2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4: A Review

By Mustaqim Jaed at March 30, 2024 Post a Comment

The 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 is a car that defies easy categorization. It’s a Mini, but bigger than the standard Cooper, offering more space and practicality. It’s an SUV, but with a lower center of gravity and a focus on handling rather than off-road prowess. And it’s a premium car, with a price tag to match, but with a playful, youthful spirit that sets it apart from the more serious luxury offerings.

This review will delve into the 2012 Countryman ALL4, exploring its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately assessing whether it lives up to the expectations set by its unique identity.

Styling and Design:

The Countryman’s design is a bold departure from the classic Mini formula. While it retains the signature round headlights, the overall shape is more boxy and upright, reflecting its increased size and practicality. The tall roofline and large windows create a spacious and airy interior, while the short overhangs and wide stance give it a confident and athletic appearance.

The S trim level, which we are reviewing here, adds sporty touches like a more aggressive front bumper, side skirts, and roof spoiler. The 18-inch alloy wheels further enhance the car’s sporty appeal, while the optional panoramic sunroof adds a touch of luxury.

Table of Content

1 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4: A Review
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Interior and Features:

The Countryman’s interior is a mix of practicality and playfulness. The driver-focused cockpit features a large central speedometer, reminiscent of the classic Mini, but the modern design and high-quality materials elevate the experience. The seats are comfortable and supportive, offering good lateral support during spirited driving.

The Countryman’s biggest advantage over the standard Cooper is its spacious interior. The rear seats offer ample legroom and headroom for adults, and the cargo area is surprisingly large, especially with the rear seats folded down. The Countryman also offers a number of clever storage solutions, including a hidden compartment under the passenger seat and a large center console.

In terms of features, the Countryman S comes well-equipped. Standard features include a 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. The S trim also adds a premium Harman Kardon sound system, heated front seats, and a rearview camera.

Performance and Handling:

2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4: A Review

The 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for everyday driving, and the six-speed manual transmission offers a sporty and engaging driving experience.

The Countryman’s all-wheel drive system, known as ALL4, provides excellent traction in a variety of conditions. It seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear wheels, ensuring optimal grip on slippery surfaces. While not a hardcore off-roader, the Countryman’s all-wheel drive system makes it capable of handling light off-road excursions and provides added confidence in challenging weather conditions.

The Countryman’s handling is surprisingly sharp for a car of its size. The suspension is well-tuned, offering a good balance between comfort and sportiness. The car feels nimble and responsive, with precise steering and a good amount of grip.

Fuel Economy:

The Countryman’s fuel economy is decent for a car in its class. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. While not class-leading, these figures are respectable considering the car’s performance and all-wheel drive system.

2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4: A Review

Safety:

The 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 received a four-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also earned a "Good" rating in most crash tests. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and six airbags.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

Unique styling and design: The Countryman stands out from the crowd with its distinctive and playful design.
Spacious interior: The Countryman offers ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for a small SUV.
Sporty handling: The Countryman’s suspension and steering are well-tuned, providing a fun and engaging driving experience.
All-wheel drive system: The ALL4 system provides excellent traction in a variety of conditions, making the Countryman more capable than its standard front-wheel drive counterpart.
Good fuel economy: The Countryman’s fuel economy is decent for a car in its class, especially considering its performance and all-wheel drive system.

Cons:

High price: The Countryman’s price tag is on the higher end of the small SUV segment.
Limited cargo space with rear seats up: While the Countryman offers a surprising amount of cargo space, it’s still less than some of its competitors.
Stiff ride: The Countryman’s suspension can feel a bit stiff on rough roads.
Limited off-road capability: While the Countryman’s all-wheel drive system is capable, it’s not designed for serious off-road use.
Small rear windows: The Countryman’s small rear windows can make visibility a bit challenging, especially for parking.

Conclusion:

The 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 is a unique and compelling car that blends practicality with fun and style. It’s a great choice for drivers who want a small SUV with sporty handling and a touch of personality. However, its high price tag and limited off-road capability may make it less appealing to some buyers.

Ultimately, the Countryman is a car that’s best suited for those who value its unique blend of style, performance, and practicality. If you’re looking for a small SUV that stands out from the crowd and offers a fun driving experience, the Countryman is definitely worth considering.

In addition to the above, here are some more specific details about the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 S:

Engine: 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 181 hp
Torque: 177 lb-ft
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
EPA fuel economy: 25 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, 28 mpg combined
Starting MSRP: $28,950

Here are some additional thoughts on the car:

The Countryman is a great car for families. It offers ample space for passengers and cargo, and its all-wheel drive system makes it more capable in challenging weather conditions.
The Countryman is a fun car to drive. Its sporty handling and responsive engine make it enjoyable to drive on winding roads.
The Countryman is a stylish car. Its unique design makes it stand out from the crowd.

Overall, the 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 S is a well-rounded car that offers a good balance of style, performance, and practicality. It’s a great choice for drivers who want a small SUV with a touch of personality.

Final Word:

The 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 S is a car that defies easy categorization. It’s a Mini, but bigger and more practical. It’s an SUV, but with a focus on handling rather than off-road prowess. It’s a premium car, but with a playful, youthful spirit. Whether it’s the right car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. But one thing is for sure: the Countryman is a unique and compelling car that’s sure to turn heads.

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Thus, we hope this article has provided valuable insights into 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4: A Review. We thank you for taking the time to read this article. See you in our next article!

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