New 2013 Mini Countryman Diesel review, test drive

The Countryman D is the first Mini to be assembled in India. This translates to a price tag of Rs 28.9 lakh, which is a significant Rs 8.6 lakh less than the fully imported petrol-engined Countryman High. The Countryman D joins the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-class, the upcoming BMW 1-series and the Volvo V40 Cross Country in the upcoming premium luxury hatchback segment. To take on its formidable competition, the Countryman has a few weapons in its arsenal – its tall upright stance makes it a lot more spacious than the others and there is plenty to like about its funky interiors. Still, at this price, the Mini has to feel extra special to stand out, and exactly how special it feels is what we are going to find out.

It may look like a hatchback, but at over four metres long, it’s large enough to be called a Maxi. The Countryman is also the first Mini to have five doors and Mini’s designers have gone to some lengths to ensure that it won’t be mistaken for anything other than a Mini. Still, we’re not totally sold on how these styling characteristics integrate into the Countryman’s bigger proportions, but there is quite a lot to take in – the power bulge on the huge clamshell bonnet, for example, or the complex detailing of the headlights and the Volkswagen-like bootlid badge that doubles up as a tailgate handle. Still, it doesn’t have the wow factor of the new A-class or even the unconventionally interesting styling of the Volvo V40. That said, the Countryman is over 100mm wider and about 150mm taller than the regular Mini hatchback and much taller than the other large hatches. This liberates a lot of space on the inside, making the Countryman the most practical and usable Mini ever. Continue..