Anybody own a Countryman S All4?

"HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles" (hondasfordsvolvo)
09/07/2014 at 23:28 • Filed to: None

Any Opponauts have a Countryman S All4(which is a long name)

I really like the idea of a funky CUV with a turbo and a six speed manual trans, and I hate to admit it, but it looks really cool. I wondering if anyone has any first hand experience with one. I.

Yes I know there is an RCR.

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DISCUSSION (23)

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/07/2014 at 23:31

I work for a BMW/Mini dealer, what do you want to know? I've been in and out of them every day for over 2 years.

Steve in Manhattan > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/07/2014 at 23:37

Rented a Countryman base version for 2 days from Zipcar - probably not what you're looking for ... slushbox, suspension not ready for prime time (but not awful). Back seat good for double amputees.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > E30Joe drives a Subaru
09/07/2014 at 23:40

Are they at fun at all? How's the reliably?

Also I'm thinking this would be my wife's next car, so the fact that it comes with a manual trans is actually irrelevant. The other vehicle in consideration is a Crosstreck VX, and maybe the Jeep Renegade if we take that long. She wants AWD, heated seats, and a bright blue/orange color would help. I want something that looks cool, can haul four people and their luggage, and can at least be "fun" to drive in the winter, and on dirt. As fun to drive as an automatic CUV can be.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/07/2014 at 23:43

AWD is OK, it's nothing like my Subaru's but it's better than BMW's xDrive. If you get the John Cooper Works it's no slouch, but the S isn't bad either. Reliability is a bit dicey, but they are not terrible, especially the newer ones. I will be the first to say, though, we had 25 of these as loaners and every single one had the power steering fail. So look in to that.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > E30Joe drives a Subaru
09/07/2014 at 23:51

I'm guessing the JCWs aren't common, or "cheap". The S is the only model I'd consider. I think the Crosstreck will end up being the winner. But I like the idea of having a car that isn't so common. Even in my small town of 7000 people there are at least 6 different Crosstrecks running around already. And three other red Civic coupes that look very similar to mine. Mine is the only one the only EX with a spoiler and Integra LS wheels tho.

E30Joe drives a Subaru > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/07/2014 at 23:54

I'd take a Crosstrek over a Countryman personally, but I'm a little biased now. Anyways, the S models are fun to drive, and yeah JCW's are pretty uncommon, not too much more expensive than the S. One thing I always loved about Mini's was how tight the manual trans felt, really nothing as crisp as it. Engagement is smooth and the gates are tight.

mcseanerson > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2014 at 00:00

Looks like we're in the same boat. My wife wants one of these or a Juke. I'm actually leaning towards the Juke mainly in the name of reliability and price. I haven't driven one but the wife test drove it and said she liked it which I did not expect because she normally likes really torquey (truck motor) suvs.

Ahad > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2014 at 01:35

Its an amazing car, handles well, good practicality and good gas mileage, yes its expensive for its size, but as always with german cars, youre buying the name
anyways, i would consider getting a remap, just to squeeze more power out, as i do feel it could do with more power, my mum owna cooper s all4 in Abu Dhabi, and i drive it from time to time

AndTheyCalledHimGearhead > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2014 at 03:11

I'll happily balance out the perspective here. I'm a independent car broker and have spent the last 2 months finding the perfect mini ute for a customer. Her requirememts: AWD, fun and cant evoke the "mommy-mobile" stigma. Can you guess what she landed on?

We drove the Crosstrek and the Countryman S ALL4 multiple times each (among others) so I can say this much with confidence: if you want a cheap, low maintenance, compact softroader that will return great MPG numbers, buy the Subaru. If you want a car with waaay better interior quality and ammenities and a superbly balanced fun/frugality factor, buy the MINI.

The interior layout makes the Countryman feel larger than it is (I'm 5'8" and could sit behind the driver seat set to my liking with pleeeenty of leg room) it will actually return 30MPG on the highway in S ALL4 trim and the power is just leaps and bounds above the Subaru. Plus it just soars through corners unlike anything else in the segment. Hand on heart you will not find another compact "SUV" that is this fun to drive. My customer has been in her Countryman for a couple weeks now and could not be happier.

The MINI will plaster a smile on your face every time you (or your wife) drives it. The Subaru will simply (and unfailingly) get you to where you need to go.

My advice? Drive both. If the misses likes the Crosstrek then buy it. If she likes the Countryman (which I'm betting the both of you will), lease it. You avoid any hesitation due to reliability, you have their stellar maintenance plan that covers all costs but tires for the length of your lease and, most importantly, MINI is trying to get 2014's off their lots any way they can right now in preparation for the 2015's (not a significant difference) so the deals/incentives are there. But they won't last long.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AndTheyCalledHimGearhead
09/08/2014 at 13:20

Thanks, very informative. One of the big reasons I want the Mini is is interior. it just makes the car feel special. The Subie's interior, not so much. It's a bit bland, like all Subaru interiors, and most Japanese car interiors in general. The only major upshot I've found of the Crosstreck is that it does have the highest ground clearance, and arguably the best AWD system in the segment. And when it comes to going through snow ground clearance is more important than anything.

My wife is currently still driving an 01 Chevy Crapvalier, but it's about to hit 170,000 miles, and the rocker panels are already turning to Swiss cheese. So anything is better. Ulimatly it's her decision but I'm trying to narrow things down so she's have a point to start at besides "that one has a cute butt" (I seriously know a girl that bought her first car, a 2005 Sentra 1.8l Special Edition, because she saw it from the road and thought those words).

