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The Countryman SD uses the same engine as the BMW X1
Performance – The MINI Countryman SD is powered by a bigger diesel engine compared to the other MINI Cooper models which employ a 3-cylinder unit. This one borrows its oil burner from the BMW X1 and thus the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder mill produces 190 HP and 400 Nm which is considerable for a front-wheel-drive car (no ALL4 options for MINIs in India). Performance is brisk, there is good punch throughout the rev range and the mid-range is very strong, the engine redlining till 5000 RPM with a sporty snarl in the top-end.
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The diesel engine has a good mid-range and screams in the top end
The diesel engine is so punchy that this MINI wheelspins & even has launch control for that added flare
The motor is refined but at idle, you can feel it’s a diesel, typical of most BMW engines due to the use of aluminium. The 8-speed automatic gearbox is fast with shifts but could do with quicker downshifts when you prod the accelerator in urgency. The big gripe though is the lack of paddle shifters and although there is the tiptronic function on the gear lever to manually take control of things, the gearbox will not hold onto a gear and will upshift. There are 3 driving modes – Green, Mid and Sport which alter the engine, gearbox and the steering.
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The gearbox could do with faster downshifts and even lacks paddle shifters
There is just too much thrust on offer for the front wheels to handle and traction control can be turned off in 2 steps, first still keeps it on but less intrusive but keep the traction control button pressed for long and it turns off completely. There is launch control on offer and when you do launch it, the wheels spin hard, even slipping on upshift. Fuel economy is good at 12 km/l and being a diesel, the Countryman SD is a frugal car.
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The steering offerss good feedback and there is minimal body roll
Driving Dynamics – The second generation MINI Countryman is underpinned by the UKL2 platform which is also used by the BMW X1. The vehicle feels light on its feet, the steering is easy to twirl at low speeds and the suspension is on the stiffer side. Naturally, handling being the USP of MINI cars is absolutely phenomenal on the Countryman as well, in spite of this crossover not really being small by any means. The steering is very accurate, offers great feel and feedback and body roll is well contained too.
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The Countryman feels light and fun to drive
The Countryman offers superb handling, but the ride quality is on the stiffer side
However, the ride is quite stiff, you can feel a lot inside the cabin on bad roads although the ride becomes better as the speeds increase, high-speed stability being excellent. The tyres offer decent grip, they could have been more grippy though considering the torque on offer. The brakes on the MINI Countryman offer surefooted stopping power with good feedback on the brake pedal.
