MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4 - Internet Made Me Do It (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

[@MarekDrivesENG]

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[@trk958]

Congrats on your new car! It has the practicality of a family hatch, and the fun of a MINI, combined with the promise of all-weather traction.

[@MarekDrives]

That's the plan!

[@BusTrainsGuy18]

I absolutely adore the MINI Cooper Countryman, especially if you have the Exclusive its so comfortable and quick and punchy, no need for a S version of the Countryman just a ALL4 Countryman with 136hp and its quick enough, and to be honest even if doesn't have android auto in good I still love the car and I'm just glad it gets me from A to B in comfort.

[@supersonicsid5930]

Love the car but it’s definitely not cheap.

[@opheebop7632]

when did they say such a nice looking car will be cheap

[@BarkadaRES]

I mean, I bought a 2022 new mini countryman phev ALL4 for €46.000. All options were included in that price. For comparison, my nephew bought a bmw x1 at the same time with less options for €63.000. The mini is even 0.1 seconds faster than his BMW. When comparing everything you get for the €46.000 to other brands it’s really a great deal. So relatively speaking, taking the above into account, they are relatively cheap

[@TrademarkTheo]

I’m happy I got my 22’ before all this chip shortage madness. Fully kitted for the Caribbean market. It’s been 6 months and I love it everyday

[@g00dfeeling]

Beautiful car. Like how Mini pays attention to details and quality of the materials.

[@kelboyce2629]

Backtracking on the Mini, eh, after previously being less than enthusiastic. Well, you made a great choice. Welcome to the club!

[@hopeless74]

This has been on my list to replace my C-HR, anyday........ thanks for this :) Keep the nice videos coming :)

[@MarekDrives]

Thanks. The C-HR is a great car to drive, but should have a different engine to match that steering and chassis.

[@ahmedloutfi5723]

I like the modifications you’d made, spot on! A very interesting car indeed :)

[@shroomyesc]

Panoramic sunroof and ventilated seats are a must for me, on the other hand I have more must nots than must haves. Lane assists can rot in hell and so can adaptive cruise. They are generally expensive options that I don't need, if you cannot stay in lane you shouldn't be driving and adaptive cruise I don't need because I never drive in stop start traffic, I don't have a commute. I totally understand that for people who drive a lot of highway commuting though.

[@borspeti]

I have the 2020 version with 192hp, with manual. I love the car and still think it is the best choice for small crossover. You should buy Bimmercode and turn off the fake engine noise coming from the speakers so there will be no noise at all in the cabin.

[@MarekDrives]

I was referring to wind noise. This car could use a thicker windscreen and front side windows.

[@mikidof]

I have the 2020 Cooper S All4 (with the A8 transmission) and I'm quite sure turning on GREEN mode turns the fake sound off (or almost off) It's the mode that I end up using when cruising on the highway.

[@ianstewart2723]

I own a British Green Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 and I love it.

[@RetroKingOG]

I own 2016 Countryman S Bought used for 22'000 Had for 3 years; excellent all round vehicle. Great on fuel, maintenance is relatively easy, average 27/28 mpg city and up to 42 mpg highway. Mine has 1.6L turbo petrol with 181 hp and 192 lb ft of torque.

[@musictube123]

Bright/Matrix LED head light, Head up display and optional HiFi speakers is a must.

[@christianronn5301]

AWD, adaptive cruise, good headlights and Webasto heater with remote control are things that need to exist. Automatic is default in the segment I buy anyway, but I don’t care for manuals. I like leather seats and unnecessary toys like ambient lighting. I messed up and didn’t research properly when I got my used Alltrack recently, so I ended up with one of very few B8 passats without matrix LEDs. It just has the basic reflector LEDs which I didn’t know existed, almost all Passats you see have matrix so I thought “LED” in the manufacturer build sheet meant matrix. This will bug the hell out of me until my next car purchase. These are things that happen when you buy a car unseen from the other side of the country and have it delivered to you.

[@MarekDrives]

Passat Alltrack is a great machine. Unfortunately anything VAG is out of the question for me, because my Polish viewers would eat me alive "for taking money from VW". I wish, because I'd be rich :)

[@christianronn5301]

@@MarekDrives As in every VW I’d very much like to replace the DSG with a proper eight speed auto, but other than that it’s a very well thought out car. I love, for example, that it has the vents above the screen. I’d rather look down at the screen than freeze my elbow off in summer.

[@Verbindungs]

@@christianronn5301 my 8 year experience with the DSG was disappointing. Maybe they work better now.

[@christianronn5301]

@@Verbindungs It’s the dry clutch 7 speed used with the small engines that’s the one to avoid. The wet-clutch ones are a lot better, both in reliability/longevity and comfort/shift quality. I would have a proper automatic any day but feature set and price steered me to a Passat Alltrack so DSG it is. A V90 Cross Country would have been a total no-brainer but my wallet doesn’t agree.

