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MINI Countryman Cooper D Business Edition review: All the kit, cuts the tax

MINI Countryman Cooper D Business action header
MINI Countryman Cooper D Business

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29 March 2015

MINI Countryman Cooper D Business
The Countryman Cooper doesn’t appeal to all but it is still a top business choice

MINI Countryman Cooper D Business Edition review: All the kit, cuts the tax

What is it?

BASICALLY, it is the Business Edition version of the face-lifted MINI Countryman crossover.

After four years and with 350,000 sold around the world, the recent arrival of the five-door F55 hatch has prompted a face-lift, playing on the Countryman’s mini-SUV character.

The second-best-selling MINI might not appeal to purists, but that hasn’t stopped it being a popular SME company car buy, with its mix of a spacious interior and affordable running costs.

And with the MINI Countryman D Business Edition you get a lot of extra kit without paying for it in the P11D price – MINI says there is a benefit in kind saving of over £1300. Not bad as you get MINI Navigation System, 17 inch alloys plus the Pepper Pack, which includes air-conditioning and rain sensor & automatic lights-on.

What’s hot?

  • There’s no doubt the Countryman’s looks are not as instantly likeable as the standard hatch. But when fitted with the new, rugged styling pack, plus the distinctive Jungle Green finish of our review car and the new Piano Black exterior trim, it gives the updated big MINI a distinctively different look to the outgoing car.
  • The 112bhp 1.6-litre turbo diesel is basically unchanged, although it’s now EU6 compliant. Still an impressive performer, the combined fuel economy figure is an amazing 67.3, yet the CO2 emissions are just 111g/km.
  • The 111g/km CO2 emissions mean the MINI Countryman Cooper D Business falls into the 18% company car tax band for 2014/15.
  • A willing diesel engine, MINI has worked hard on the refinement and it shows as the thrum is well hidden inside. Acceleration to 62mph takes 10.9 seconds and the top speed is 116mph.
  • Although the taller MINI body equals more body roll, the Countryman is still great fun to drive, with its sharp steering and plenty of grip.
  • You’ll score bonus points if you spot the facelift changes to the interior. Still, the sportier -looking anthracite dials and chrome detailing for the air-vents are welcome.
  • There is a surprising amount of interior space considering the Countryman’s Golf-sized foot print. There’s plenty of head and legroom for four – five at a push!
  • Despite this car costing £21,145, our Cooper D Business test car was good value considering the standard equipment that included the MINI Navigation system, 17-inch alloy wheel and the Pepper pack.

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