Mini Countryman One D 5dr Car Review - March 2012

One of the biggest problems when it comes to the Countryman is the fact that there is a lot of body roll when cornering, and it also suffers from a ride which is a little too firm and bouncy to really be comfortable. The handling itself is quite assured and there is plenty of grip, with the steering reacting quickly and effectively to the turn of the wheel, but the engine doesn't really have enough oomph at higher speeds. The driving position is very good, offering plenty of visibility to the front and rear, and the seat has plenty of adjustment options to ensure the driver can get comfortable.

The 1.6 litre diesel engine is certainly designed to deliver fuel efficiency, meaning that the engine performance has taken a hit, with the acceleration from 0-62mph taking a sluggish 12.9 seconds. The top speed of 106mph will be more than enough for those who are looking to use the car for driving around town and for the occasional motorway journey. At higher speeds there is an awful lot of noise both from the engine and from the wind, so it isn't ideal for those who will be making regular motorway journeys.

The Countryman One D's looks are its major selling point. The back end is tidy and efficient, and when you look inside the Countryman it is even more attractive. The speedometer on the centre console is an innovative feature that really does exemplify the fun style of the car.

There is a limited amount of equipment included as standard, but the omission of alloy wheels is certainly one of the biggest issues; ditching the steel wheels will cost you £435. However, the Countryman One D does come with air conditioning and a CD stereo which will help to make journeys more comfortable, but many of the best features are on the optional extras list.

Many people who buy a Mini Countryman will do so because it is a more practical version of the hatchback and, with more interior space and a bigger boot, the Countryman One D is bigger than its hatchback stablemates. However, compared to other cars in its price range, it still offers disappointing levels of space.

The Countryman One D should be a reliable car, as new MINIs have an excellent reliability record.

The Countryman has a five star award from the Euro NCAP safety tests, and has a wide range of driver aids which help to keep the car stable and ensure the driver stays in control. It also has plenty of airbags that will help to keep the driver and passengers safe in case of an accident.

The list price of this version of the Countryman is £17,460, and although it is cheaper than many other Minis it is still quite expensive when compared with others in its class. However, this doesn't detract from the style and quality of the car.

This version is also a very frugal car, offering fuel performance at an impressive average 64.2mpg. The low insurance costs are also welcome, and the desirability of the Countryman means that it will hold its value well too. The package is completed with a three year warranty and roadside breakdown policy.