MINI Countryman vs BMW 1 Series

2 Ratings

4 Ratings

Mini Countryman Review

It's stylish and athletic, with a high predicted reliability rating. However, its cabin is cramped, and this car is more expensive than rivals. It is the top car in low cost. it is very good to ride. It looks very nice and good it will give nice performance.

A disappointment

<p><strong>Exterior</strong> It's the BMW stying philoshphy that I can't fault. The car looks sporty, lean, and muscular.</p> <p><strong>Interior (Features, Space &amp; Comfort)</strong> I like the space. I drove this car as a solo driver mostly but I think it's good for two as well. The boot is also quite spacious. Features-wise, the GPS is great. Navigating the menu while driving is easy and fun. Steering media controls are cool.</p> <p>I didn't like the aircon at all. If the car has a temperature setting, it should just maintain the temperature, which the 116i didn't do well.</p> <p><strong>Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox</strong> My first car was the City VTEC 2002. I was hoping this car would perform at least as good as that car but the 116i is a major disappointment when it comes to performance. The car is fairly quick and much better in first and a little better in the second gear but it's simply not fun that point onwards when it acclerates lifelessly and is missing 'roar'</p> <p>Fuel economy of this car is really bad. I drove around 1000 kms at a fuel economy of around 12kmpl. There was fair bit of driving in the mountains but not excessive breaking or gear shifts. In today's time, I expect better from an engine this size.</p> <p>The gearbox also isn't as crisp as ...say a SWIFT's. This is completey unacceptable from a BMW.</p> <p><strong>Ride Quality &amp; Handling</strong> I drove this car up to 130 km/hr and on long (20 km) 110+ kmph stretches. On all grounds, this car is appalling in stability. It doesn't stick to the ground firmly and when passing trucks I realised how flimsy the grip felt. This is one car that doesn't inspire confidence at higher speeds. Forget Honda City VTEC (old), a Swift Petrol does better. The steering is great. It's a joy. This car is a delight to <span data-dobid="hdw">manoeuvre.</p> <p><strong>Final Words</strong> Overall, if you drive this car before buying, you'll probaby never buy any BMW. If I have to spend so much of money, there are great options from other manufacturers. More importantly, if you are a BMW fan, never drive this car.</p> <p><strong>Areas of improvement</strong> BMW should get rid of the 116i.</p>Styling, softwarePerformance, fuel efficiency