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Our Fleet Test Drive: Mini Countryman - 4th Report
Date: 30 August 2011 | Author: Guy Bird
The Countryman's boot might be big in Mini terms but, as mentioned in our last report, an imminent four-up family holiday was always going to require luggage reinforcements.
They came in the form of an official Mini roof box (£346) and roof rack system (£130) - ably installed by Mini Park Lane's Battersea service centre. Adding 350 litres above the roof to double the car's regular 350-litre capacity to 700 litres proved a real salvation to fretful holiday packing.
The rear parcel shelf also usefully tucks inside the roof box to allow for a higher interior height luggage line while still avoiding the usual 'rear-view annihilation' associated with overstuffed boots. And best of all, the attachment didn't adversely affect the handling of the car or obviously dent economy either, most recently recording 47-plus mpg.
The box looks aesthetically pleasing compared to other smaller cars with roof boxes that can resemble over-laden backpackers. Our only gripe is a flimsy-feeling lock lug. Fine for securing the roof box lid to the tray while driving but not a place to leave valuables overnight.
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