I have a reasonably firm opinion that Mini should deliver on a simple "less is more" philosophy.
Two recent product moves by Mini have seen the introduction of the Countryman sport utility vehicle and the debut of an entry level $27,990 Mini Ray model.
A Mini priced with a small premium over a Suzuki Swift or Ford Fiesta fits my thinking. A chunky five-door Mini wagon weighing 1405kg with a $70,000-plus pricetag (when lavishly optioned) makes me think this brand is now being stretched too far. And calling something Countryman when driving on rural roads highlights its dynamic shortcomings only confirms my cynicism.
Mini's fourth bodystyle was launched in New Zealand a couple of months ago with a choice of engines and a $46,900 starting price for the 90kW 1.6-litre Cooper version with two wheel drive and a six-speed manual transmission.
In Cooper S ALL4 specification - with four-wheel-drive system and the punchy 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine - the Countryman is priced from $61,990. Optioned up with 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, dual glass sunroofs, Chilli pack upgrade and other details such as the anthracite headliner ($420), storage package ($750) and other extras and the test car has an eye-watering $74,540 pricetag.
To put things into a context of "how much SUV to I get for my money?" the $61,650 base price is more expensive than full-size seven-seat SUVs like the Mazda CX-9 and Toyota Highlander Limited. And a Ford Territory TS AWD Diesel is $64,990.
It's a market sector where a Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI 4x4 costs under $50,000 and the Countryman is firmly in the same price territory as the baby BMW X1.
The Countryman looks big by Mini traditions and yet it remains small in the overall scheme of SUVs. It's only 4110mm long with a 2595mm wheelbase but is wide-bodied at 1789mm. Part of the impression of size comes from the blunt and high nose design and in this case its emphasised by the test vehicle simply because white cars usually look bigger.
The 1598cc direct injected turbo engine develops 135kW at 5500rpm and has peak torque of 240Nm available anywhere from as low as 1600rpm all the way to 5000rpm. The accessibility of maximum torque and the smooth shifting six-speed automatic transmission - with steering wheel paddle shift system - gives the Cooper S Countryman a responsive and refined powertrain.
Highway cruising at 100km/h requires only 2000rpm in sixth gear or 2600rpm in fifth while another downshift into fourth equates to a much busier 3400rpm. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.1L/100km and my road test averaged 8.3L/100km. If you want an example of how much extra fuel it takes to move the weight, aerodynamic shape and added friction of a four-wheel drive system for an SUV the Mini Cooper S hatch with the same engine and transmission has combined cycle fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km.
The Countryman also has a smaller fuel tank (47 litres instead of 50) than the Mini hatch which with the increased consumption begins to limit the range quite significantly. While the engine and transmission work together to provide very flexible performance it's the chassis tuning which is weakness of the Cooper S Countryman.
The suspension feels stiff with a uncomfortable abruptness and intrusive thumping across reflective cats' eyes and small level changes.
Driving the Countryman on country roads confirms it's been tuned for smooth surfaces. Across bumps and corrugations it loses it composure and will even change its line over moderately lumpy sections of roads.
Some of this can be attributed to the optional wheel and tyre package on the test car. The standard 17-inch alloys and 205/55 R17 tyres had been replaced by wider 18-inch wheels with 225/45 R18 Goodyear EfficientGrip radials.
Although it uses quality materials the interior is unconvincing. The focal point is the traditional Mini centre-mounted circular speedometer which has been super-sized to almost comic proportions. Yet the actual speedometer that forms the outer part of the circular display is very difficult to read and I relied on the small digital readout on the instrument panel.
Some of the ergonomics and switchgear are awkward and are dictated more by style than by function. Storage space is limited to a small glovebox, stylish but not particularly useful door bins and two cup holders which seem too close to the floor.
But seating comfort is good with Cooper S models have a sports seat design which is well bolstered. The driver's seat has manual cushion height adjustment, slide and recline movements and a manual lumbar support adjuster.
Even with the sunroof installation there is reasonable headroom front and rear, something helped by a design that tilts both the front and rear glass panels and allows the front to slide back across the top of the rear. A mesh sunshade is also fitted.
There's good rear footwell space and with the rear seat slid back and thanks to some deep scalloping in the backs of the front seats and the upright seating position there is decent rear kneeroom. The rear seat is 40/20/40 split folding backrest and a 60/40 split cushion that can be slid fore-aft to vary load and passenger space. The Countryman has 350 litres load space and extends to 1170 litres.
All Countryman models have a trip computer, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a sports steering wheel and front fog lamps. Across the board safety features include Dynamic Stability Control, six airbags, seat belt reminder, three-point centre rear seat belt, two ISOFIX child seat mountings and two tether hooks. Cooper S models also get rear park distance control and rain sensor wipers as standard equipment.
The so-called Chili pack which costs $4000 comprises a self-dimming mirror, climate air conditioning, a 480-watt Harmon Kardon audio system with 10-speakers, a cloth/leather combination upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlights and dark anthracite interior trim. The dual sunroofs cost $2500.
The Mini Countryman provides distinctive style and reasonably efficient compact SUV packaging at a premium price and with enthusiasm for emphasising retro design themes. In some aspects those themes mean style conspires to defeat function.
THE NUMBERS
Engine 1598cc 16-valve direct injection turbocharged petrol
Maximum output 135kW at 5500rpm
Maximum torque 240Nm at 1600-5000rpm
Length 4110mm
Width 1789mm
Height 1561mm
Wheelbase 2595mm
Kerb weight 1405kg
Fuel tank capacity 47 litres
Wheels 18 x 7.5-inch alloy
Tyres Goodyear EfficientGrip 225/45 R18 run-flat radial
BOOT SPACE: Throw your gear in and hit the road.
SAFETY:
Dual front airbags
Front seat side and curtain airbags
Front seatbelt pretensioners and load force limiters
Dynamic Stability Control and Traction Control
Antilock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and emergency brake assist
Active front seat head restraints
Three-point centre rear seat belt
2 x ISOFIX child seat at mounts
2 x child seat tether points
Alarm and immobiliser security system
CRASH TEST RATING:
Euro NCAP rating (2010 test): Overall rating
FUEL ECONOMY:
Combined (claimed): 8.1 litres per 100km
Auto Parade test results
Combined: 8.3 litres per 100km
MORE INFORMATION:
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