I had to take my '12 s hatchback for an oil leak that turned out to a fairly, major deal. Thanks for warranty.
Anyway, the dealer gave me a 4wd, auto, Countryman S. I had 5 choices and decided on a Countryman because I had never driven one. Its a nice car, but it just does not have the "Mini" driving experience. While I am sure that some think that the R56 looks cheap inside, This Countryman seemed to be kind of "plastic like" to the extreme.
At 62, I may not relate to many on this forum, but I really enjoy my r56s hatch and will be enjoying it for many more years.
We own an Audi S4 wagon as our second and bigger car. I just can't imagine trading the Audi for a Countryman. I know that the Audi was a more expensive car, but, I just can't see the Countryman.

 

Interesting. I have a 2012 R56S and similarly had a Countryman for a loaner for a few days. It was a manual S All-4, I really liked it. With the same power but a lot more weight than the R56 it didn't have the same get up and go, but it handled well and was reasonably quick. The car I didn't care for was the Paceman, it just felt big and heavy, and the joystick controlled info/entertainment system was non-intuitive and clumsy, I hated it. I love the light weight, responsiveness, and simplicity (I said no to all the options except the sport package and arm rest) of my R56S.

I do like the Audis though, will probably replace the Subaru Outback with an A3.

 

just a couple comments on the countryman

there is a big difference between a countryman with sport suspension and sport package (18 inch wheels with 225/45R18 summer tires) vs a countryman with standard suspension and standard 17 inch wheels shod with 205/55R17 all-season tires

i know because i have the sport susp/sport pkg and 2 weeks after i got mine, my dad got an off-demo cm with standard / standard

both are all4s, mine is manual, his automatic with paddle shifters

dad's also has the sunroof, mine does not ... a mechanic told me the sunroof add 80 pounds to the car (he said they weighed 2 cms that were configured the same except for the sunroof), all on the top!

i have driven dad's a fair amount, city, highway and backroads and can say it is almost like driving a different model car

next time you get a chance, see if the dealer has a cm with sport suspension and 18" wheels, it really is different

scott