The Mini range isn’t quite so mini anymore – whereas the original reinvention of this icon extended to just the Cooper and Cooper S hatchback models, today one has the option of a convertible and the Clubman variant (a distinctive if not entirely successful attempt to make the Mini more practical).
But by far the most interesting model is the new Mini Countryman. While the new name generates awkward images of endless fields, cowboy boots and dust, the reality is that this new addition to the Mini stable is a lot cooler than all of that.
It is the first Mini to provide genuine accommodation for four occupants as well as a boot area that no longer restricts shopping sprees to a loaf of bread and a carton of milk (not much more fits in the boot of any other Mini).
With its raised stance, optional four-wheel drive system and a toughened-up exterior, the crossover Countryman is defined as a compact SUV.
In lamens terms, what it means is that prospective Mini customers drawn to the allure of driving pleasure and yuppie looks offered by the brand but equally turned off by the lack of space and practicality, can now have both.
In the meantime, here are a couple of pictures of the new Countryman in all its spacious glory.
I got to take the high-spec, 7-seater 4,0i V6 automatic model for a drive to see if Nissan’s claims of improved interior quality, tweaked styling and additional standard equipment were worthwhile or not.
It remains a sharp looker with features such as extensive brightwork, new alloys and a revised bumper and bonnet adding to the aggressive image. The usual butch SUV addenda such as sporty roof racks and running boards add to the appeal. Privacy glass (and trust us, there’s a lot of it here) further contributes to the macho appearance. But at a not inconsiderable R528 800, the 4,0i V6 model will have to impress inside as well. The quality revisions provide a more comfortable environment but fit, finish and perceived quality are not entirely faultless; the passenger airbag cover is ill fitting and some plastics on the centre console were already scratched… While many SUVs can be forgiven for some rough finishing, at the Pathfinder’s price one might expect more.
Still, electric and heated leather seats and good space (up front) make spending time in the Pathfinder’s cabin rather pleasant. Ergonomics are good and switching between driving modes (should you elect to venture off-road) is made simple by a dash-mounted switch.
The revised instrument cluster is classier and, thankfully, Nissan has bucked the trend of doing away with the temperature gauge.A Bose Premium Sound system provides good sound reproduction and comes with nine speakers.
A new info-tainment system featuring a 40GB hard drive, touch screen, Bluetooth and satellite navigation is an optional extra and adds R25 000 to the base list price.Passengers in the second row are well provided for with map lights, an armrest and ventilation outlets, compensating somewhat for the slightly cramped feel when taller passengers are sitting in front. Third-row seating is, as expected, better suited to kids – getting into them isn’t the most elegant of maneuvers, either. Unlike the Ford Everest, the Pathfinder is fitted with a folding parcel shelf to keep valuables out of sight.
However, folding this piece of equipment up in order to raise the two rear seats is not the simplest of tasks.Luggage capacity is a commodious 432 litres when the third row of seats is folded down. Safety has also been enhanced, the Pathfinder now boasting side and curtain airbags.With a 4,0i V6 up front, this particular Pathfinder should make for a spirited, if thirsty, drive.
While the big six hasn’t been upgraded (the diesel version gains increased power and torque outputs) it didn’t have to be.It remains a silky smooth motor with a refined growl accompanying the substantial thrust on offer.
Producing 198 kW at 5600 r/min and 385 N.m. of torque at 4000 r/min, it doesn’t need to be revved all that high for rapid progress. Claimed performance figures include a 0-100 km/h time of 8,8 seconds and a top speed of 190 km/h. The 5-speed automatic transmission can be a bit slow to kick down, but it also comes with a manual mode operated by flicking the gearlever to the left.
Even with some visible play in the rack and pinion steering, especially around the straight-ahead position, the Pathfinder is nevertheless easy to hustle for such a large SUV. Cruising comfort is good with only harsh bumps affecting the separate ladder-frame chassis set-up’s composure.NVH appear to be well controlled, the big Nissan doing well to isolate passengers from the outside world.
