Driving a MINI in the Snow! 2017 MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 FIRST DRIVE REVIEW (2 of 2}

[@mohamedelrayes31]

I was going for a BMW 430. I had no intention to go for mini, it never crossed my mind. Luckily mini and bmw are displayed in the same showroom. I didn’t know mini made a good size family car. Once I checked out the mini i never gave any other car another thought. This is different, odd, stylish, has it’s own personality, make you happy and like no other.

[@richmccoy9792]

which one did you decide to purchase?

[@mohamedelrayes31]

@@richmccoy9792 i delayed my purchase due to financial matters, and finally got the 2021 JCW Countryman. Still waiting delivery next week 🙏

[@da_great_mogul]

Should have delayed 3 more years and got the new shape. ​@@mohamedelrayes31

[@eedoamitay3341]

I love how elegant it looks inside and how tiny the car is, yet it is capable and pragmatic. Just a great all-arounder in my opinion

[@tracyparrish8692]

I love my 2015 Countryman S All4. I would be hard pressed to ever buy another car. I love the style, and driving it is a ball. Turns heads every time, the Black Jack wrap really makes it standout.

[@MichaelJohnson-tq6iv]

I just got back from looking at the new Countryman and did a visit to BMW. The Countryman competes with nothing. I have a 2012 Countryman SD and I feel that either people already want a Mini or once they've seen one they change their mind about Mini. Everyone who's sat in my Countryman changed their mind about Mini. They thought it was going to be small. Great car...the new one and the old one.

[@mikekozono3401]

Michael Johnson n

[@cyclonus01]

Would you recommend it? I like that has plenty of headroom. Looking to get a 2017 2.0l 6mt awd

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Fiat 500X

[@keVINlizzo]

Vermont represent!Watching this as I’m waiting for my countryman’s snow tire swap. And it’s snowing

[@Frmjoandcharlie]

Great review! Glad you touched on back seat spacing and luggage/cargo space. Thanks- made my decision easier 👍

[@chadsway88]

SUVs are great, i think this model is perfect for size, design (mini bmw style) and good mpg. All wheel drive is excellent

[@JD10142002]

I have this model year and I obsolutly love it. My other vehicle is a Infinity Qx56 and I'd rather drive my Mini any day of the week :-)

[@philipscott1128]

It's in a class of its own.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Fiat 500X

[@MrSimsfan2]

Sir, to drive or own a MINI means to be different. When you buy a MINI, not only are you buying a car, you're buying a lifestyle, a different way of doing things. So it would make sense to include Apple Car Play, or the Android version of it to BMW's MINI version of iDrive but it makes sense for a MINI owner for it not to be included ;)

[@irisolivas2199]

MrSimsfan2 inspirational speech

[@bassandtrebleclef]

You're going to become diabetic with all of the sugar in that Kool-Aid marketing you're consuming.

[@johnc4774]

I don't know if you are familiar with the Skoda Yeti here in Europe. In terms of the size and specs, the car it is very similar. The finish might not be as refined but it has proven itself a very good car.

[@jonruby154]

Great review. I just bought one, but it hasn't been delivered yet. I would say this competes with the VW Golf (GTI or R), Mazda 3, and Subaru Imprezza at the lower ends, and with the Audi Q3, BMW X2, M-B GLA, Mini Clubman, and Infiniti QX30 at the top end. The big difference, is manual with AWD availability (which is what I got). In that case you get the faster Golf R with more tech for about the same price. Unfortunately, they don't lease well at all. The Golf R is fun in an understated way. Fast, comfortable (in the front), and has lots of useful tech. The Mini just screams style and fun. It has some good safety features, but lacks others like blind-spot and lane detection. With its vastly improved reliability, you can honestly choose this and not worry that it will fall apart once the warranty ends. It would have been a very tough choice had they leased for the same amount. I love the digital dash of the VW and its increased tech, but the stylish and fun Mini would probably win and its because it has a more spacious interior and a power liftgate which I need.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

How has the Mini been? Any problems?

