Anyone try out the Countryman AWD in the snow? I am guessing it does great on a plowed road where they require chains or 4WD, but what about situations where you need clearance? We often go skiing on powder days, and we wake up the next morning and our car is covered in snow or the road has not been plowed yet or to get out of driveway we had to make it over a steep lip. So wondering how the clearance on the Countryman would handle these type of situations. I had a Subaru in the past and it always got us to the ski slopes.

thanks

 

Probably depends on whether it's super-wet snow or the light fluffy type. I took my ALL4 out in an unplowed parking lot with 4-5 inches of fresh powder shortly after I got it. The car busted right through the snow, but it was light snow. I did everything I could to get it the rear to spin around, but the ALL4 wouldn't let me. :-)

 

We got hammered on the east coast last year. I received my CM in Jan just in time. Never got stuck and I live in Philly where it takes some time if at all, you get your street plowed. The A4 performed flawlessly, the only thing I wish it was a graphic or some thing that tells you when the rear wheels are engaged.

 

Took our test drive during a snow storm. All4 work great no problems with drifts no snow plowing noted!

 

did you try with the Traction Controll off?

 

Yes, I tried it with and without. To tell you the truth, I don't recall the difference enough to describe it properly. I guess I was too busy driving around the high school parking lot yelling "whhhhhheeeeeee!"

 

This may help:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2011/03/...untryman-all4/

 

That's a good read - I'd agree with most of it but we went on some extended trips and, having planned for it, did not have any problem with enough storage. I couldn't agree more about the great traction in slippery conditions.
+1

I don't think the bench seat helps out much for five people - unless they're really tiny people - so I can't agree with that.

 

Hi i "cut & paste" from countryman user manual, there is a special position between disconecting completly traction control and normal position:

Dynamic Traction Control DTC*
DTC is a type of DSC that is propulsion optimized
for special road conditions such as uncleared
snowy roads. The system ensures maximum
Technology for driving comfort and safety
58
propulsion though with restricted driving stability.
You therefore need to drive with suitable
caution.
In the following exceptional situations, it can be
useful to briefly activate DTC:
> when driving on snow-covered inclines, in
slush, or on uncleared snowy roads
> when rocking the vehicle free, driving out of
deep snow or on loose surfaces
> when driving with snow chains
Activating DTC
Press the button, the indicator lamp for DTC
lights up in the display elements and TRACTION
is displayed in the tachometer.

 

Neat review. I think it reflects a lack of thought to accuse a small car of not having enough space. For its size, the Countryman makes an excellent use of interior space that's quite adaptable. Having taken two of us, a ton of junk, a kayak, and two Golden retrievers a few hundred miles for vacation, I think the car is actually pretty huge for how little it is.

And as far as mileage, I've been averaging 27 fully loaded with a kayak on top on the highway, so I find it hard to believe that you could get 24. Perhaps this was in the snow and the ALL4 was going constantly? That would drag the mileage way down (which is one reason why its an on-demand feature).