All in all, the latest improvements combine to keep Nissan’s Pathfinder fresh and in touch with the competition – competition that isn’t immediately easy to discern, however.The Pathfinder finds itself up against everything from Toyota’s Fortuner (a huge sales success thanks to its outstanding value) to Jeep’s Grand Cherokee.
For those seeking a powerful leisure SUV with all the bells and whistles, standout looks and enough space for the family, the Nissan remains a decent – if expensive - choice.
We’re now officially into the latter half of 2010 but there are still five months remaining for motor manufacturers to bring in the new decade with a bang. Five months left to capitalise on a passenger car market showing some really positive growth in recent months.
So, let’s take a quick look at some of the most significant new vehicle launches in the coming months.
Volkswagen Amorak (thumbs up)
It’s curious that a company the size of Volkswagen has taken this long to tap into the local market demand for big single/double cabs. After all, Toyota’s Hilux mostly trumps the Corolla / Auris on the monthly sales charts.
There is simply a huge demand for something rugged, dependable, big and with enough luxury to transport the family in comfort.
The Amorak instantly gets a thumbs up from me for looking far classier than any of its natural competitors. It’s also said to be brilliant both on and off-road.
Nissan Micra (thumbs down)
The Nissan Micra has always been a decent runabout with good engines, a neat cabin and some good ol’ Japanese reliability.
The previous model was too girly and limited in its appearance, though. So one would assume that the new, 2010 version would look, well, better. Small, modern hatchbacks are either really sharp and aggressive (Mazda2, Ford Fiesta) or classy (VW Polo).
The new Micra is neither and looks more dated than its predecessor, making the fact that it has a new CVT gearbox with “30% less friction than other CVTs” – as well as any other attributes to its new design – irrelevant.
Audi R8 Spyder (thumbs up)
The Audi R8 remains the single model from the house of the four rings that make it hard for diehard Beemer, Merc and even Porsche fans to not take a second look.
The Spyder / convertible version of the awesome R8 sees the solid roof of the “normal” model cut off so that petrol heads can now make mincemeat of Aston Martins and also have the wind blowing through their hair, assuming they have any left.
The Spyder will come with all the requisite convertible add-ons such as a pair of roll-over safety bars and a strengthened chassis. Thankfully, this Iron Man 2 car star will maintain the use of the V10, 5,2-litre masterpiece that shares much with the one found in the Lamborghini LP 560.
Citroёn DS3R (thumbs up)
The DS3 has caused a stir since its launch with its striking looks but is set to really take the fight to the Mini with the DS3R. The “R”, of course, signifies “Racing” and that this version of the DS3 will be fitted with a powerful, turbo-charged 1,6-litre motor.
Add a bit of carbon-fibre sporting bits here and a beefed-up braking and suspension system there, and Citroen should have few problems selling all of the limited number of DS3R models being produced.
Audi A8 (thumbs down)
Just launched is Audi’s new flagship, the A8. It is of course an immense machine and will showcase yet another level of mind-blowing tech, refinement and LED daytime running lights made famous by the manufacturer.
Sadly, I don’t see this A8 doing well once the fanfare if it being new wears off. It just doesn’t have the presence and character required from a grand saloon and found less-than-sparingly on the 7 Series and S-Class. I haven’t even mentioned the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide, both of which have shaken up traditionally expected design standards in this class. Come on Audi, give the A8 some R8-like menace already!
Other exciting models worth looking out for and still to be launched in 2010 include Alfa’s long-awaited replacement for the 147 - the dramatic Giulietta. Also coming soon is the mammoth Mercedes-Benz S-Class coupe and for the many of us without access to ridiculous sums of money, Fiat’s attractive Linea will receive a much-needed power boost in the form of the T-Jet model.
And now, a special mention needs to be made for the Mercedes-Benz SLS. You would no doubt have seen a few pictures of this beast with its innovative yet iconic Gullwing door design.
It is a car that makes the notion that Mercedes-Benz was once the maker of staid and emotionless machines almost unthinkable.
The SLS is now unavailable in the country - unavailable, because only a select few of us will be able to afford the R2,4 million rand price attached to what must be considered a modern design classic.
That wraps up the highlights of what motoring fans and buyers can look forward to in the car market for the rest of 2010.
