Phil Weeden
While some people are horrified at the idea of a large MINI, let there be no doubt: the Countryman fulfils a crucial gap in the market. While these vehicles will never be classed as true off-roaders, they have formed a valuable new market sector, catering for people with busy and varied lifestyles who need to stay mobile whatever the weather, and so it was great to spend some time behind the wheel to see what this ‘Dakar-winner’ is like in the real world.
The Countryman Cooper S All4 here is a well specified example, dressed in Absolute Black complete with the optional 18-inch Composite Alloys. Inside, the leather Gravity Carbon Black interior oozes quality. There’s the bonus of the Chili and Media Packs plus other options such as power folding electric mirrors, and heated front screen, all of which pushes the on the road price to a hefty £28,155.
You can read more about this car in the June 2012 issue of 4×4 Magazine – available here