[@Verbindungs]

@@christianronn5301 you are right, mine was the dry clutch. It worked well on the open road, but in urban traffic, the very reason why I buy automatics, it was like taming a wild horse (I am exaggerating for the purpose of making a point).

[@davetravels9273]

I have a long list: heated seats (front and rear), at least dual-zone climate (my wife and I argue otherwise :D), good sound system, power seats with memory (again for the wife), automatic (for the wife), apple car play, at least 220 hp, AWD, adaptive cruise, lane keep, blind spot, cross-traffic alert, emergency braking, led adaptive headlights, sunroof. My car also has a heated steering wheel, which I didn't know I needed until now :P, and the power tailgate is a huge help. My car also has a connected app that enables remote start where I can set my climate settings, also something I didn't know I would like this much. Overall, we really like our Subaru Outback XT (the 2.4 turbo is unfortunately not available in Europe).

[@TranquilityTerrace]

Right on Marek, very good video indeed. Congrats👍

[@jasonsteuer2237]

Great honest review !!!!!

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

Really great car if you need a B-SUV (though honestly more like a small C-SUV in terms of length) with some performance and luxury. Basically a slightly smaller and more funky looking BMW X2. Still, i think i would have gone for the BMW X2 instead. It is 6cm longer but a little shorter while still having 18cm of ground clearence. It gets better mileage, has better aerodynamics and is a little lighter. Only problem you can't get digital cockpit with it, and is slightly more expensive for similar equipment levels. I suppose that is the reason BMW is going to make the next X2 model larger than the current one, in order to differentiate it from the countryman more. Still, you can't go wrong with either car i think.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

We'll see what the new Countryman is going to be like (beside the fact it will be solely available as an EV).

[@RR-sn9yy]

I have a 2017 Countryman S, US version. Love it! Great in MN snow and ice, and gravel/dirt roads, though the 6.5in clearance is a limitation. Looking forward to a hybrid version!

[@RaduB.]

Congratulations! I hope you will both enjoy it! And maybe we'll learn something too. 😉 (For the time being I am a bit skeptical about the reliability of Minis...)

[@MarekDrives]

This is the same engine you get on the G20 BMW, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

[@luinpuin4152]

Mini is the only European brand that is in the JD Power top 10.

[@brandonpollard8928]

I too have a Mini Cooper Countryman S and I marvel and Enjoy it daily. Its quick and confident. It looks so good inside and out but the interior never gets old. I like hatchbacks and or SUV because it feels like the shape changes and I like that. It can change from sporty to off-road. Its super fun I find my trips are too short lol

[@davidwayne9982]

I want a mini that is 4x4-- and drives well.. AUTOMATIC (I don't feel up to shfting a lot - clutch aggravates me now).. and WAS looking at Countryman- but I'd like your recommendatons.. looked at a clubman , countryman- and probably a few others.. WHICH holds up better? ETC.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Holds up? This October it'll be two years since I got it, and it's been good so far. An update here kzbin.info/www/bejne/enaZgmOKe9hsebc though perhaps I should make another video in a couple of months. If you want AWD, you don't have a choice, and you have to get the automatic. Manual (if it's still available at all) will be a less powerful engine FWD. I chose the 2-liter petrol AWD (just before MHEV was added), because I wanted it to be as uncomplicated, as possible, even at the expense of MPG. But then I put all terrain tires and I never remove the roof rack, so I'm paying more for fuel anyway. The Countryman has an almost car-like ground clearance, so the Clubman will be even worse in that respect. As far as handling is concerned, I chose the fattest tires, because I wanted more comfort. It still handles OK, and on slippery roads you can feel the power shifting to the rear, but on bumpy roads it's still a bit harsh for my liking.

[@davidwayne9982]

@@MarekDrivesENG THANKS- I've seen so much NEGATIVE stuff about the engine (and getting TO the thing to service it.) that I was thinking it wouldn't be worth it- and they are prone to lots of LEAKS it says-- but I'm still set on one.. I am not buying all the negative stuff-- I thnk those were idiots that didn't take care of them properly.. THANKS again for the info..

[@MarekDrivesENG]

@@davidwayne9982 are you sure we're talking about B48 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine? The really problematic one was the N13/Prince 1.6 L engine co-developed with PSA.

[@MrAndrei4777]

Since I got my G20 with full driver assistance pack, I can't imagine myself without this feature in a future car. This comes especially handy when travelling on long distances or in traffic, as the car drives on its own and I'm never fatigued after long journeys or after having spent much time in traffic. I could absolutely live without seat/stearing wheel heating, heads-up display and 3d camera, panoramic roof, electrical seats, keyless entry.

[@MarekDrives]

I know. G20 driver aids are great. Good car BTW. We were thinking of G21, but our friend said we need something a bit more conspicuous :)

[@MrAndrei4777]

@@MarekDrives however, I would immediately switch to Genesis, but unfortunately they are not available in Belgium, yet...

