MINI COUNTRYMAN BRIDGES GAP

MY painstaking research has revealed the reason why you hardly ever see a Mini Clubman.

An incredible 100% of the reader surveyed said that it is because it’s “bloody ugly.” I only asked one person but I’m sure he’s right.

Now Mini bosses are hoping that this new model called the Countryman – another name revived from the 60s – will be a much bigger success when it goes on sale in September from around £14,000.

Owners BMW see this far bigger four-door hatchback, as a rival to the Golf and with four-wheel drive on offer they could end up with a success.

The Countryman, they say, is “a genuine Crossover.”

And they add: “It bridges the gap between the classic Mini and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle.

“As the first model in the Mini range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the Countryman provides greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, yet still has that go-kart feeling.”

We’ll see.

What you definitely will get, though, is a higher seating position, four seats or, if you prefer, a three-seat bench as a no-cost option.

Choose from five new and ultra fuel-efficient engines – three petrol and two diesel – from 89bhp in the 70mpg Mini One D Countryman all the way to a new 182bhp 1.6-litre direct injection turbo in the Cooper S Countryman, which should still average almost 50mpg.

You’ve got to admit, this could be the new and far more sensible Chelsea Tractor. Let’s hope so.

» MORE 'MOTORING' HERE...

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