This model has only been two months old in Brunei. The Mini Countryman model. It was launched early April at Mini Showroom at Mabohai Shopping Complex and I had the privilege to test drive it around to see what the Mini Countryman Cooper S has to offer to potential owners.

I have driven a Mini before but not the Countryman. Let me share the specs first on the Mini Countryman Cooper S has.

Key features and highlights.

Exterior.
• The new MINI Countryman is 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor.
• Electrical tailgate control as well as touchless opening and closing of the tailgate.

Interior.
• Five fully-fledged seats, clear increase in space and versatility.
• MINI Picnic Bench: fold-out load loading sill cushion as a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid and for general outdoor use.

Assistance (Optional).
• Central instrument with touchscreen function for the first time.
• MINI Country Timer measures driving fun over demanding terrain.

The new MINI Cooper S Countryman Specifications.
Four-cylinder petrol engine with MINI Twin Power Turbo Technology (turbocharging, direct injection, VALVETRONIC).
Capacity: 1,998 cc.
Max output: 192 hp at 5,000 rpm.
Max torque: 280 Nm from 1,350–4,600 rpm.
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds.
Top speed: 222 km/h.
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.0 l/100 km.
Combined CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 141 g/km.

The Mini Connect. Love this 😀

Love the handling

How it looks at night

The Mini Countryman Cooper S is such a beauty

Five seats in the interior, two on the Picnic Bench.
An electric tailgate control is available as an option. This makes touchless opening and closing of the tailgate possible in conjunction with Comfort Access. The optional storage package comprises not only a variable load floor, lashing eyes and tension straps but also a stainless steel insert on the loading sill. One unique option is the Picnic Bench – a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and provides seating for two people.

Powerful proportions, matured character.
The latest generation of the MINI Countryman goes even further in terms of the model’s versatility, agility and premium character. Thanks to its powerful proportions, the new MINI Countryman has a particularly distinctive presence. Its unmistakable aura is defined by an extended ground clearance and raised seating position, further emphasised by the MINI ALL4 exterior look (for Cooper S variant only) and high roof rails. The new MINI Countryman features design elements that are typical of the brand, including the clear three-way structure of the side view – broken down into roof, glass section and main corpus – as well as the short overhangs, large wheel arches and downward increase in width.

Precise contours on the generous surfaces create an attractive play of light and shade that underscores the car‘s athletic shaping and the vertical orientation of the body. The selection of body finishes includes the variants Island Blue metallic and Chestnut, which are now available for a MINI for the first time. Numerous model-specific design elements such as the striking helmet roof, the upright rear lights, the hexagonal radiator grille and the large headlamps have undergone evolutionary development. The side turn indicator surrounds known as side scuttles exhibit a new arrow-like shape. The roof rails in satin-finished aluminium are combined with silver-coloured side sill tops, thereby lending greater visual emphasis to the car’s height. Horizontal lines dominate at the rear, with the vertically arranged light units providing an appealing contrast.

LED headlamps with peripheral daytime driving light ring for the first time.
The striking profile of the headlamp units deviates from the circular shape that is otherwise typical of the brand. Their distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contour goes together with the radiator grille to produce an unmistakable front view. The parking lights integrated in the air inlets are used for the daytime driving light as standard. In conjunction with the optional LED headlamps, the latter is generated for the first time by a band of light running entirely around each headlamp.

Distinctive cockpit design.
With a clear horizontal structure, stretched lines and generously sized surfaces, the distinctively designed cockpit emphasises the solid character of the new MINI Countryman. The profile of the air vents echoes the vertical orientation of the exterior design elements. In addition to the high-quality materials and precise finish, the modern, ergonomically optimised controls contribute to the car’s exclusive ambience. The hallmark central instrument is integrated in the instrument panel and is surrounded by an LED ring that provides a lighting display in response to driving situations by way of control feedback. This forms part of the MINI Excitement Package, which also comprises the LED ambient lighting and a projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when opening and closing the car.

I drove it for a few days and I love it.

Ok, maybe I’m too “sakai” over this. This happens whenever I unlock the car.

Do visit the Mini Showroom to see other models or my highly recommended car – Countryman Cooper S

My thoughts after test driving: I am sold (If I only have enough resources). There is so much to love about the Mini Countryman Cooper S. It feels quirky, high quality or should I say a premium feel. The cockpit design does win my heart and loving how the colours are portrayed within the surroundings, making my driving experience a little more cheerful and colourful. It definitely lifts up my mood subconsciously.