[@katydid5354]

Ordered one on Saturday - but changed it to the hybrid today. No mods yet but I have 6 months to think about them.

[@_marina_m]

Hello there! did you receive your mini hybrid? do u like it? any cons?

[@TheEGGtech]

I've been watching your videos for a few years now. Great configuration on your Countryman! I placed an order for an SE Hybrid a couple of weeks ago but have to wait until mid-December for delivery :( For sure was made aware that the HUD and electric tailgate may be eliminated due to shortages.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Fingers crossed it arrives as specced. Great car!

[@_marina_m]

Hello there! have you got your Mini Hybrid Countryman? how do u like it? is it convenient to use battery?

[@TheEGGtech]

@@_marina_m hello, yes I have had my MINI since March this year after further delays. As long as you can charge at home or at work, it is very convenient using the battery. And you can charge the battery up using the engine while driving (e.g. if you drive on a motorway at a higher speed where petrol engine is more efficient than electric motor). I came from an BMW 125i (F20 LCI-2 generation) and find the MINI feels better built and interior feels very special. It is still very engaging to drive.

[@_marina_m]

@@TheEGGtech yes loving the interior too 😊 thanks a lot for detailed reply!

[@giftysambo4238]

Marek backtracking is hilarious

[@ΧρήστοςΔενέχεισημασία]

It is very easy to criticize cars and rate them poorly when you don't have to pay for them.... You only love Ferraris and Porsches then. It is only when they realize the limitations of most people, (and most car journalists are not rich) that they begin to understand that those cars are actually good for the price.

[@rimmerblues1586]

I like the car, but sadly not a fan of the design of the dash. I couldn't live without a heated steering wheel either, and being in the UK people - including salespeople - still laugh at me for saying such a thing! I like drive modes can very much like without adjustable/adaptive suspension. I hope the Coop is still giving u and the missus much joy. Stay unique!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Heated steering wheel is a must-have in colder regions. Once you try it, life won't be the same without it, and the sales people are just putting a good face on the fact BMW/MINI have supply issues. As for our car, I've even made an update video recently. kzbin.info/www/bejne/enaZgmOKe9hsebc

[@mikidof]

@@MarekDrivesENG As someone living in Finland where most of the population has never owned a car with a heated steering wheel - we use interior heaters and these handy articles of clothing known as leather gloves!

[@alliejr]

👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Congratulations and enjoy! Wish you all the best. (give the iPhone a try… you might like it).

[@MarekDrives]

I'm so used to Android... I'm a Mac person BTW. I just never liked the mobile version of the iOS.

[@Taliskerop]

Who could have thought, the grumpy SUV reviewer fell for the steroid BMW! Many merry kilometres Marek. Leaving aside the android MINI hardware mockery I guess you made a great choice........... that was until I heard the price. 😳😳😳

[@fraserpaterson1763]

Hello, I have a f56 JCW and I’m looking at a countryman JCW and a focus rs. What’s your thoughts? I do prefer the interior in the mini.

[@Volvoxc70SWE]

Nice car! You can put a bigger profil on the tires and get an inch higher ground clearance!

[@Daniel-Condurachi]

We have the BMW 2 series active tourer, similar in a way to your new car. We are quite happy with it, so far. Hope you'll be as well

[@MarekDrives]

Thanks. The 2AT (and Mercedes B-Class) are great cars!

[@Verbindungs]

When you mentioned that you rummage in the boot a lot, you forgot to say that it also rains a lot in Poland. Anyway, I also would be seriously pissed off by the Android auto fiasco.

[@MarekDrives]

It rains wherever you need something from the very deep end of the boot :) Someone's already contacted me. It seems that people with knowledge of BMW coding are easier to find, than we think.

[@panagiotisgeorgiou2866]

I saw that you added matrix led headlights. How are they compared the normal ones? Enjoy your new car, it is fantastic!

[@Patryk-y]

hi Marek, i wonder why you didnt choose the hybrid version. i am considering mini countryman se all4. do you recommend countryman s ? what is your idea for countryman se vs countryman s ?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Two reasons: 1. Boot size. I need all the boot space I can get, and the hybrid has less, because the battery is under the false boot floor. 2. PHEV means disposable, because battery degradation. Looking at new cars after two and a half years of leasing this Countryman it looks like it's a keeper for the long run. I like that it's still the non-MHEV model. If anything goes wrong with it, repairs shouldn't be too big a problem. Having said that, if you're leasing for a couple years, and then changing to something new, you don't care about battery or repairs. It's going to be someone else's problem.

[@lucianepure504]

Hi! Please change your roof racks with some Thule Edge. The Basket will be lower! Also the roof racks from thule are more silent.

[@MarekDrives]

Thanks for the tip. I'll check them out.

[@lucianepure504]

@@MarekDrives The product code is TA9582 silver and TA95822 black, I recommend you the black ones.

