The Countryman SE is quicker than the MINI Cooper JCW, with its claimed sprint time of 6.1 seconds. It is not quicker (on paper) than the petrol-powered Countryman S, however, which quotes 5.4 seconds. Not a big difference anyway.
But the dynamic handling track revealed that some of the brand’s other claims about the Countryman are slightly less believable. It might have a Go-Kart setting and MINI’s custodians enjoy punting the “kart-like” feel of the vehicle.
However, this is a family car and not a sharp dynamic instrument. The big MINI struggles to hide its weight and dimensions, with noticeable body-roll and understeer amplified by the damp surface. In fairness, this was to be expected.
Still, road rivals who underestimate the sprinting abilities of your cute-looking MINI will find themselves in for a big surprise.
Next, our MINI is set to receive Swedish headwear in the form of a Thule roof-box, setting it up for the prospect of more long-distance exploring.
LONG-TERM UPDATE 4 | MINI Countryman SE ALL4
ODOMETER ON DELIVERY: 4,621km
CURRENT ODOMETER: 6,800km
PRAISES: Impressive straight-line sprinting abilities.
GRIPES: Manage your expectations if you were expecting it to handle like the traditional three-door MINI.
AVERAGE CONSUMPTION: 20kWh/100km (Long-term; including Gerotek runs)