• Summary

    4 out of 5 4.0

    What does this car say about you?

    That l like retro design with modern mechanicals.

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    The first day I drove the car it did draw quite a bit of attention, and I remember a couple of the local youth describing the car as "sick ". Apparently it's a compliment.

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    I would purchase this car in the future, but I would choose a Cooper S petrol, without the sports suspension.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Either another Countryman or perhaps a MINI Paceman.

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    Yes

    What price did you pay?

    £22,333

    When did you buy the car?

    April 2011

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    List price paid.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    I like the MINI brand.

    What was the dealer like?

    Competent

  • Driving it

    3 out of 5 3.0

    What's it like to drive?

    Overall an average driving experience. The ride is much more comfortable than the Cooper S 3 door I had previously, but it's not as much fun on the right road. Body control is a bit lacking on an undulating road, but at least it doesn't bounce from one pothole to the next when driving in town.

    What's it like to park?

    Very easy to park, it comes with standard parking sensors.

  • Living with it

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Nothing has gone wrong, the car is averaging 1,000 miles per month and it has proved faultlessly reliable. Nothing has malfunctioned or fallen off.

    What's most practical about your car?

    The extra space over my previous MINI is very handy, along with the rear doors.

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    My favourite gadget has to be the integrated media pack which includes full Bluetooth for the phone and the sat nav.