Mini Cooper S Countryman Rocks On

Mini Cooper S Countryman

The range starts at $43,700 and runs to $57,500 for the All4. Or at least it did until a limited edition model arrived recently. The model you see here, the Rock field edition, is based on the Mini Cooper S Countryman which starts at $51,500, and with a claimed $17,000 worth of accessories it costs $59,900 configured as a front-drive manual or auto.

Mini Cooper S Countryman Interior

Which begs the question – what do you get for that extra $8,400? The John Cooper Works exterior body kit for starters, along with 18-inch blackened wheels, bixenon lights and sports suspension. Inside, there’s an updated Harmon/Kardon sound system, carbon fibre bits, Mini navigation system, an interior lights package, on-board computer, leather upholstery, a sports wheel with paddle shifters, full trip computer and the list goes on.

We’ve not tried out the front drive manual version of Countryman before, only the full-dress All4 auto version. This Rock field version is oddly named given its 2WD status. However, the front-driver Countryman models are quicker; the auto All 4 needed 8.4sec to hit open road speed, while the almost 100kg lighter Rock field edition managed it in 7.7sec.

Its power-to-weight is magic; few other small crossovers feel this energetic. With a close-ratio gearbox and 270Nm available from 2,000rpm, it’s a bit of a weapon firing down back roads, especially above 3,500rpm. Third gear is ideal for overtaking, 80-120 taking under five seconds. Yet back in town it will happily toddle to school in fourth or fifth gear at 50km/h, and pull with some vigour too, especially with the Sport button activated. Pity it defaults to normal each time you kill the ignition.

Mini Cooper S Countryman Rear

While it’s fun in a straight line, it is no Mini hatch in tight going. Not that there aren’t parallels; the razor-sharp steering helps it change direction quickly. But the extra weight and added ground clearance (149mm in total) mean it pushes into under steer earlier, like any crossover. Ease back a bit and you can still rock on quickly enough because the firm sway bars keep roll at bay. Pity the retro-look seats don’t pin you in better, and the ride with the sport suspension is occasionally abrupt.

There are some practical aspects that could sway things. While there’s good head and leg room in the rear, along with easy access, it’s only really good for two people. And the luggage bay takes a mere 350L of gear. Sure, it can be expanded to 450L when the rear seats are pushed right forwards but then they’re useless for all but amputees and the added luggage space isn’t really useful in a practical sense. Removing the boot floor adds some load height because there’s no spare wheel but where then do you stow it? Even split folding the rear seats isn’t that easy with three lots of straps, and intermediate seat back positions to bypass when reversing the procedure. And while we’re on about silly things, the layout of minor controls down low at the base of the centre console is an ergonomic trial, especially as buttons like Sport are used frequently. Even getting to your take-away coffee isn’t that easy.

So, an expensive quirky thing, or a zany performance crossover? Actually, a bit of both. If you like the looks – not all do – and you don’t need much space – not all do – then you might fall for the charms of the Cooper S Rock field edition. Just be aware there are roomier, better handling estates out there for similar money. However, if it’s a roomier dose of Mini-ness you’re after…