[@andresfresa123]

My Cooper hatchback handles snow like a champion

[@savannahsmiles1797]

I put Blizzak tires on it and we do FANTASTIC in snow but INCREDIBLE on ice. Which makes those in SUV's around me have Mini envy, lol. On ice it is SO much better than my Jeep Cherokee that loves to do the skating thing.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

@@savannahsmiles1797 poor ground clearance

[@DerpTater]

As an owner of a first gen Countryman with the pano sunroof, and someone who lives in sunny southern California, there is a reason to delete the sunroof. If Mini would just offer a solid roll up sunshade instead of the stupid see through mesh thing that does nothing to mitigate heat in the summer, I'd consider it. We had to purchase after-market sun shades (kind of like you'd use in your windshield while parked) with suction cups to block out the sun. Which means the sunroof is basically useless. I think we've opened it twice in five years.

[@weirdshibainu]

DerpTater that design really sucks. sorry man

[@K03sport]

why not get ceramic tint (ex: Huber Optik) placed/installed on the sunroof? it can be had in light shades (high % light transmitted) as not to take away from the light shining in, but it will help block a lot of the Infrared Radiation (IR) and help keep the inside cooler...just a thought

[@benlozinski2403]

Sots

[@ArchstantonsMTgrave]

I was thinking the same thing...you would delete it because of the heat...and probably the weight

[@applejuice7648]

I love this comment . I am so sorry for u

[@timothysmith7478]

Those seats look comfortable

[@Taliatekito]

Can you please please please do a review on the new Countryman PHEV?

[@BMH1965]

If you are looking for a direct competitor then consider the Volvo V40 XC. The only difference is the target buyer - the Volvo is aimed at a more mature driver.

[@helencosta4234]

There are exceptions to this rule. 72 yrs old, was all ready to buy the Volvo. On a whim I pulled into a Mini dealership and took a drive. No comparison. The Volvo is boring!

[@theondres3322]

I own a 2013 clubman. big changes between mine and this car. I have decided my next car will be a countryman. this one you drove is everything I'm looking for except I would want the standard and a different color. oh, and yup, Im a Vermonter.

[@michaelfurst7017]

The Ondres me2 (the Vermonter part) . I’m looking forward to seeing how it handles it’s first winter. 2019 Countryman S All4 w/JCW tuning kit. This car is FAST.

[@Do0mBurger]

Hi I had a question, when you were driving up Mt.Hood did you have chains or snow tires or were they just all terrain tires with the help of the 4WD?

[@cyclonus01]

How was that a foot of snow?

[@coejbee]

Great review! I'd love to daily drive a base Countryman ALL4 with the 6MT and ambient interior lighting. I've always loved all the Mini's throughout the years, but this ones jut so good looking while also being so practical and loaded with standard features.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Did you get one?

[@supraphonic88]

As for the competition, I'm literally cross-shopping the hinted-at PHEV version of this against the BMW i3 REx. I like BMWs and I like their approach to electrification (I'm a car guy watching a car channel right now, after all) I'm just on the fence about whether I want electric with gas assist or gas with electric assist that can cover my daily commute.

[@NaseemRakha]

Well, style wise the Mini Cooper Countryman AWD has no competition. But practical-wise, how does it compete with Subaru? I am considering a Countryman or a Subaru Forester or Outback (not the Cross trek as it doesn't have the umph I want.) I know I am giving up size in the Mini -- so don't compare that. Instead, how does Mini's AWD compare with Subaru's? What about safety features and crash tests? Handling? Maintenance costs? I love that the mini offers manual -- which is how I prefer to drive. And I am drawn to its look. But I think 6.7' of clearance is a drag -- because in high snow it will drag. (I currently have a Volvo XC-70 with about 8" of clearance. So what do you think -- in a match between Mini and Subaru - what comes out better?

