No 003 is the performance oriented ride & handling. MINI is famous for its Go-Kart like handling and Countryman is no exception. With firm spring, front and rear anit-sway bars, combined with fully independent suspension on all 4 wheels, the ride of MINI Countryman is firm and composed with minimal body roll. Steering is quite direct and precise, especially with the Sport button. The bouncy ride is not for everyone as some might say the ride is also harsh as the firm springs do not allow much room to absorb all the bumps on the road, but I very much prefer firm ride as opposed to soft suspension set up. The Countryman does exhibit more body roll than the smaller and lower Hardtop, and I do wish I opted for optional Sport Suspension that beefs up with thicker front and rear anti-roll bars and perhaps even firmer springs and shocks, which I am sure will provide even firmer ride and less body roll providing even better experience through winding road. Nonetheless, MINI Countryman is a fun car to drive around that puts smile every time I get behind the wheels.
I too like a firm suspension, but there are limits.... We had the Sport Suspension option on our '07 MINI Hardtop--along with the hard riding low sidewall run-flat tires--and it has harsh ride, especially on the LA freeways. The combination was great on the 50 MPH two lane twisting roads on the island of Kauai, but when we returned to LA, and its rough 70 MPH freeways, the sport suspension proved to be more than we could bear, so we ordered a MINI Countryman. For me, the Countryman has a perfect combination of firmness, stability, and comfort. Happy motoring.
ReplyDeleteI do agree that Countryman has a great combination of firmness, stability, and comfort in stock form. It is a great daily driver!
ReplyDeleteThe optional Sport suspension lowers the car by 10mm (.4 inch?), so firmer springs are clearly there. On our bad surface roads it might not be a good idea - but the sway bars are worth it.
ReplyDeleteWhat I did, was to get higher walled, not run-flat tires on with soft side wall - and a set of anti puncture kits. It helped a lot.
17 inch alloys may not look as cool, but improve the ride quality.