Mini Countryman Cooper SD 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The response from the 2.0 litre diesel engine does not live up to the Cooper name badge, but it responds fairly well and has enough power for most people. The ride is a little too bumpy and body roll is evident in the corners. The driving position is good, and offers good visibility and a fine range of adjustment that will allow each driver to get comfortable behind the wheel.

The Countryman Cooper SD gets from 0-62mph in a brisk 9.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 123mph. However, the engine isn't quite as refined as it could be, and a lot of noise and vibration makes its way into the cabin.

The retro looks of the Countryman Cooper SD will appeal to many people who like the style of the original MINI hatchback, and although it is bigger than the normal MINI it does retain a lot of its charm. The black window pillars and white roof work well with the colour of the car, and the back end has a smart look that completes the car well. Inside the Countryman is bold and fun, and the giant speedometer mounted on the centre console is a feature that is sure to attract admiring glances.

Alloy wheels are included as standard with this version of the Countryman, and it also has a CD stereo and Bluetooth connectivity which are both very useful features. Air conditioning and electric windows are also found as standard, but there are many desirable features which can only be found on the optional extras list, which can add significantly to the total price.

Although the Countryman Cooper SD is more practical than the hatchback version of the MINI, it still doesn't really fully deliver a vehicle as spacious and practical as many of its rivals. The boot space is quite good, and has plenty of space for the luggage of the occupants of the car. The reliability of the MINI has been excellent since the brand was relaunched, and the Countryman is certain to be just as good.

In terms of the safety of the Countryman Cooper SD, it has been awarded five stars by the Euro NCAP safety test, and has a good range of airbags and driver aids to help ensure that the car is one of the safest on the road.

The list price of this version of the Countryman is £22,070, which is a lot of money for a car that is only slightly more practical than the average hatchback.

However, it does become a lot cheaper to own as the diesel engine is quite efficient, delivering an average 61.4mpg. Insurance comes under group 20 which will translate into average premiums, but the car's desirability means that it should hold its value quite well too. The MINI Countryman gets a good package of a three year warranty and a three year roadside breakdown assistance policy which does ease the burden on the driver.