Get going and the closely-spaced ratios help keep the power flowing steadily and make the most of the fuel. There is Eco mode for eking out higher fuel efficiency, but it dulls the responses down a bit. In Sport, it dismisses the 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.4 seconds and posts a 16-second quarter-mile time. Not bad at all! It also saw the efficiency drop to the lowest double-digit figure, but that’s still credible for a 1.5-tonne car with close to 200 PS and all of them actively engaged for the most part there. However, Mid mode is where I spent a lot of time, especially once off the comfort of highway tarmac. It did well to make for the best driving experience on the rough terrain. Taking some bends saw physics overcome the suspension and a bit of body-roll presented itself. However, responses were still excellent. The paddle-laden steering is firm and nicely weighted in pretty much all modes and that helps keep things calm and adds to the feeling of stability. That said, it’s an exciting car to look at, in some ways, but the performance is more sensible — something that bolsters its everyday ability.
The Cooper S Countryman is a unique Mini. It’s more than the Cooper five-door but less than the Clubman six-door. It fits in everywhere yet stands out, too. There is the Mini charm omnipresent, but with more than a dash of practicality. There’s also the SD turbo-diesel if that’s what you fancy, but, honestly, both the turbo motors’ torque output peaks well below 2,000 rpm anyway, so a chunk of bottom-end grunt is on offer pretty much just above idle. Use Eco or Mid drive modes and it’s great for city use and maximizing fuel efficiency. Sharpen it up with Sport mode and enjoy the drive. It handles all roles well and makes a good case for itself. Not just grown in size, is it? It’s a grown-up car for those who want their share of fun without falling for the masses’ luxury brand aspirations.
Need to Know – Mini Cooper S Countryman JCW-Inspired
Price: Rs 41.40 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol
Max Power: 192 PS @ 5,000-6,000 rpm
Max Torque: 280 Nm @ 1,350-4,600 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, front-wheel drive
Suspension: MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear
Ground Clearance: 165 mm
Boot Volume: 450 litres
COMPETITION CHECK
BMW X1 sDrive 20i
Bavarian badge and interior. Identical platform and drivetrain.
Price: Rs 37.50 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol
Output: 192 PS, 280 Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed, automatic, front-wheel drive
Ground Clearance: 183 mm
Boot Volume: 505 litres
Mercedes-Benz GLA 200
Entry luxury compact SUV with a star on the bonnet.
Price: Rs 34.38 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol
Output: 184 PS, 300 Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Ground Clearance: 183 mm
Boot Volume: 421 litres
Audi Q3 30 TFSI
Entry luxury compact SUV with four rings on the bonnet.
Price: Rs 34.73 lakh (ex-showroom)
Engine: 1.4-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol
Output: 150 PS, 250 Nm
Transmission: Six-speed, dual-clutch automatic, front-wheel drive
Ground Clearance: 200 mm
Boot Volume: 460 litres
Also read: Mini Cooper JCW Pro Edition Road Test Review
