We’ve reviewed the Countryman twice so far taking the ALL4 Cooper S to the track and the Cooper automatic to the backroads of Kansas. Today topped them all (in miles driven) with a 500 miles jaunt across the Kansas two-lane highway. Where yesterday we had fantastic twisties and elevation changes (yes in Kansas) today it was all about the miles and high speed.
The Countryman’s slightly slower steering and better on center control easily make it the best MINI on the highway I’ve ever driven. At speeds over 100 mph the R60 has more of a BMW feel than what you’d expect to find in an R53 or R56 (and that’s a good thing in this case). The wheelbase helps but it’s the steering and wider track that must be credited with giving this car a better presence on the highway. And sitting a little higher for better visibility doesn’t hurt either in making this the ultimate road trip MINI when you’re dodging 18 wheelers.
The Cooper S features the exact same drivetrain as the 2011 R56 MCS. Output is 181 hp and features variable valve timing that gives the powerplant better mid-range. The engine doesn’t feel stressed by the extra weight but it does feel around a second slower than the new 2011 LCI Cooper S. I’d guess low 7s 0-60.
continued →
Ok we admit that we didn’t actually do the Mt. Evans run in full. We decide to break away and do a few of the less travelled roads. And yes, we don’t actually have photos of the best parts. Why? Our camera man riding shotgun got sick. It was that epic.
Last night MINI USA treated owners to their best chance yet to get their hands on the new Countryman and to an open bar. Both were pretty popular. But the highlight of the festivity was a surprise marriage (not a surprise to the bride and groom I’m told) of two MINI owners who met during the last MTTS.
We’ll be leaving shortly to do the morning rally to Red Rocks and Mt. Evans so look for pictures and twitter updates from that and from MTTS central back in Denver.
The road trip portion of MTTS is officially over and the party is about to begin. Yes we are in Denver and about to get everything started. There are hundreds of MINIs here; everything from classics to MINI E’s are roaming around. And then there are the people from every corner of North America young and old here to celebrate the MINI brand.
But let’s take a moment and talk about what has to be called an epic road trip today. We covered over 600 miles with an average speed over 80 mph cross great stretches of nothing at all. It’s was jaw dropping in its beauty many times. Matt and I kept the JCW’s top down the entire time (without wind deflector I might add) and had an experience that was as close to a motorcycle as you’ll get in a modern car. continued →
1st Gen MINI R50: One & MC Hatch R52: All 1st Gen MINI Convt. R53: MCS Hatch 2nd Gen MINI R55: Clubman R56: Hatch R57: Convertible R58: Coupe R59: Roadster R60: MINI Crossover R61: MINI Crossover Coupe 3rd Gen MINI F55: Clubman F56: Hatch F57: Convertible F60: MINI Crossover F62: Traveller
If you or your company are interested in advertising on the most influential MINI website in the world, please visit our Advertising section. If you have further questions about becoming a sponsor or would like to see our rate sheet please feel free to contact us directly.
Sections: R60 (Countryman), Reviews Aug 15th, 2010 39 Comments 
