[Superspeed]

I recently had a major car crash. Luckily I was sitting in a safe and heavy BMW, so I'm ok.
The incident made me think about the safety of driving a Smart like I do to work, shoppping etc. So I have decided to get a larger car for that use.

The thing is that I hate dull family cars. Two cars are in question: Either the new BMW 120d automatic, 184 hp, diesel. Or a Mini Countryman SD All4, 143 hp manual, diesel.
The Mini is imo the cooler car, the BMW the better premium car. Neither of them are very good looking but both have a certain touch that makes them stand out from ordinary boring cars.

Which one would you have chosen?

[Sgt Beavis]

The only thing I didn't like about the Countryman (petrol fueled) I test drove was the lack of response from the automatic transmission when starting off. However I really enjoyed driving the manual. From a practical standpoint, I didn't like the rear buckets in the Countryman but I believe you should be able to buy a rear bench in your neck of the woods.

I wish I could speak about the 1-series but they only offer coupes and convertibles in the US.

I came fairly close to buying the Countryman but then this 328i SportWagon dropped into my lap with a huge demo discount and looks that are very rare in Texas. It is a pure joy to drive.

[Wolf]

mini is way nicer... more easy access for a family

[335 oClock]

... and why don't you drive your 6 series?

[Q4P]

FWD vs RWD is a deciding factor for me.

[deshields]

I agree the Countryman does seem like a cooler car, but I think from a safety and quality standpoint the 1-Series is the better choice. The countryman was a little chintzy in the quality department, and the 1-series is a good performer as far as safety goes.

[datbimmerdoe]

despite of the "cool" factor n even tho we don't hav 120d in the u.s., if we did, i'd rather get that over the mini - hands down.



:facepalm:

Originally Posted by 335 oClock

... and why don't you drive your 6 series?

Originally Posted by Superspeed

I recently had a major car crash.

[Superspeed]

Originally Posted by 335 oClock

... and why don't you drive your 6 series?

A lot of my daily driving is in the city with tight parking spots and crowded streets. So life is easier with a small car.
Besides I like the concept of having a Grand Tourer for the long distances and a small and handy car for urban life.

I tried the Mini Countryman SD (diesel) on saturday, but was a bit disapointed of the cheap plastic on dashboard and side panels. Except from that it gave a good feeling - both handling and engine. No problem reving it to 5000 rpm.
I don't think it deserves the S-badge though. They should install the 184 hp version from BMW instead.
Anyway for this type of car 143 hp is sufficient. And it is the coolest SUV on the market.

I also tried a 118d which impressed me (it had a lot of options though....). Without having too much experience with 1-series, I believe it has gained on both comfort and sporty handling.
The not-so-nice front can to a certain extent be healed by the M-styling (from next spring).
After seeing a lot of 1-series on the street I no longer find the design ugly. It's more like interesting, which is a +.

I'll give it some time and think about it

[Elie335]

I'd go with the 120d

[patrice03]

countryman is a kind of mixed bags, not as fun to drive as other minis and not as comfy you would expect. i would certainly go for 120d, by far a better car in its dna although its design its somewhat weirdy. quality probably best in 120d, however dashboard and cockpit atmosphere nicer in the countryman. again feel like 120d is a better compromise and i can guarantee is fun to drive

[Superspeed]

Thanx for your opinions guys

[krnnerdboy]

Originally Posted by Superspeed

Thanx for your opinions guys

Daily grinder.... Countryman all the way. ITs cheaper too right? I had a r56s and clubman s. I love them and would buy another one in a heart beat for a daily. They're so responsive and efficient. But if the price were the same I'd get a 1er

[KLH]

Has your Cooper S caught fire yet?