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Ahad
09/08/2014 at 13:24

under 200hp for a 1.6l turbo is pretty sad by modern standard, especially for a BMW. I was expecting at least 225hp.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > mcseanerson
09/08/2014 at 13:32

There is no way I could get my wife into a Juke. She hates the looks, like PT Cruiser levels of hatred.

What bugs me about the Juke isn't the looks, but how small the cabin is compared to the footprint of the whole car. I mean the top of the roof at the rear looks about a full two feet narrower than the wheelbase. It just doesn't make sense on a CUV/hatchack when it's main purpose is to be able to haul cargo, and generally be useful.

mcseanerson > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2014 at 13:37

My wife basically wants a lifted wagon capable of 2 toddlers. We don't need a ton of room. My wife also hates the PT Cruiser, as we all should. I would go for the Mini if it weren't for the price difference and worries over reliability. I definitely like it better if money wasn't an issue. Honestly though I think my wife would prefer the Juke because it has more ground clearance.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > mcseanerson
09/08/2014 at 13:53

Ground clearance, and looks are why the Crosstrek is so high on our list. Plus my sister in-law has an 04 Forester and my wife LOVES driving it. She likes that it is a small car that FEELS big, and tall, but still maneuvers like a small car. The Crosstrek is probably closer to an old Forester than a new Forester, which has grown up a lot in te last few years, and it's cheaper/cooler looking anyway. Also If buying a brand new Second gen Forester were an option there would be no question as to what we would be buying next.

A Forester XT Sport in WR Blue. But sadly they are now 6 years old, rare, and over priced due to being so loved by STI owners who are now married with two kids.

Kinja'd!!!

mcseanerson > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2014 at 13:57

I LOVE the first gen Forrester XT. I test drove one and was ready to sign the line on the loan until an emergency ate my down payment. Unfortunately the wife doesn't like it. She actually hates giant greenhouses. We are both at suck opposite ends with car tastes. Thankfully she is passionate about cars at least and I love that her tastes are her own and not just copying mine. I've met lot's of car girls who just parrot their boyfriends favorite car lists. It makes you feel like they don't even care.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > AndTheyCalledHimGearhead
09/08/2014 at 14:38

Oh I thought of another question. Is the Auto Climate control, dual zone? It seems like a small thing but especially in the winter, my wife an I never agree on a comfortable temperature. If I'm sweating and my lips are drying out, shes just right, and if I'm just right she's still shivering and looking for a blanket. So sense her car's job is to be comfortable and piratical Dual zone climate control is one option were are looking for on her car. My car how ever just needs to make me smile.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Steve in Manhattan
09/08/2014 at 14:40

That's why I'm interested in the S model. The trans is probly the same, but the suspension, and engine are very different.

Steve in Manhattan > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2014 at 15:28

Reading your post again, I realize that I too kinda like the looks of this thing. Lots of Mini purists are hatin' on anything that's not the original (the new one, not the one with 10 inch wheels). The only one I really don't care for is the converible, which just looks wrong.

AndTheyCalledHimGearhead > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2014 at 15:36

Short answer: no.

Long answer: up until the shortly arriving 2015 MY of the Countryman, MINI offered simply single-zone manual climate control as standard and single-zone auto climate control as an option. All 15s now at least have auto as standard.

Rest assured if you're looking at a 2014 model with a panoramic sunroof, it will almost always be featured with auto climate control. But the only climate related feature you'll be able to tailor to your individual needs are the 3-level front seat heaters.

If dual zone is a priority, you'll need to pivot and look at the more feature focused (and much larger) Nissan Rogue, VW Tiguan (quality + some fun factor) or midsize Hyundai Santa Fe Sport (actually a very good value for the money).

Dual-zone is just one of those things that has eluded most compact SUVs thus far but it won't for much longer.

Like I tell my customers, there will always, always, always be compromises to be made when purchasing/leasing a car. Climate just happens to be one of those things BMW/MINI elected not to make a priority on the R60 chassis in lieu of dollars put towards towards more of that fun-factor (engine/suspension development). My personal opinion? It was money well spent.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Steve in Manhattan
09/08/2014 at 15:54

And the Coupe. man that thing looks weird. This is one of those "I don't like this car because it has this name, but isn't what this name should be given too situations. Like the new Mustang. My brother says "it's not a Mustang, it looks to euro." I asked if he'd like it wasn't CALLED a mustang and he said yes. Makes no sense to me. If a car is good, who cares about the name.

Steve in Manhattan > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/08/2014 at 16:03

ooooo - I'd forgotten all about this car - it's all wrong as well;

Kinja'd!!!

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Steve in Manhattan
09/08/2014 at 17:04

It is a liftback tho. That is it's only saving grace. But really if you buy this you'may not be an idiot, but you are a tool who thinks he is, more likely she is, to good for hatchbacks.

Ahad > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
09/10/2014 at 15:13

my point exaclty, it just needs some fine tuning, to make it more enjoyable, and i wouldnt recommend getting the sport suspension, as you do give up ALOT of comfort, the standard one is just perfect, unless youre going to track it or something
finally, GET RID OF THE RUN FLATS, they are so annoying, you can feel every little groove on the road, and ruins the experience, my dad replaced the RFT on his BMW 523i, it rides so much better now, it makes a big difference