#cooper_s

[carengines1]

Mini Cooper S, small in size but marvellous in performance 

[gentlemanbug]

Mini Countryman Cooper S

Not too long ago we were offered a Mini Countryman Cooper S for 10 days for review. We thought it sounded like a splendid idea, and agreed. The result was a couple of road trips and packets of fun. From those who know much more about cars than us, the key details of this beauty, other than its bold, wide handsomeness include the speed and handling of the 1.6L, 6 speed turbocharged engine built on the platform of BMW's X1, and the clear Germanic quality in every little detail from the headlamps to the four individual bucket seats. But the thing that surprised us most was the Countryman's practicality.

We carted 4 humans and luggage for a weekend away complete with funtime gear, then added 8 bags of groceries and we were totally fine for space. We wondered if it was just the joys of a new car, but the convenience of the extra details certainly surpassed those of most new rental cars we've had. The Center Rail that runs front to back between the seats is such a good idea, and offers a plethora of clip in accessories from extra cup holders to arm rests, iPod cradles to mini storage boxes. This car feels and looks like a Mini, but then you empty all the stuff you've packed into it and you really are scratching your head. As deceiving as it is, it's taller than most cars, and just as long, with the width that gives you 12.2 to 41.0 cubic feet of cargo space and a wide opening rear (I beg your pardon?) for easy loading. Suddenly Mini offers a car that is a real consideration for a young family (of humans).