Hot summer in a cool Mini
The Christmas break was an excellent opportunity to spend time with friends, family and of course the Countryman. Sweltering heat as experienced over the holiday season could not deteriorate the ice cool looks of the Mini and it kept drawing jealous glances from many fellow motorists during the Mini-adventures undertaken…
As we are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country (sorry Gautengers), we decided to take day trips and explore some of the destinations in and around Cape Town. The Countryman obliged and showed us Riebeeck Kasteel, Darling, Yzerfontein and a couple of wine farms to name a few. The cruising ability was better than expected with such a hard suspension setup and we reached each destination fresh and ready for action. It was noted that the cruise control was a bit aggressive and would readily change gears at even the slightest incline. The small fuel range (400km) does become a bit of an irritation as it constantly feel like you are searching for the next fuel station.
Another little niggle found was that the cover under the sunroof made of netting material still lets enough sunshine through to burn a scalp or strain the eyes. Otherwise the interior looks as fresh as the day it arrived. Switchgear on the centre console is still difficult to locate even after three month’s of practice. The smile-evoking design makes up for the ergonomic failures, though.
Apart from shuttling family around and performing the role of a tour guide, I had the opportunity to take the car out on a few runs where it was put through its paces. It feels if the engine is loosening up nicely and the Mini has a definite sporty character not dissimilar to a that of a hot hatch. Handling on smooth roads is commendable and feels unaffected by the higher centre of gravity accompanying a SUV. It was, however, found that any road imperfections mid corner would upset the handling characteristics and dilute the driving pleasure somewhat.
The name Countryman would suggest that the vehicle can be used on the odd dirt road as one would living on a farm or on the way to a camp site. Let the record clearly state that the Countryman is really a city slicker and should not carry a Leatherman on the belt. The hard suspension and low-profile tyres hate unpaved roads and send an uneasy feeling to the steering wheel. As long as the driver keeps to a sensible speed all is fine but a sigh of relief will still be uttered when a tar surface appears in the distance…
This is a small price to pay for a vehicle that makes any other car on the road seem boring. Yes it is expensive but nothing this side of a Range Rover Evoque stands out more in a parking lot than the Countryman, especially in ice white with black wheels and black roof. I am looking forward to the next chapter of Mini adventures.
Fast Facts
Price: R 365 802
Engine: 1,6 litre, four, in-line, turbocharged
Power: 135 kW at 5 500 r/min
Torque: 240 Nm at 1 600 r/min
0 – 100 km/h: 8,7 secs
Current mileage: 6 427 km
Fuel consumption to date: 10,58 litres/100 km
We like: styling, handling, performance
We don’t like: small boot, limited fuel range, dirt road capability