[@BMH1965]

Naseem Rakha : Volvo V40 XC

[@nyleguitar4415]

Hi Naseem Rakha. I am also researching the Subaru Outback and the Mini Countryman. Did you make a decision for one or the other? What were some factors that led you to your decision? Hope to here from you, thank you :)

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Fiat 500x

[@darexdarex]

It competes quite clearly and obviously with the BMW X1, since it's essentially the same car beneath the skin. The Audi Q2 isn't coming to North America, because VAG are dumb, but yes, they would perhaps be a match-up.

[@IceDree]

I'm guessing it competes with the Audi Q2 & Jeep Renegade. They are close on size & quirky.

[@RyanDeClue]

This is a great competition for the Jeep Renegade... at face value anyways. I feel though that it falls into the echelon of emotionally driven purchases. You either are drawn to Mini, or you are not swayed by its funky looks. It competes with itself.

[@michaelfurst7017]

Ryan DeClue I have both a Countryman and a Renegade. They’re totally different in many ways. The Mini is a much better car in terms of refinement, driveability (handling, engine, transmission), comfort, etc. Also: the Renegade’s electronics are terrible. Constantly failing.

[@docroel8574]

excellent review

[@cyclonus01]

Seems like it competed with the Subaru forester and jeep compass trail hawk. Both offer manual transmissions.

[@okumonux]

That's an interesting looking Alpina B7. Ich werde langsam verrückt, wo bleibt das Review des alpinagrünen B7? ;-)

[@CookedLight]

I am considering giving up my company car and buying. The Countryman All4 for me is up against the RR Evoque, Mercedes GL and Porsche Cayenne...all luxury vehicles but in different ways.

[@hipposnakeyo]

I wish there is a button says "double thumb up". Believe it or not I will be cross shop this with the new CRV and CX5 at the end of the year, its leading the pack with the CX5 right behind, now if the CX5 comes with the 2.5T...

[@tyvancouverbb]

Good review!!

[@nagol8205]

Is he in Oregon!

[@johnwebster9699]

MM I think niche is Minis middle name, BMW cash is allowing them to get experimental. However the brand new Audi Q2 is in the same sphere maybe.

[@jo23bulls]

I'd buy this over a Juke any day of the week.

[@SuperWasherKid2002]

jo23bulls Ew Nissan is completely garbage

[@davetravels9273]

perhaps the Fiat 500X, but that is significantly cheaper and doesn't drive as nice, but also has tons of personality.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Ive owned a 500X for almost 4 years, tons of fun, and has been reliable.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Competes with a Juke Nismo? Similar hp, awd, both unique and funky.

[@aestheteblue]

ewe

[@johncarder819]

It competes with a Subaru Outback. They are both small wagons with all-wheel drive.Sadly, the Outback has gone CVT (huge mistake). So, it is probably a better match against the Subaru Forester, which in two models can be had with a stick. I live on top of a foothill west of Boulder, where Subarus with sticks may be the most popular vehicle (I do not have one).

[@johncarder819]

I've got a ¾-ton pickup, so they both seem tiny to me.

[@MrStingraybernard]

never seen 2 drivers sun visors

[@sergeyyevtukh388]

Is $43k price tag is for hybrid?... .... this car competes with other luxury or near luxury cuv/ SUV of similar sized BMW X1, Audi QS3 - luxury content, even in some way with Mazda CX-5 Grand touring because of driving dinamics(most fun steering small SUV) and in hybrid version it will compete with some lux cuv/SUV like touring Kia Neiro plugin, and new 17 Volvo XC60 T8 primarily for small family or no kids family or in cities were smaller size makes a difference , of course if budget allows .

[@mikebrown354]

I heard Mini's maintenance is crazy, things start breaking down especially after 100 000km.

[@andresfresa123]

Some Guy maintenance it is expensive-but totally worth every penny

[@annabelvb]

I’ve had a mini for 15 years and, touch wood, the only thing I’ve had to replace are the brake pads ;)

[@FuzzyDoxie]

I had a mini for 10 years. Over 130000 no major problem at all.

[@soyad9840]

cool

[@denismarino1117]

I I believe in JCW form it will compete with the Golf R... Kind of...