[@cliffburtonnkardesiyim3725]

We recently got a second hand mini countryman all 4 ( pre facelifted 2018 )with just over 12 k miles and my wife immediately started complaining about the heavy steering wheel etc. Now i have to make a choice : keep it or sell it . Yes the mini is so much fun to drive but idk 🤷

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Heavy steering? Compared to what? Also, maybe have the power steering checked. Maybe it just needs a fluid top up.

[@ReconGW2]

Not worth it. Battery dies, you're stranded till you can get it to dealership (towed) or buy the replacement, and pay a few extra hundred to get it programmed. No car should leave you stranded for a battery, that all most anyone could replace on their own. Next windshield wipers, don't get if you like to change your own blades and don't want to mess up warranty. Next is oil change, this shouldn't require a dealership to do but here we are again.

[@barbaramayer5182]

I think the British emblem in the rear turn lights are backwards. They are pointing wrong directions. Switch, and they will be pointing in the right direction.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

In Europe we get amber turn signals, so we don't have the arrow pointing inwards problem, like the US soec cars have.

[@Shgtci]

Wind noise is really annoying in this car, at this price tag I would say unacceptable. Also, does not behave well on road abnormalities, suspension is a bit on the rough side. Other than that, no issues mechanically or otherwise after 1.5 year of ownership. And off course design-wise (my subjective view) no car in this category can match it.

[@MarekDrives]

As far as the suspension is concerned, I went with the standard 17" rims for that very reason. And yes, if still can be rough, though not as bad, as with bigger wheels.

[@GeoZeppelin1979]

i own a 2013 all4 s model...........i wouldnt say its bad,it has 4 wheel drive,it has a turbo and it consumes 7/8 liters in the city,i should be happy right? but i dunno...........its too rigid to drive and it kinda misses that extra factor.........i would give it 7/10

[@sandeeppanchal2303]

Congratulations to both of you 😊 and thanks for sharing your personal choices here. I have a quick question and it can be a short answer. We are working couples and would like to know which option to go for, Credit or Leasing? Our average run is around 12000-14000 km per year. Thank you in advance :)

[@MarekDrives]

It depends on where you are located, and what are the local tax regulations. In Poland leasing is the preferred option for company buyers (in my case sole proprietorship), as it allows for income tax and VAT write-off. Loan would mean only an income tax write-off. For a company purchase. If you are a private buyer in Poland, then you're screwed, because you just pay off your loan, and get no benefits. Also there is no leasing as such for private buyers in Poland. There's a lease-like product for private buyers, which is officially called a long/medium term rent. It's a technicality, but in Poland leasing is business only.

[@sandeeppanchal2303]

@@MarekDrives thanks a lot Marek, your response is quiet precise and yes I reside in Poland hence asking about leasing. So according to you it will make a lot of sense to lease with sole proprietorship and it will assist with VAT and Income tax both. Will you recommend so good options for leasing in Poland, especially around Szczecin since I recently moved from Warsaw to Szczecin. Thank you once again for your response and I love your reviews very much 😊

[@MarekDrives]

@@sandeeppanchal2303 1. leasing rules are changing as of new year, so it's bets you consult a professional tax advisor. 2. leasing deals may differ depending on what car you are buying, and what are your objectives. I'm leasing straight from BMW, but not all car companies offer their own financing. Also sometimes it may be cheaper to lease through a financial institution or a leasing company. It all depends on what you need. Professional tax advisor is the way to go.

[@sandeeppanchal2303]

@@MarekDrives Got the point 👍🏻 Thanks for the advice and wish you a wonderful new year in advance 😊

[@golfendeavor8267]

Nice spec on this Countryman. Thinking of buying one. Ha, the Defender 90 is my favourit but have to agree that the boot is just a joke.. nothing for a golfer. How do you fit golf clubs in this Mini? Pozdrawiam

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I fold the rear seats :)

[@pocketfella5176]

Done s good job, looks fantastic

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jps8941]

I am purchasing my first mini it's a 2019 mini countryman John Cooper works the car looks amazing drives amazing and has all the little features that I was looking for in the car. The only things that I'm really considering adding and changing are the run flat tires I would like to get a picnic bench I don't know why the youtubers don't see the practicality in that that's amazing oh feature and I've got to figure out something to do with the wireless charger because I'm never gonna use it and to me it's just a waste of space.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I literally use the picnic bench for social media photos. I never have the time to sit on it or the boot is full, because I'm going somewhere, and I would have to unload to get it out.

[@Commentator541]

I want this car so bad :D

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I can let you have a go in it. Unfortunately I'm not a particularly shrewd negotiator, so I won't help you get a good deal on it.

[@pangk7566]

Hello Marek! For a family of 4 (childer under 4 y.o) what would you chose between countryman 1.5 petrol and Tiguan 1.5?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

At least a Tiguan Allspace, and then we can talk engines, depending on your use case scenario. For the city 1.5 is fine. That being said my neighbour had 3 child seats in her MINI Hatch (3-door), so it all depends on what you expect from the car.

