The MINI Cooper Countryman is the anti-MINI, at least as far as the mini connotation suggests. While the traditional MINI Cooper remains truer to the mini concept, the Countryman is only mini by name - it's a rather sizeable vehicle with MINI styling cues. This size comes from the UKL2 platform that the MINI is based on which is the same platform as the BMW X1. The size of the two models is remarkably similar, so this should give you an idea of how large the Countryman actually is. As it should be though as the Countryman is the crossover SUV of the MINI family.
With its raised driving position and generous ground clearance, the MINI Countryman is a good call for those that require some additional space and have a sense of adventure - the Countryman can take you there.
Related: MINI Cooper Countryman – English estate-living in suburbia
But which model should you spring for? A smooth-running petrol model or the frugal diesel offering? Let's see which one is better, the diesel or the petrol MINI Cooper Countryman.
*Note: Images are of a MINI Cooper Countryman S*
Specification Levels
The Cooper Countryman S and John Cooper Works models are only available with petrol engines and the sole diesel offering comes in the form of the MINI Cooper Countryman D Auto. Comparing apples with apples, this one goes up against the MINI Cooper Countryman Auto.
The spec level of these two, in base trim before options, is virtually identical. You will get the same array of safety systems and creature comforts and even the wheels are the same size, coming in at 17-inches on both vehicles.
Price
There's a significant difference in the price between the two models with the diesel model costing you R 576 778 as opposed to the R 541 554 of the petrol-engined Countryman. This R35 000 gap can make as much as R 1 000 /m difference on your instalments. So strike one for the diesel model then.
Estimated monthly repayments come to approximately R 10 500 /m for the diesel model, based on its base price before options while the petrol version is estimated to cost R 9 800 /m on a finance agreement.
Performance
The two models are fairly evenly matched, despite being offset by 500cc and a whole cylinder.
The diesel Countryman is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that produces 110 kW at 4000 RPM and 330 Nm from 1750 to 2500 RPM. It's mated to a 6-speed automatic Steptronic gearbox and powers the front wheels. This makes it good for a claimed 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 8.8-seconds and a top speed of 208 km/h
The petrol-powered Countryman, on the other hand, features a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine. In this trim, the engine makes 100 kW from 4500 to 6500 RPM and 220 Nm torque from 1480 to 4100 RPM. It's paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT) and this one too powers the front wheels. The 0 - 100 km/h sprint takes 9.7-seconds and it will register a top speed of 200 km/h according to MINI.
The additional torque in the diesel model is rather attractive but the narrow power band means that the gearbox is constantly running up and down the gears to keep the engine on the boil. The petrol model is a little smoother in this regard but one really as to drive them back to back in order to feel the difference.
Fuel Economy
If the scores were tied after the performance comparison, the diesel streaks ahead in the fuel consumption category. Working on the manufacturer claims, the diesel model will return a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 4.7 l/100km and yield an estimated 1085 km from a full tank.
It's a different story with the petrol model that only manages a 6.3 l/100km figure on the combined cycle with a full tank giving you 850 km to work with.
Verdict
This is a tough one to call. The cost savings of the diesel model will undoubtedly resonate with those looking at efficient running and the additional toque will certainly make it feel more sprightly than the petrol model. We'd suggest this one if you drive considerable distances and holidays on the coast are your thing.
The petrol model is a smooth operator and ideally suited for the hustle and bustle of urban life. The additional fuel costs can be offset by the savings every month on instalments and it will still manage to do the odd cross country journey with ease.
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