Flash Drive

2018 Mini Cooper S E Countryman

April 1, 2018 - Featured, Flash Drive - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4

The 2018 Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 is a fun compact SUV with a long name and an equally long list of positive traits.

Engine:1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder, 134 horsepower, 162 lb-ft torque plus an electric motor with 87 hp and 122 lb-ft torque for a total of 221 horsepower and 284 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 27-mpg gasoline only; 65 MPGe electricity + gasoline

Base Price: $36,800

As Tested: $39,700

Performance:

Very strong acceleration

Highway ride on the firm side, but fun and sporty

Strong fuel economy—our best gas was 30.6 mpg and 99 mpg electric

The Mini Cooper S E Countryman has a wide, high-opening rear hatch. Cargo space isn’t great unless the rear seat is folded.

Three hour charge time on 240 volt

18-inch run flat tires

Hybrid specific Dynamic Stability Control

All weather all-wheel-drive

Comfort:

Super stretch-out front legroom

Excellent front/rear headroom

Adjustable thigh support both front seats

Three-temperature heated front seats

Deeply bolstered, supportive front seats

Front seats are firm, but very comfortable befitting a performance vehicle. Legroom is outstanding.

Firm, but comfortable seats

Seat height pump

Rear seat legroom can be tight depending on front seats

Front passenger seat can be moved forward a lot

Recessed seatbacks aid knee room

Very good rear seat shoe room

Medium height rear floor hump

Medium size sun visors and extra driver’s side visor

Utility:

Excellent wipers

Rear seat room is fine as long as the front seats are up some.

Wide, high-opening rear hatch

No lift-over

Flat cargo deck

Folding deck for added storage underneath

Three-way folding rear seat folds almost flat

Hard material rear cargo cover

Huge rear door bins with large bottle notches

Large front door bins

WOW Factors:

Well-integrated hybrid features

The electric motor recharging port is stylish and easy to use.

Fun personality

Unique

Surprisingly roomy interior

Whines:

Getting kind of big to still be called a Mini

Steering wheel almost too thick

The well-appointed steering wheel is almost too thick in the contoured sections.

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 hybrid is a unique compact SUV in a field of cookie cutter vehicles. The hybrid aspect is great in the city and boosts acceleration when needed. The interior is very roomy and comfortable.