[@yardgrid]

Great review. Do you happen to have a link to those high beam LEDs you sourced?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

AFAIK these are the MINI Additional LED Headlights Black (I think there are also non-LED and chrome versions). My part number is 63122287148

[@yardgrid]

@Marek Drives in English Thanks. I did some research and UK is different. Subscribed now. Loving the channel.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

These are connected with the regular high-beams. But earlier MINI also offered those with a separate switch.

[@akhiln997]

My dream car but dropped out of shortlisted cars as mini don't have any plans of android auto even though bmw got it now.

[@joeclifford4953]

Interesting content. Love to hear if you find an android auto conversion. Cheers Joe

[@MarekDrivesENG]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/enaZgmOKe9hsebc

[@joeclifford4953]

@MarekDrivesENG Thank you for the Android link. We just took delivery of our Mini Countryman JCW in January and I was really disappointed that the heated steering wheel and electric seats option was deleted. And no Android Auto in this day and age is appalling. Love the car, but so many things drive me mad

[@MarekDrivesENG]

@@joeclifford4953 Electric seats we can do without, because my wife and I like to sit low, so we just slide the seat back and forth. Lack of steering wheel would have been a dealbreaker for me, but Android Auto can be easily installed. I'm sure you'll find a specialist in your area, who sells those Chinese units, and installs them. It's a 1-2 hr job, if they know what they're doing. Lovely car. I think we'll be keeping ours, when the lease ends, because there's nothing else out there this size and style, that isn't either electrified or electric.

[@kevinn1158]

Congrats. I see a lot of these in downtown Toronto. This smaller type of CUV vehicle is very popular here. Q3, GLA as well. Nice colour, which colour is it? Also what were the other cars did you consider? RSQ3? LOL

[@MarekDrives]

Thanks. Sage green. I ran one of those car search engines, where you input a bunch of parameters (in my case it was AWD, at least 400L boot space, AT, >150hp), and it spit out a bunch of options, all of which were boring or unacceptable for other reasons. For example I cannot buy anything from the VW Group, because there's this conspiracy theory in Poland that VW pays journalists for favourable reviews. Which is bullshit. It's Toyota :) Anyway, because of the MINI by x-Raid press release I saw last year, I decided the Countryman would be the least boring, and here we are (albeit without the x-Raid mods). Theoretically Subaru Forester/Outback should tick most of the boxes, but in Poland they are terribly expensive, and come with laughable engines. Also no Wilderness spec here, so you're getting the dullest of dull mom cars for BMW money. In the end the MINI is a great car to drive, it looks different, and it's practical enough for my needs. The other serious contender in late 2020/early 2021 was the Land Rover Defender 90, while it still had the 2 liter diesel. It was then updated to 3 liters, which bumps the excise duty from 3 to 18 percent. With options it was about 80-90k euro. We thought eating plain yoghurt for the next couple of years can't be all that bad, but it turned out, the 90 has the most impractical trunk you've ever seen. My black Pelican gear case (granted, it's quite large) wouldn't fit flat on the floor (so I can't open it to reach for stuff, when I'm on a shoot). Folding the seats doesn't help, because the seats fold 15 cm above the boot floor. Ridiculous.

[@kevinn1158]

@@MarekDrives I drive my in law’s Subaru Outback and I can’t stand it. Too bouncy. Too light steering. The leather feels like plastic. Eww. I’m getting annoyed just thinking about it now.

[@Canopus68]

Please do a video on the center screen and switches on the dash under it. My daughter bought a 2016 Countryman and we're haveing a hard time figureing out what does what. We have the owners manual, but that isn't very helpfull. The dealer got it from is not a MINI dealer and they know less about it then we do. It's kind of strange, I had a very old MINI when I lived in Scotland.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

2016 would be pre-facelift, so the best I can do is refer you to some of my older MINI videos with that generation of the infotainment. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWLJZnRrnaZ3iLcsi=vzjvewBl3pds3Kv5 (around 3rd minute) kzbin.info/www/bejne/r17biGOhZ9Wjgdksi=8K8XTCn5togmZEK4 (around 3:20) kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4LIoKl_p82ffsUsi=-rpLfJNXrKcgXexI (around 2:15) or just go with one of these: kzbin.info?search_query=2016+mini+cooper+infotainment+system+

[@bogoljubdjordjevic7528]

I like it wish to have one

[@vincer2356]

I Marek, i would like to know where did you get your black bumper trims, instead of silver version? Thanks so much, bye. ( i receive mine soon ).😊

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's a combination of Black Package and Offroad Package.