[@mkel0385]

I live in Vermont

[@mindcrafte]

Maybe it will compete against the Audi Q2. The mini doesn't really set its self to competitors. It must do surveys with ts current owners to see what they want or general surveys with mini lovers.

[@mariemarin5347]

Is it strong is the question because Mercedes’ Benz is strong but if it’s nearly as strong as that then I am Ok with the Mini Cooper

[@K03sport]

it will cross-shop w/any sub-compact/compact CUV (plebeian and luxury); however, its engine choices and eventually its price will put many people off and they will look elsewhere - Japanese models for value/reliability or other German ones for badge cache...those wanting a 3rd pedal, like myself, might consider it, but I want the big engine but feel it is not a good value in the mid to upper 30s...why is MINI positioned as a "premium" car? Just because it is from across the pond doesn't mean it is premium...$3k - $5k in options on either trim to make it a more livable environment is a tough pill to swallow on top of a rather high base price and then even more if you fancy the ALL4...I like em, but on the fence because I buy will my wallet and not my heart

[@customwoodshiftknobs9322]

Fun to drive, but my wife's '12 is a maintenance nightmare. Won't buy another.

[@helencosta4234]

Lease and get the free maintenance pkg.

[@forknuts]

Fiat 500x. Small SUV, awd decent mileage quirky cars.

[@hieuphungminh6690]

sometimes i watch your videos just to hear you talk,hell i know nothing about cars :/

[@simonorr594]

How come this guy sounds like Ken Block?

[@bubelaJC]

“It drives like a mini” doesn’t help those who’ve never driven a mini...

[@savannahsmiles1797]

think go cart....

[@ccdibalcepascorabane5367]

I'm 9

[@cmscms123456]

My biggest wish is that BMW would sell the Mini car company to the Japanese, or Koreans, so a GOOD, RELIABLE car company would build and refine this car. BMW is a P.O.S. AWFUL reliability, AWFUL resale... it amazes me that BMW stays in business, except to say, the world just doesn't run out of pretentious A-holes to buy them. Min and BMW fit together about as well as, peanut-butter and dog shit. I love the Mini HATE BMW. Whats the easiest way to turn $70,000 into $10,000 ? Buy a BMW and wait 2 years.

[@stephenstarling2578]

Geometry mini don't make sense but this is lie i all4 sport in auto

[@pimpmafuqa]

Way too small for me. Low clearance. Went with the premium 2.5l outback over this.

[@swanblake]

Overweight, underpowered, overpriced, and unreliable. Everything you want in a vehicle. Minis after 20k rattle themselves apart. Former owner of a copper S

[@calivalley9056]

Blake Swan I can back you up on the reliability problem. I'm a first gen owner at 117K and I have had two High pressure fuel pump fails and my car is currently broken down in the drive with a suspected third HP fuel pump fail. Granted, Mini has extended the warranty on the HPFP but the frustration in dealing with a recurring "known" problematic component is crazy. The second Gen however has a BMW engine I would not expect the same issues, I think they learned there lesson. Even with all all the frustration I still love this mini and may in fact tryout the hybrid version of the 2017.

[@johncarder819]

One of the highest depreciation rates of any vehicle, for exactly that reason.

[@calivalley9056]

acchaladka If buying, I highly recommend getting the extended warranty (for older model). See my above comment. I just received mine (2011) back from the shop and it was in fact another High pressure fuel pump failure in addition my timing belt tensioner failed. Again, I love the car but I would stay away from the older model. I doubt the new model and new BMW engine will suffer the same reliability issues.

[@Tully3674]

I don't understand MotoMan's affection for the Mini (going back to last season's love-fest). Design, engineering - nothing special or inspiring. For the U.S., there's nothing Mini has/does that is class leading. Not hating on the Mini. Just don't understand how it belongs on this site (compared to other reviews).

[@orangegreenify]

I don't get what this car is about or almost any new Mini. It's like the playground for BMW marketing people. They decided that it's somehow cool to have this vintage exterior and totally unnecessary round instruments in the interior. All for people who have no clue where it comes from and don't know anything about cars.