[mario486]

There is another thread somewhere where I wrote of my experience with the Countryman and comparing it with the X1.

Anyway I cannot find it now so a brief summary:

Negatives (sort of)
1. There is a big difference in size. The Mini Countryman is a lot smaller.
2. The Mini has more body roll
3. It only has 4 seats unless you take the rear bench option
4. That bar down the middle is a stupid, stupid idea.
5. The cockpit layout is "busy", X1's is much better.
6. Don't now if its changed but the 4x4 was only available on the Cooper S at the time
7. The 2.0d X1 has better performance than the top spec CooperS Countryman
8. Like for like its very expensive. To get similar levels of performance you have to spec the Countryman to a very high level. The one I test drove was the same price as a base 2.0d X1 Xdrive!
9. Boot opening is a very awkward shape.

Positives
1. Its very solid and well built.
2. Quality seems to be improved over my standard Mini Cooper.
3. Its quirky and I like that.
4. It has four doors which is important if you have young kids.
5. Good quality ride.
6. Rear individual seats are very comfortable.

Anyway as I said elsewhere I took one for a test drive to see whether I made the right choice in going for the X1 over the Countryman. In my case I made the right decision. The two cars are nowhere near direct competitors. I already own a Mini Cooper but would consider the Countryman as a replacement for the Cooper if I wanted something slightly larger, in 4x4 and with 4doors. Saying that I would be sacrificing a bit of the fun factor of the Cooper.

If anyone has questions about my test drive, fire away and I will try and answer them.