[@vincer2356]

@@MarekDrivesENG yes I know, but you replaced the silver parts with black parts. you painted them or you bought them (at mini or elsewhere), where? and is it difficult to remove them?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Roof and mirrors black. Roof railings black. Piano Black exterior elements. ALL4 Pack (that's the silver bits that look like skid plates). Once the car was already produced and about to be delivered, I changed my mind, and the dealer ordered black trim bits to replace the silver ones. Some of them arrived on time, and were installed prior me taking delivery of the car, and some were supposed to be installed later. When I saw the car, I said let's leave it as it is. So it's half black/half ALL4. I still have a few silver trim bits laying around somewhere. It's all original MINI. Probably you could have them removed and painted cheaper somewhere without MINI "tax" :) I imagine any half decent body shop will know what to do.

[@vincer2356]

@@MarekDrivesENG excellent, thanks so much

[@antoniouloukas]

I was looking to buy an x raid mini sd and fitting some torsens or clutch type lsd, for a rally inspired mini coyntryman. Ended up getting a used 2016 q5 quattro tdi as thecawd system is better and its a better vehicle overall. However, if i could get a second crossover, smaller one, a built by x raid mini, would be my choise. If you are plaaning any mods, i d love to see them on a video. Maybe a slight lift of an inch, some mild old terrain tyres and some upgraded diffs front amd rear, will turn this little thing into a unique little beast.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I did put AT tires on it. Still no lift, though I'm thinking about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/enaZgmOKe9hsebc

[@antoniouloukas]

@@MarekDrivesENG cool vid, i think a wavetruck diff and a slight lift will vastly improve the cars all road character.

[@casperskestrel]

So with the Drive Mode toggle deleted, is your car always in Mid Mode, with no option to move to Green and Sport Modes?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's sportier, when I put the gearbox in sport. Never particularly economical though :)

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

I guess the Skoda Kodiaq falls into the dull cars. Perhaps the same goes for the Outlander PHEV, which is a really good car, and not so dull.

[@MarekDrives]

The Outlander PHEV has great tech, but tacky packaging.

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

@@MarekDrives yeah, that's true. I'm sad the whole extra equipment did not work out. It would've been an awesome car with nice ground clearance.

[@MarekDrives]

@@nikolayrayanov2895 we'll see how it goes :)

[@nikolayrayanov2895]

@@MarekDrives Good luck, Marek. I hope you will at least get the Android thing fixed or mitigated with help from the community. Looking forward to your next video! Stay safe!

[@MrAndrei4777]

I was and will never be a fan of a mini. However, this countrymans look nice.

[@MarekDrives]

It grew on me, but deep down I still think it's a bit of a Stockholm syndrome :)

[@MrAndrei4777]

@@MarekDrives yeah, no problem at all, I got your point from the video. May I ask how much does this vehicle cost to lease in Poland?

[@MarekDrives]

About 700 euro a month for 4 years, 0 down payment. After 4 years we'll decide whether to buy it or let it go. It's a company lease, so it's partly tax-deductible. The only reason to buy a new car in Poland. That's why 70% of new car sales are company (often sole proprietorships like myself), while only 30% go to "normal" people.

[@MrAndrei4777]

@@MarekDrives thanks for the information. And what if you decide to stop the leasing contract earlier, do you have to pay any penalties? BTW, does it include insurance or you have to arrange it by yourself?

[@MarekDrives]

@@MrAndrei4777 I can't just give it back before my lease is up. I have to look for someone, who will take over the lease (or the dealer may help me find someone, as there are always people looking for a deal). I'm sure I won't make money on it :) Insurance is extra on top of the leasing instalment. From my point of view I'd like have everything in one payment, but this would be something like a long-term rental, which is a different product category. I'd probably not be able to choose my options, but take whatever the dealer has on stock. Also it wouldn't be as beneficial from tax perspective. Don't get me wrong - this car is an indulgence. I know it's too expensive, and that I got the worst deal ever, but I'm not a particularly shrewd negotiator ;)

[@konstantinosmavraganis3257]

The S doesnt indicate an hybrid PHEV one?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

SE is the PHEV. S is just between regular Cooper and JCW.

[@krystofjirasek7348]

Very nice choice!! How do you like the seats so far? I heard that Mini seats are a bit too hard, but maybe it's just the JCWs.

[@MarekDrives]

There are at least three types of seats in the MINI. The standard ones, which have short thigh support, and Anna bumps her calf on the slide lever, the sport ones, which we have (I don't know what's so sporty about hem), and JCW seats. I don't find any of them particularly hard. Perhaps with sport suspension on JCW more vibrations come through.

[@peterjussen7143]

@@MarekDrives Not entirely relevant, but when speccing my Countryman, I had to avoid the sport trim (in the UK) so that I did not get the JCW seats. They’re huge and affect rear passenger space quite a bit. The middle tier sport seats, like in this video, are definitely the best compromise.

