Browse over 9,000 car reviews

Mini Countryman S 2011 Review

Our Countryman has a six speed manual and a decidedly sporty nature, especially when accelerating thanks to the turbo.

How many variations on the Mini theme can you get? Now, there's a five-door SUV model called the Countryman - in various permutations.

We got hold of the Cooper S variant with front wheel drive (also available with all wheel drive) and have been enjoying the drive time especially given it runs a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with 135kW/240-260Nm output.

It makes the compact Countryman pay attention when you push the throttle that's for sure.

Being front wheel drive excludes this particular car from any sort of offroad driving and means chains for the snow.

But on the other side of the coin, it uses less fuel and accelerates faster than the 4x4 model.

We have regularly seen 7.0-litres/100km fuel economy in mixed driving from the cheeky little box.

The engine is from BMW and features a twin scroll turbo for optimum efficiency as well as direct fuel injection and variable valve operation. The same engines arrive in BMW's revised 1-Series in a couple of months.

Our Countryman has a six speed manual (also available with a six speed auto) and a decidedly sporty nature, especially when accelerating thanks to the turbo. Whoosh and you're off.

DRIVING

Handling and ride is on the sporty side and you can actually punt the Countryman nearly as hard as the Mini three door hatch.  But it's considerably bigger in every measurement and is over 4.0-metres long. That means plenty of space inside for four or five depending on chosen seating configuration.

Ours has the schmicko centre rail with extra storage and arm rests but loses the middle rear seat.

Equipment levels are generous for the $47,500 asking price and we'd definitely go for the lurid exterior striping and variable ambient lighting package inside. We'd also go for the auto.

Countryman Cooper S is an interesting little beast that occupies a particular prestige niche that no other maker plays in - yet.

Mini Cooper Countryman

Price: from $37,700.
Engine: 1.6-litre naturally-aspirated petrol, turbocharged petrol and turbodiesel four-cylinder.
Transmission: six-speed manual or automatic, front or all-wheel drive.
Thirst: 4.4 (Cooper D) - 8.1 (Cooper S ALL4) l/100km.

Pricing guides

$16,985
Based on 15 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$16,979
Highest Price
$20,990

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
Cooper S Chilli 1.6L, PULP, 6 SP AUTO $14,080 – 18,590 2011 Mini Countryman 2011 Cooper S Chilli Pricing and Specs
Cooper S Chilli All4 1.6L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $12,760 – 16,940 2011 Mini Countryman 2011 Cooper S Chilli All4 Pricing and Specs
Cooper D Chilli 1.6L, Diesel, 6 SP MAN $10,230 – 13,970 2011 Mini Countryman 2011 Cooper D Chilli Pricing and Specs
Cooper S 1.6L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $13,970 – 18,370 2011 Mini Countryman 2011 Cooper S Pricing and Specs
Peter Barnwell
https://www.carsguide.com.au/authors/peter-barnwell

Share

Pricing Guide

$16,979

Lowest price, based on 7 car listings in the last 6 months

View cars for sale
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.