2011. It’s also Mini Cooper’s first crossover, which means it’s larger and rides higher off the ground than the Mini Cooper Hardtop or the Mini Clubman. In addition to being larger in size, Mini added another first to the Countryman’s features list with an optional all-wheel drive system Mini calls ALL4.

Their newest attempt is the Countryman, which carries the Mini name, but not the size. The interior is stunningly massive, similar to that of a large car. The larger the Mini, the less it drives like one. If you choose to opt for the more expensive Cooper S Countryman, you can get the 181 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder. Helping put that power on the road is a front-wheel drive system. The car can also be given a four-wheel drive system, called the ALL4. While it might not be as fast as the Cooper, it’s still a decent car to drive. That downward kink at the rear of the roofline helps the car keep Mini’s floating roof, which has become a trademark of the company. Step inside the Countryman and you will take notice at how Mini has grown up.

If you choose the four-seat Countryman, you will find a long central rail that runs from the front of the car to the rear.--It’s more practical than the Cooper and is pretty good to drive. The interior is spacious, but it keeps the traditional Mini style.--Why We Hate It - Some of the Mini driving characteristics have been lost due to the car’s size.