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Check Drive: 2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman “Untamed” | The Every day Drive

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2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman
2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman in Momentum Gray

2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed

Class: Subcompact Crossover

Shade: Momentum Gray

Miles pushed: 140

CG Report Card
Room and Consolation B
Energy and Efficiency B+
Match and End B+
Gasoline Financial system A-
Worth B-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Client Information’s impressions of all the mannequin lineup.
Large & Tall Consolation
Large Man B+
Tall Man B
Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” ranking primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs 189-horsepower 2.0-liter
Engine Kind Turbo 4
Transmission 8-speed computerized
Drive Wheels AWD

Noticed gasoline economic system: 30.7 mpg

Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway

EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 23/31/26 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Snow Efficiency: N/A

Base value: $37,500 (not together with $850 vacation spot cost)

Choices on take a look at car: Iconic Trim ($4900), MINI Untamed Version ($1500), privateness glass ($500)

Value as examined: $45,250

 

Fast Hits

The nice: Sporty/fun-to-drive character, room and sensible cabin

The great: Glorious gasoline economic system, glorious all-around visibility

The not so good: Expensive for a little bit crossover

 

Tom Appel:

A whole lot of creativity-deprived copywriters have made use of the phrase “dimension issues” to promote issues as diversified as diamonds and fast-food fountain drinks. I don’t really understand how effectively low-cost double entendre helps to maneuver the merchandise, however it most likely doesn’t do a lot for model picture.

However what about perceived dimension? I ask the query as a result of the Mini Cooper Countryman, as a part of the “Mini” household, doubtless suffers considerably from the notion that the small crossover is definitely very small—which it isn’t. Actually, no Mini mannequin is basically all that small.

2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman
2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman

Fact is, the Mini Cooper Countryman is just about 7 inches shorter than the favored Mazda CX-5 small crossover, and roughly the identical dimension in each different dimension. Our level: If you happen to’re excited about a shopping for a small crossover, don’t depart the Countryman off your test-drive listing, particularly if you happen to’re trying to have a little bit enjoyable getting the place you’re going.

The Countryman is the most important car within the Mini lineup which additionally contains the usual 2-door and 4-door “Hardtops,” the 2-door Convertible, and the wagon-like 4-door Clubman. For now, the Clubman and Countryman are the one Mini fashions accessible with AWD.

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2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman
2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman

For 2023 and 2024, the Countryman is obtainable in provided in three trim ranges, base, S, and S E. Base fashions are powered by 134-horsepower turbocharged 3-cylinder engine. In S trim the Nation comes with a 189-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder powerplant. The S E is a plug-in hybrid which mates a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine with an electrical motor for a mixed 221 horsepower. Entrance-drive variations of the bottom and S include a 7-speed computerized transmission, although the bottom may also be had with a 6-speed handbook. An 8-speed computerized is the one transmission accessible on AWD base and S fashions, whereas a 6-speed computerized is the one transmission provided on the S E. Additionally accessible is the high-performance John Cooper Works version, which includes a 301-horsepower model of the two.0-liter turbocharged engine.

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2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman
2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman

Observe {that a} redesigned Mini Countryman is because of arrive as a 2025 mannequin, which shall be revealed as early as the primary quarter of 2024.

Client Information not too long ago spent every week behind the wheel of a 2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman ALL4 in Momentum Grey and outfitted with the Mini Untamed Version trim group. All informed, our take a look at automobile got here to $45,250.

The $1500 Untamed bundle contains plenty of distinctive trim components, equivalent to a selected steering wheel, cabin upholstery, black inside and exterior trim bits, and particular badging.

As famous early, the Mini Countryman will not be small. There’s loads of entrance and a couple ofnd-row seating area, and coming into the entrance row is straightforward because of the elevated seat top and generously sized doorways. Rear-seat lodging are equally beneficiant, powerful the door openings are a little bit tidier.

We discovered the controls usually straightforward to make use of, although the massive center-mounted pie-plate-sized touchscreen is definitely a small rectangular display positioned contained in the “plate.” Whereas information on the display is straightforward sufficient to learn and perceive, the left-side navigation icons on the display are positioned too near the rim of the bigger spherical body, and may be tough for the motive force to see, a lot much less press, particularly whereas underway.

Observe that our automobile was outfitted with the $5000 Iconic Trim Bundle, which, together with a bevy of security and driver-assistance options, contains the harman/Kardon audio system, which we are able to heartily suggest.

On the street the Countryman is a delight to drive. The turbocharged 4-cyinder engine sounds each sporty and refined, and serves up loads of around-town energy, in addition to ample freeway merging and passing muscle. The 8-speed computerized transmission gives well timed and snappy shifts, and mates effectively with the engine.

Street noise is effectively checked, with the burble of the exhaust being the one actual sound to penetrate the cabin, and we discovered the exhaust a welcome reminder of the Mini’s usually athletic character.

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2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman
2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman

Dealing with is likewise sporty, and we are able to say with out concern of contradiction that the Countryman is among the many most entertaining of small crossovers to spend time commuting in. Experience high quality can be consistent with the automobile’s usually premium character, although bigger road-surface flaws may cause some bobbing at freeway velocity.

Gasoline economic system is a vivid spot. Over 140 miles of blended driving, we averaged 30.7 mpg, which is great for the category, and shocking given the automobiles energy and customarily sporty character.

Whereas we may most likely reside with out the Untamed décor, it’s a enjoyable bundle, and—comparatively talking—doesn’t actually add a lot to the underside line. And, about that backside line…

If the Countryman has an Achille’s heal, it’s value. Although sensible and enjoyable to drive, our take a look at automobile got here in simply over $45,000, which is well-equipped midsize-crossover form of cash. Sure, you’ll be able to equip a Countryman for a lot much less cash. And sure, outfitted as our take a look at automobile is, the Countryman boasts a fun-to-drive quotient that few different small crossovers can match. We expect $45,000 is quite a bit to pay for a small crossover, however if you happen to put a excessive worth on sporty, quirky character, that value most likely is smart for you—and we’re cool with that. And keep in mind, the Countryman isn’t actually mini, it’s really fairly roomy.

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2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman
2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman

Take heed to the Automotive Stuff Podcast

Observe Tom on Twitter

2023 Mini Cooper S Countryman “Untamed” Gallery

Click on under for enlarged photographs

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Client Information Automotive Stuff Podcast, Episode 189: UAW Strike Replace, Greatest and Worst Vehicles We’ve Owned, Genesis Linked Companies



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