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.
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 selectDriven Wheels Front
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 8.8 seconds
Top Speed 212km/h
Consumption 16.7km/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 Control ABS with 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
+ Quietest engine, smoothest transmission, lowest sticker price
– Weakest air-con, smallest rear footwells, tricky infotainment
Volvo V40 Cross Country 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 8.5 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 Control ABS with 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
+ Extremely safety-conscious, cushiest seats, trendiest cabin
– Tightest back seat, smallest boot, poorest rear visibility
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 12.3km/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 Control ABS with 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
+ Most spirited drivetrain, roomiest cabin, nicest infotainment
– Fewest amenities, some ergonomics issues, steepest pricing
Related story: Citroen DS4 Crossback review
Related story: Volvo V40 Cross Country T4 review
Related story: New MINI Countryman will hit the road from 2017 Feb
