The representatives of the Mini range are not exactly cheap - especially in the Cooper S versions. How does it behave in everyday life at the Countryman?
"More cult and variability at a lower price - the Countryman fulfills many wishes. Compared to the BMW, however, it lacks dynamics and powerful brakes." Some disadvantages in comparison to the identically motorized X2 xDrive20i are already mentioned in the conclusion of our test editor Michael von Maydell - just like cost advantages. But do they also show up in everyday life, especially at the gas station?
Our test consumption
If you trust the WLTP standard, the Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 Essential Trim should consume 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers. In the test, the value is higher: 8.1 liters mean fuel costs for this distance of 13.84 euros. The eco-consumption is well below the factory specification: If you drive cautiously, you only use 6.2 liters per 100 kilometers and only pay 10.60 euros at the gas station to be able to complete this route. If, on the other hand, the mini-SUV is moved in a sporty manner, consumption increases to 10.5 liters. As a result, the fuel costs also increase, to the level of 17.94 euros. These are calculated using the daily updated fuel price on our partner portal mehr-tanken.de (01/28/2022 /Super: 1.709 euros/litre).
Monthly maintenance costs
The owners of a Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 in Essential Trim have to pay a vehicle tax of 182 euros year after year. According to Allianz Direct , liability insurance costs 380 euros in the same period. If a partially comprehensive policy is added, an extra bill of 155 euros awaits. Anyone who upgrades with fully comprehensive insurance pays an additional 545 euros. The bottom line is monthly maintenance costs of 297 euros if the maxi-mini is driven 15,000 kilometers a year. If the mileage doubles, the value increases to 537 euros. Added to this is the loss of value.
How to test
The auto motor und sport test consumption is made up of three differently weighted consumption runs. So-called “commuter consumption” accounts for 70 percent. This is a journey from home to work, which averages 21 kilometers. A particularly economical, approx. 275-kilometre-long eco-lap is included in the rating with 15 percent. The remaining 15 percent is accounted for by the sports driver lap. The length is roughly the same as the eco lap, but the route includes a larger proportion of motorway and thus higher speeds on average. The basis for calculating the fuel costs is always the price quoted on the "more tanken" portal on the day the article was created.
The monthly maintenance costs include maintenance, wear part costs and vehicle taxes assuming an annual mileage of 15,000 and 30,000 kilometers without loss of value. The calculation is based on the test consumption, a three-year holding period, no-claims class SF12 for liability and fully comprehensive insurance with Allianz Direct, including discounts for garage parkers and the restriction to certain drivers (accident-free/15,000 km per year/resident in the postcode area 70174/not under 21/partner driver older than 25 years).
Conclusion
The Mini Countryman Cooper S All4 Essential Trim with 178 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol engine costs at least 37,650 euros and consumes an average of 8.1 liters, resulting in fuel costs of 13.84 euros per 100 kilometers. The monthly maintenance costs are 297 euros for an annual mileage of 15,000 kilometers. If this increases to 30,000 kilometers, the sum increases to 537 euros.
