Comparo: 2011 Mini Countryman vs. Nissan Juke

Mini Utes

Nissan and Mini battle for the Next Big Thing in cars By John LeBlanc In the 1990s, it was truck-based sports-utility-vehicles. During the past decade, it was car-based crossover-utility-vehicles. And now as we zoom into the second-decade of the 21st Century, it looks like compact crossovers may end up as “The Next Big Thing.” Combining the fuel-efficiency and nimbleness of a compact car, but with a taller body and all-wheel-drive availability, compact CUVs are an appealingly new proposition. Especially for urban drivers looking for an easy-to-manoeuvre car but with a higher seating position than a standard compact. While many automakers are jumping onto the compact CUV bandwagon, we've pitched a new 2011 Mini Countryman and also-new-for-2011 Nissan Juke against each other to see which one of these trendy vehicles comes out on top.

SECOND PLACE: 2011 Mini Countryman S ALL4

How much larger can a Mini get before it stops being a Mini? That's the question parent BMW is asking with its new Countryman: the largest Mini to date since the modern version was introduced in 2002 and the first to offer four doors and traction at all four wheels. Despite arriving with distinctively different styling approaches, the Nissan and Mini compact CUVs are within millimeters in size, both inside and out. The only noticeable difference is the lack of a rear middle rear seat in the Mini, making it strictly a four-seater (allegedly, a third rear seat may become optional for 2012.) At least Countryman rear occupants will enjoy more headroom than in the Juke. And the Mini offers slightly more rear cargo room with rear seats ups as well. Underneath their respective hoods, the Nissan and Mini are also remarkably similar. Both offer 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Rated at 181 hp, the Countryman S ALL4 has 7 less horsepower than the Juke. But an overboost feature allows torque to jump from 177 to 192 lb.-ft. in short bursts. The Mini weighs more, though. So both end up in the mid-seven-second range during the naught to 100 km/h run. As per the existing Mini Cooper variants, the brand continues with its premium pricing structure. A non-turbocharged front-wheel-drive Countryman starts at $27,850. And to match our loaded (AWD, automatic transmission, leather, heated seats, navigation, etc.) Juke SL AWD, the Countryman ALL4 rang in at a not-so-mini price of $40,530. Despite its obvious gains in size and weight over a subcompact Cooper, the one-size-up Countryman ALL4's steering is still very direct, meaty and accurate. You do lose the go-kart seating position found in the smaller Minis. Instead, you get better ride quality and an overall solidity the Nissan can't match. Compared to the hard plastics found in the Nissan, the Mini's interior offers more refined surfaces and detailing. The Countryman's new AWD system can allow for an up-to-50 per cent split of engine power to the front and rear wheels when the road is slippery or when accelerating. Under normal road conditions, though, it acts like other Minis, with 100 per cent of the power driving the front wheels. And we liked the more conventional behaviour of the Countryman's optional six-speed automatic over the whiney CVT in the Juke. If you and your wallet can rationalize the Countryman ALL4's premium pricing, and its four-seat setup, it's a wonderfully capable and refined urban vehicle.

FIRST PLACE: 2011 Nissan Juke SL AWD

If you think Nissan's Cube is too, well, weird or its Versa too bland, the new Juke — Nissan's third small car offering — may be the Mama Bear of the bunch. And while its unique styling and surprisingly fun-to-drive nature makes it stand out in a sea of subcompact hatchbacks, Nissan hasn't gotten greedy with the Juke's pricing. A front-wheel-drive Juke with a six-speed manual transmission starts at $19,998. Even our topline SL AWD model (with extra goodies like the CVT, heated seats, sunroof, sport package and navigation system added on) came in for only $29,248. Admittedly, the extra $10k it costs does give the Mini a slight advantage if you like to drive. The Countryman ALL4 leans less in corners and feels more composed when you drive it like a sports compact than the Juke SL AWD. Plus there's the availability of a manual gearbox in the Mini, an option Nissan doesn't offer with AWD in the Juke. But overall, the Juke isn't 50 per cent less fun to drive. It darts about like a small hatch with steering that is quick and responsive. Its 188 hp and 177 lb.-ft. turbo four pulls like a larger engine over a wide rev range. Its AWD system can split torque 50/50 front to rear and can also dole out torque from side to side across the rear axle. And where the Countryman delivers a very firm ride, the Juke's slightly softer settings allows it to crash less over spring potholes. With such similar packaging and proportions, its no surprise these two compact CUVs score similar fuel economy ratings. The Nissan comes in at 8.0L/100 km city and 6.6L highway; the Mini at 8.7L and 6.5, respectively. Where the Juke falls behind the Countryman most is in its interior details. The Nissan's steering wheel tilts but doesn't telescope. Silver accents abound, but hard plastics are everywhere. And the Juke's swoopy rear roof cuts into cargo space. Despite these quibbles, we still prefer the Juke. Its offers 90 per cent of the Countryman's' attributes, at two-thirds the price. Plus its delivers twice the personality of most rival small cars in its price range.

Comments