High-performance version of Mini’s new family SUV promises to liven up the school run On sale Spring Price from £41,520
Lawrence Cheung lawrence.cheung@haymarket.com
FIRST DRIVE
WHILE THE ELECTRIC Countryman you’ve just read about brings a modern twist to Mini’s family SUV range, those who’d rather have one with a petrol engine will be pleased to see three options are available: an entry-level 1.5-litre Countryman C and the 2.0-litre Countryman S and John Cooper Works (JCW). We’re testing the latter, which packs the most punch with 296bhp and a 0-62mph sprint time of 5.4sec.
While it never feels quite as fast as the official figures suggest, a healthy slug of mid-range muscle will get you up to motorway speed with little trouble. Both 2.0-litre engines come with four-wheel drive (whereas the C is front-wheel drive), so you can make full use of the power out of corners. Meanwhile, the slick seven-speed automatic gearbox is eager to help you access that punch as often as possible, changing down a gear with just a small press of the accelerator pedal. Alternatively, steering wheel-mounted paddles let you take control of the changes yourself, and these react sharply too.
Disappointingly, although there are four exhaust pipes, there’s little to be heard from the rear of the car. However, select the sportier Go Kart drive mode and this pipes an exaggerated engine sound through the speakers. It’s suitably loud when you’re in the mood, but it generates a constant drone in the background when you settle down