[@MarekDrives]

@@peterjussen7143 interesting insight. I had JCW seats in the pre-facelift test car, and they didn't seem thick. Maybe they changed something for the LCI model. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epWad5l-odiLpq8

[@peterjussen7143]

@@MarekDrives I had the hybrid one for 48 hour test drive (2019, pre facelift) and found the kids didn't have much room when compared to a basic one in the showroom with the non JCW seats. It all worked out good though and it's so much more fun than our dreary old CRV 😄

[@MarekDrives]

@@peterjussen7143 I wonder if this could have anything to do with the PHEV business. Were both cars PHEV?

[@mjuresic]

Maybe Cupra Formentor VZ with Golf R engine for similar money would be more interesting option. Who knows

[@MarekDrives]

I can't buy anything VAG. There's a conspiracy theory among Poles that VW pays journalists for positive reviews. Which is bullshit. It's Toyota :)

[@mjuresic]

@@MarekDrives Thanks for clarification :) good job with yt channel!

[@davidcastro5980]

We need Xraid in Costa Rica 😮

[@MrFlazz99]

I'm going to sound like an old fuddy-duddy, but the one thing my car must have is a CD player. My current car does, but when I have to replace it, a newer model won't. Fortunately, I have a brother who does hi-fi installations, so I shall call upon his services. Lacking a CD player when I own 1000+ CDs and want to listen to them is unacceptable - it feels like I'm in a rock-bottom poverty-spec car when I have to drive something that basically only has a radio (like a throwback to the 1970s). Tell me I should spend a month's wages on a smart phone and then spend thousands of hours getting versions of all my music in MP3 format and I will tell you to take a running jump....

[@MarekDrives]

Interesting. I was a tape guy, and for me CDs never caught on, because of the price. So I skipped right to mp3 Napster era. Yes, I stole. Today I can stream for privacy or cash :)

[@stephencooper5040]

I wonder why they got rid of the manual

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Manual is still available in FWD, probably basic engine variant. Increasingly often clients choose automatics, especially with the more expensive variants, so carmakers save on development costs, and just stick to the gearbox that sells well. Also with upcoming electrification, manual transmission will soon be gone for good. That's why we keep our MX-5.

[@rabola55]

Have you fixed the Android Auto?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/enaZgmOKe9hsebc

[@rabola55]

@@MarekDrivesENG Ok thanks, looks advanced.... I have a quotation now on a Cooper S Countryman, it has built in navigation. I use Andr Auto now in my current car but the main reason is to access Google Maps, and my Spotify playlists I have stored on my Andr phone.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Apparently there's a new device, in which also the touchscreen works. I might have it installed in a couple of months, when my guy tests it, and deems it reliable enough.

[@ridgmont61]

I hope you are not losing the MX5 NC - I have just bought my 2nd one after a gap of 10 years.

[@MarekDrives]

I wanted to lift it, but Anna won't let me. Yeah, we're keeping her. The MX-5 I mean :)

[@minashafik5715]

Hi where is the new Qashqai ??

[@MarekDrives]

Have you tried using... I don't know... the search engine? kzbin.info/www/bejne/kH6xg3yhramHo9k

[@krystofjirasek7348]

For me, and my Golf VII highline which I couldn't configure, I desperetaly want the LED headlights, the halogen ones are so rubbish in function a looks. Also the lack of android auto/apple carplay makes me really wonder how the heck is this not standard by some law.

[@MarekDrives]

Yes, once you try LEDs there's no going back.

[@rgee5176]

I want this car.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

I'm not selling 🤣

[@miroslawlubiecki4512]

...yes Mark...yes... coca-cola.... marlboro... yes Mark...please....

[@MarekDrives]

Widzę, że było pite i pisane. Nie polecam.

[@fadd6895]

Why not Subaru X.V ?

[@MarekDrives]

XV's too small, so that's a non-starter. In Poland similarly specced Forester costs almost as much as this, and the best you can get is a 2-liter 150 hp engine with a 12 second 0-100 km/h. The Outback STARTS around the price of this Countryman. And we don't get the Wilderness spec, which is the only reason I'd look at a Subaru in the first place.

[@fadd6895]

​@@MarekDrives Thanks . As a former XV owner i can describe that secure feeling that car had that it would take you out of any off road mishasp' . Love your channel and "Shalom" from Israel :-) .

[@davidwalters313]

An Audi A4 all-road may have been a better bet for you

[@MarekDrives]

Yes, and no. Audi is predictably good, and I can't buy anything remotely VW, because there's a conspiracy theory VW pays car journalists :)

[@davidwalters313]

@@MarekDrives thats interesting. I didn’t realise

[@ericboivin3097]

Why automatic the 6 speed is mutch more fun

[@MarekDrives]

MT is with FWD only these days. At least in Poland. Also we have a manual MX-5, and this is just a shopping trolley.

[@sashaneemoht8764]

"...so we need a sufficiently big car...." a Mini? Clearly, Anna is THE most beautiful woman in europe so doesn't use much to enhance the said beauty. You, however, how much do you need? ... space, I mean. 😂😂😂

[@MarekDrives]

Our only car was an MX-5, so from this perspective a Countryman is a pretty big car.

