In a series of amateur test drives I have described their perceptions of management of many cars. I can say that comparing them to each other, I always managed to find a lot in common. But the first time I had a chance to become intimately familiar with the car, so different from the other representatives of the automotive industry. In this review we will focus on the Mini. This is not just a stylish and original youth hatchback, and the first crossover, released by BMW brand Mini. I must say that the Cooper S Countryman even jokingly be called "front-BMW» - car boasts all-wheel drive transmission. To be precise, the permanent all-wheel drive are not talking, our "experimental" has become, perhaps, the classical scheme: front-wheel drive + plus back on demand. In a word, the prefix ALL4 next to the model name written in the certificate of registration at all accidental.
1 By the way, for those who do not know, Countryman can be translated as a villager, peasant. Some sources interpret the word as a country bumpkin, but in our case it does not fit - Mini looks quite stylish. However, the enthusiasm and call feature was smaller compared to the MINI Cooper Clubman, for example.
2 But the manufacturer does not claim to be the event of the year in the field of design, perhaps, for this is a Mini, there are other models. However, from the exterior design impressions were still good - a tightly knit, wiry parketnichek.
3 And the color scheme to match the name - an unusual brown color (light coffee) looks at the MINI Cooper S Countryman quite organically. Perhaps on other cars it would look out of place, but here color is really out of place.
4 The combination of black and brown, plus some chrome elements, made Countryman stylish and extraordinary. But here, in my opinion, the wheels would look more successful in chrome than in black.
5 However, in order not to start debate on high, once again remind you - all that relates to design, evaluated on the basis of subjective perception and may not necessarily reflect the views of the majority. So superficial acquaintance with MINI Cooper S Countryman took and left a good impression on the exterior. It's time to get acquainted with the interior ...
6 But the interior - it is strong, and at the same time a weakness MINI Cooper. The original, one might even say an exclusive design impresses with their uniqueness, charisma.
7 Opening the door Countryman, I froze: I fought in the excitement and confusion. And if the reason for excitement can guess something about your confusion I will tell more. The fact is that in the cabin MINI Cooper I previously did not have to happen. I do not know what to compare it, the association occurs only with the plane ... Anyway, in the head immediately got the idea - "... how did all of this control ???" ...
8 Instead of a dash in the middle of the center panel is a large, almost from the steering wheel, a circle. It is inscribed with the speedometer dial in retro style, the fuel gauge and the screen multimedia system.
9 By the way, it's awkward to use the speedometer. The impression is that it put exclusively to the rear seat passengers can see the speed at which the car is moving.
10 Fortunately, in a familiar place for many drivers can be found tachometer, digital speedometer amended. Here it is what I use.
11 Interestingly, in the interior of the MINI Cooper is dominated by rounded shapes - this I think I have not met with any other brand. You'll laugh, but the central face made me positive, good emotions. Why? But take a closer look ... what it's like? Quite right - the old mechanical alarm clock with a button at the top.
12 In terms of ergonomics, it looks not so rosy. More unusual location of controls I've ever met. Levers, toggle switches and knobs require careful study and addiction - or be prepared to be confused, include the most unexpected instruments and did scold BMW engineers.
13 Algorithm entertainment system pushes the idea that its use is only possible in the parking lot - while driving beat restive joysticks is problematic. Though the train for a while, I decided to temper justice with mercy - not so bad, a matter of habit and some skill.
14. MINI Cooper S Countryman quite comfortable - sitting perfectly fit the contours of the body, and the place was more than you can imagine, looking outside. For lovers of the big car companies will not work - in addition to the driver in the MINI Cooper S Countryman is provided only three seats for passengers.
15 The two rear seat passengers will be in them as comfortable as the driver and front seat passengers. Such equality today is not met in any other car. By the way, the owner can order a car with a conventional three-seater sofa.
16 But separate rear seats - it is a clear plus for originality. They - a clear disadvantage for practicality, as well as a small (350 liters) trunk. However, it can be up to 1170 liters increased by folding the rear seats.
17 Yet it should be noted that the number of "crickets" in the cabin exceeded all expectations. This surprised, because the test sample has passed a total of 20 thousand. Km. On the other hand, the exploitation of one host and use of the car for the organization of test drives - two very different elements. But the music has earned the maximum number of points in my own ranking - Harman Kardon sound system gives a clean sound and deep, allowing to obtain maximum enjoyment from music.
18 Under the hood of the MINI Cooper S Countryman is located vigorous and high-torque engine displacement of 1.6 liters. Turbo makes this powerplant unusually powerful - 184 horsepower is capable of accelerating the car to 100 km / h in just 7.6 seconds. The maximum speed declared by the manufacturer of 215 km / h, although the speedometer and the figure is 260 I allowed myself to be dispersed "only" 180 - faster ride we simply have no place. And at such a rate move is dangerous, given the state of the roads and traffic density.
19 What can be said about the dynamics - it's not perfect, but the car is, admittedly, very playful. By the way, pull on all ranges of speed and velocity - just amazing. However, the pleasure of driving a few concealed unnecessarily long pauses when changing gear - machine suddenly thoughtful. Here, the situation makes the "magic" button Sport, transforms the power unit to the mode in which the Cooper S begins to absorb fuel with unimaginable speed. In normal mode, fuel is also not a reason for admiration. On average - 11 liters, if it wield accelerator size. If you do not hesitate to put pressure on the gas pedal, the MINI Cooper S appetites soaring.
20 The suspension would like to be praised for a feeling of complete control over the vehicle and the road. It can be compared with cars a class above - stability, responsiveness to the driver's commands just beyond praise. The machine is very nimble and excellent dynamics allows literally circling round and round in dense city traffic. That's just harsh MINI Cooper S Countryman - this does not take away, any bump or unevenness felt very clearly. However, it is a fair fee for a good stability and control, is not it? With respect to all-wheel drive illusions I do not cherish. Check it was nowhere, but I suspect that the maximum off-road for Countryman - snow-covered Moscow yards and untreated roads of the metropolis. Clearance is not a "crossover" - 150 mm. Only enough to without reserve, on the verge of foul clamber over the curbs.
21 car turned controversial. Its just nothing to compare - in its niche he was alone. The stronger is its exclusivity, one of the main qualities of cars manufactured under the brand MINI. Personally, I have not been able to clearly define the audience MINI Cooper S Countryman. Youth hot hatchback? Universal car for a young family? Another SUV? Surprisingly, the answer to this question is more difficult for me than to explore the MINI Cooper S Countryman. I lean more to the option that this car is designed for a younger audience. Unusual, bright, and the dynamics allows "to drive." Price should not scare away - well equipped car, and high-speed quality paired with all-wheel drive - powerful arguments when choosing a vehicle.
See also our previous tests:
Test drive Subaru Legacy GT ,
test drive Honda Civic 4D ,
test drive Range Rover Supercharged ,
Test Drive KIA Sorento ,
Test Drive KIA Soul ,
KIA Koup test drive ,
test drive Honda Pilot ,
Test drive Volvo S80 ,
Test KIA Cee`d drive ,
test drive Honda CR-V ,
Ford Mondeo test drive ,
test drive KIA Mohave ,
KIA Sportage Test Drive
No comments:
Post a Comment