Practically wise, this ranks quite high. Why? It’s pretty spacious for a Mini. The side bin compartment (by the door) are spacious even and I’m a person that brings many small things along with me. You should have seen my actual car (Just too many things but little places to put). Even the back is quite spacious. I can safely put my bag pack and my tennis bag and still have more room to play with. Ah, ideal when you are heading for a family picnic.

Now the driving experience. This could be the buying factor for potential Mini owners. It has power, speed, stability and most of all, comfort. Sometimes I have to remind myself to drive within the speed limit because once you’re in the “comfort” zone, you can’t even feel that you are driving that fast. I played around with different driving mode from Green (economical) to Sport and you can feel the difference on how the Countryman responds when you press on the accelerator. The Countryman handles cornering pretty good too (better than other continental cars I tell you) and it must be the progressive steering mechanism.

One thing I that annoys me is that the ergonomic seating and spacing make it tougher for me to place my phone. I know it’s a bad habit to even touch with your phone while driving but in the Mini, my phone has a mind of its own to fall into the gaps *lol* Most of the time, the driver (me) will have a tough time even reaching my phone through the gap. So I will give up instead and keep driving to my destination.

The price tag might also make you think twice about the Mini Countryman Cooper S. However, once you test drive the Countryman, you will understand why one person will be investing in this unique model. I will definitely be a proud owner if I have the resources and would be my priority. It’s so much fun and inspires me simply drive out for no reason.

You want to check out more, do visit their showroom at Mabohai Shopping Complex or visit their website www.mini.com.bn or their IG @mini_brunei for updates.

My recent trip to Kota Kinabalu and the dinner theme was colourful cultural

The Brunei contingent was very united as usual

Another short hiatus from me as I was away from Brunei. If you have been following me on social media, I was away in Kota Kinabalu to support my friends who were competing in speech contest in English and in Mandarin. Even though I brought my notebook with me, it wasn’t easy for me to update my blog. The schedules were packed but I had still a great and fruitful time nonetheless.

Last weekend was one of the highlights of the year. Almost 30 from Brunei toastmasters (Area K6) left for Kota Kinabalu to support our representatives from Brunei – Allen Ang, Pooja Shivanand, Sandy Tan and Theressa Chong and featuring our humour master Jidun Dollah. Though we only brought one trophy back, it was still a surreal feeling to witness the closeness and the family nature of the Brunei contingent whenever we travel as a pack. Nothing can top how we are in the district. Now I’m back in Brunei and nursing a runny nose (I wonder who gave it to me mmmm) and a tummy bug where I frequented the toilet. It’s time for me to get into second gear and soon it will be the fasting month.

I have been missing a few events also during the weekend in Brunei and it could just be the final weekend before Ramadhan kicks in. I was contemplating back then if I want to continue and do food reviews and collaborate with Filterworks once again for Sungkai promotion but I finally come to a decision that I will take a break for this time round. Nonetheless, I will still help to promote eateries her and there but not in depth. I still have my existing clients so there will be some coverage on their sungkai buffets. You can follow @bruneifoodies @kurapak @thanislim @marul69 who will be quite active during Ramadhan promotion.

Before my trip to KK, I had the privilege to attend a few car launches and test drives. Awesome, awesome!! This is definitely the best time to try out new cars in time for the Hari Raya season – the Audi Q2, the Mini Country Man and the Mazda CX-5 to name a few and Jati Transport also had their Hari Raya Special Event where they will be giving BND 1,000 gift certificate to new buyers for the ex-stock vehicles and the offer is valid until 30th June. There are also pre-owned Mercedes-Benz models such as the S 350L, E 300, E 200 and CLA 200 on offer.

I’ve been out of the movie scene because normally I catch a movie at least once a week. A few movies to be caught this week – Pirates of the Caribbean (not expecting much) and maybe, just maybe the Tagalog movie but definitely giving The Circle a miss and also Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Looks like Baywatch will be showing soon in Brunei and it will be showing next week along with Wonder Woman. Something to look forward to.

Of course, another to look forward to is Ramadhan. The fasting season is just around the corner and it could fall this Saturday or Sunday depending on the moon sighting. Nonetheless, it’s one of the better months in 2017.

I will posting some late news by tomorrow and hopefully I’ll be in better shape (thanks runny) by this week or before Ramadhan.

Test driving the Mini Countryman. Reviews soon.

I also had a test drive of the Audi Q2. Reviews soon.

During the roadshow of the Mazda CX-5 at The Mall last week. I can’t wait to test drive the MX-5 soon.