Generally speaking, a motorist who opts for a crossover instead of a regular hatchback does so because the former offers more space and versatility over the latter. To drivers concerned about practicality, a vehicle’s looks aren’t that important. For more “stylish” motorists, however, a crossover’s design matters just as much as its utility, for they see the car’s image as an extension of themselves.
Hoping to draw the attention of these “designer” drivers is the Cooper S Countryman. This supersized MINI might be the brand’s largest model ever, but it promises to deliver the same punchy performance and eager handling found in the smaller MINI hatchbacks.
Also playing up its sportiness is the swanky Citroen DS4, whose “hidden” rear door handles lend it a coupe-like design. Parisian crossover chic aside, the DS4 also comes with plenty of standard equipment to impress potential buyers.
Raring to give its stylish rivals a run for their money is the V40 Cross Country, the newest model in both this test and the Category A crossover market segment. This Volvo not only boasts head-turning looks, but a multitude of reassuring safety features, too.
So, which of these three contenders has the most convincing blend of style and substance?
The Countryman’s spaciousness and sporty disposition should have left its two rivals trailing, but this maxi MINI’s lack of amenities relative to its high sticker price cannot be ignored. Had the Countryman offered more goodies for less moolah, it would have been the “dynamic maverick” to beat in this story.
It may be the least expensive contender in this shootout, but there’s nothing cheap about the DS4. The Citroen’s strengths include a refined powertrain, a truly pliant ride, and a well-made cabin packed with nifty features. Our only real gripe is with the ergonomics, which needs
to be improved.
Running neck-and-neck with the DS4 is the Volvo V40 Cross Country. Although it lacks the roominess of its rivals and its dual-clutch turbo drivetrain is more tepid than dynamic, the V40 makes up for these shortcomings with its comfy seats, numerous safety systems and snazzy interior.
In this contest to determine which crossover has the most substance beneath its sublime design, it has to be a tie between the DS4 and the V40.
SPECIFICATIONS
Citroen DS4 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1598cc
BORE X STROKE 77mm x 85.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11:1
MAX POWER 161bhp at 6000rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1400rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 118.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 8.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 212km/h CONSUMPTION 13.1km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 178g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs
REAR Torsion beam,
coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Michelin Pilot Sport 3
SIZE 225/45 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4275mm
WIDTH 1810mm
HEIGHT 1533mm
WHEELBASE 2612mm
KERB WEIGHT 1363kg
TURNING CIRCLE 10.7m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $159,988 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Quietest engine, smoothest transmission, lowest sticker price
– Weakest air-con, smallest rear footwells, tricky infotainment BEST OF THE THREE IN RIDE COMFORT
SPECIFICATIONS
Volvo V40 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1596cc
BORE X STROKE 81.4mm x 79mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10:1
MAX POWER 180bhp at 5700rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1600-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 125.2bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed dual-clutch with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 9.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 210km/h CONSUMPTION 16.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 143g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental ContiSportContact 5
SIZE 225/50 R17
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 7
TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESP
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4370mm
WIDTH 1783mm
HEIGHT 1458mm
WHEELBASE 2646mm
KERB WEIGHT 1438kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.2m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $180,000 (after $5k CEVS rebate)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Extremely safety-conscious, cushiest seats, trendiest cabin
– Tightest backseat, smallest boot, poorest rear visbility BEST OF THE THREE IN REAL-WORLD SAFETY
SPECIFICATIONS
MINI Cooper S Countryman 1.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 1598cc
BORE X STROKE 77mm x 85.8mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 184bhp at 5500rpm
MAX TORQUE 240Nm at 1600-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 131bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 6-speed automatic with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 8.3 seconds
TOP SPEED 205km/h CONSUMPTION 13.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 189g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT MacPherson struts,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link,
coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
TYPE Goodyear EfficientGrip
SIZE 205/45 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4110mm
WIDTH 1789mm
HEIGHT 1561mm
WHEELBASE 2595mm
KERB WEIGHT 1405kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.6m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $199,800 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most spirited drivetrain, roomiest cabin, nicest infotainment
– Fewest amenities, some ergonomics issues, steepest pricing BEST OF THE THREE IN PERFORMANCE
