The grown up Mini

The Mini was designed way back in the 1960s by Sir Alec Issigonis as a city runabout. A tiny car for the family that could tackle the streets of a bygone era. A pot-load of clever antics were incorporated like a transverse engine layout that would free up space for the cabin was just one of them. Plenty of variants came later, which included a wagon. But the dimensions of the Mini remained diminutive. However, years later after BMW took over the reins and reinvented the Mini, something changed. Much to the disbelief of the purists, the Mini had grown in size. Finally, with the Countryman, BMW introduced a whole new genre of Minis. The Countryman has won accolades and brickbats around the world, and now it’s time for Indians to respond to this new Mini. That’s exactly what we are going to do in these pages.

Let’s begin with the visuals. If you have ever seen a classic Mini, be it on the TV or on laptops, you will relate to the Countryman as one. Sure, you might feel a bit confused, thanks to its large dimensions, but the resemblance remains. The large bug-eye headlamps and the large grille looks smart, so does the front bumper with those biggish airdams. When you pop the bonnet, you will see a large chunk of metal rise up that looks odd, but gives good access to the engine. In profile, the four doors look out of place on a Mini, but the clean lines are worthy of accolades. While Mini claims this to be a pseudo SUV (yes, it comes with an optional AWD pack), the low-pro tyres are a giveaway of its tarmac dwelling preference. At the back things are simple and the spoiler adds a touch of sportiness. Step inside and it's unmistakably a Mini.

The chunky but small steering wheel houses controls for audio and trip comp and the paddle shifters are closely placed for better access. A small tacho sits in front (and is attached to the steering column that moves with the steering) and there’s a digital display for speed. The centre console just looks awesome. The oversized analogue speedo looks so cool and the digital display for the vehicle's multimedia interface lies in between. Since this speedo is more of a style statement, designers have positioned a smaller digital speedo with the tacho, which ensures you don’t need to take your eyes off the road.

The Mini’s cabin is loaded with gizmos. It’s praiseworthy that BMW has not ruined the details by incorporating modern switches and dials. Every switch is toggle type, much like the original. Sure operation might be modern, but the classic feel remains. Just behind the gear lever resides a rather fancy parking brake lever and positioned below is a sunglass holder, which you can remove and carry around. The seats hug you like your first girlfriend and they are a joy to be in it as it supports you the right places. Surprisingly, the Countryman is not short on space, be it at the front or the back, and gives a feeling of top-class workmanship. This means that the Mini is no longer an affordable motor, but a rich man’s toy (at least in India).

Start the Countryman and the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine wakes up to a sporty hum. Shift the slick gear lever into D mode and peg the throttle; the Mini takes off with enthusiasm. As the speedo climbs its sporty characteristics become obvious. With a claimed 100kmph dash in 7.9 seconds, this Mini can trash most cars on the road. With a light throttle, the Mini shifts through the gears smoothly and the shifts are hardly noticeable. However, when you want to have some fun and downshift using the paddle shifters, the gearbox is slow to respond, but the steering feels superb. It keeps to the original Mini’s ‘go-kartish’ traditions and allows for super-quick lane changes. It's correctly weighted and offers precise feedback. The suspension too is stiffly set and this translates the Mini being fun around bends and twisties.

You would like to take it to the hills or even a track-day. Unfortunately, the fun disappears the moment the Mini faces a rough patch of road. The suspension is so stiff that the ride is uncomfortable. Every bump, pothole and even cat-eyes on the road can be felt. In European countries, this might not be the case, thanks to better quality of roads but in India, boy it does get uncomfortable.