[@sashaneemoht8764]

Yes Marek, but, after your outstanding review of the Peugeot 3008 in 2017/18, I thought your money was bound for it. Of course, the overall deal is the key point for you if you're smart. I think you are... 🤔

[@MarekDrives]

No, not really. I bought a car during the chip shortage, specced with other mods in mind, had to change the configuration after the car went into production. So I got a pretty bad deal, because I paid the full price, and then some. But I like the car, and that's what counts.

[@sashaneemoht8764]

I have heard that the second-hand car market is boyant so... 😉 . All the best Marek and Anna, be well in 2022!

[@javiereaton6083]

the only way i will drive a Mini again is if was for free and after few years the mechanical issues was paid by the BMW ,,, what a lemon

[@Nigelrudyardmusic]

Nice little motor, bit hung up on being British, even though it isn't. I'm British and don't ever want to own a British car. Fortunately, your Mini isn't.

[@MarekDrives]

🤣

[@geivnv]

Robing Reliant!! :D

[@oliverselent297]

@marek: hook me up, nearly the same story like mine. I‘m in contact for a different lift-kit and going to sort out which tire-size is the (in germany legal) way to go 🤞🏼

[@MarekDrives]

x-Raid wanted to put on Cooper AT3 4S. Based on the press release photos the size is 235/60 R17 mediapool.bmwgroup.com/download/edown/pressclub/publicq?dokNo=P90404995&attachment=1&actEvent=image

[@MarekDrives]

Also, is your car under warranty, and are these modifications endorsed by MINI?

[@DashDriver-z1r]

They should call this all, four, show as they are a middle class nob mobile . They aren’t cheap, practical or good looking

[@MarekDrives]

Price and looks are indeed against it, but as far as practicality goes, I'm pleased with what it offers.

[@DashDriver-z1r]

@@MarekDrives I get that it’s quirky different is appealing to some, but a Octavia scout is more practical and better value. The Mini CM is confused proposition to me. If you are enjoying ideal the reliability is questionable. I do find it strange you bought based on a mini press release for an upgrade pack which all of sudden mini don’t endorse. You basically chose the car on false pretences and mini have behaved badly by advertising something they won’t support or warranty

[@MarekDrives]

@@DashDriver-z1r Yes, Skoda always wins, but value in monetary terms was never a part of my equation. This car is a bit of a gadget, and taking into account my already stretched budget there was nothing else remotely interesting that would fit me. I can't buy anything VAG, because many Poles have this conspiracy theory about VW paying off journalists. For similar reasons I won't touch Toyota (also it's boring). Subaru in Poland is too expensive, and the dealer network is limited. I could get a French PHEV, but I needed all the boot space, so that was also out. Small BMW and Mercedes models are even more expensive, and an X3 says "aspiring soccer mom" from a mile away. Also Volvo is out, because three of my colleagues (car journalist and 2 car influencers) drive Volvos. And yes, I'm kind of pissed off about the x-raid thing, but I could have always forfeited my modest deposit, and walk away. I just wouldn't have a car that I generally enjoy driving.

[@dmitrijusciubinskis5156]

thats alot of money for a mini

[@sonnenscheinsommer4754]

how can someone buy such an ugly model range gap filler? With bad infotainment system? Shouldn't a car journalist know before, in what model he gets a decent infotainment system (or know how to ask this before)? Man, what's going on? We shouldn't support these car manufacturer who play with us customers "take what you get and keep quiet". Our family got this summer a Seat Leon ST, I said "we have to take it, it's an incredible good leasing offer" what it was, so I suggested a car from my most hated car group, and we got a horrible infotainment system. I need to suffer now 3 years. Damn. At least it looks great, drives perfectly and has a huge boot, and the girl is happy, cause it looks great, especially in the night the tail light... Whatever, I still hate VW.

[@MarekDrives]

Yes, they should, and I have been assured this will get the AA update (hence I chose the top infotainment). Only later I was told by so-called "MINI Genius" that my car still has the old hardware on new interface. Apparently it's a matter of what week the car went to production in. With the chip shortage and all, I'm willing to turn a blind eye to it, especially since there are aftermarket solutions to this problem. With all that said, this is just a great car to drive, and I need a car that I like driving after getting out of a press car.

[@limes1982]

silly vehicle.

[@aladeen8393]

That’s not a mini it’s fat and German 😂

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Sounds about right.

[@panagiotisgeorgiou2866]

I saw that you added matrix led headlights. How are they compared the normal ones? Enjoy your new car, it is fantastic!

[@MarekDrives]

TBH, I haven't driven the car at night on a fast enough dark road to notice. The fancy bits start working above 70 km/h, and where I live there are street lights everywhere. I'll get to drive it a bit more during the Xmas break, when I don't have any cars to review :)