Building a bigger Mini -- but not too big.

#7. It gets the new generation of Mini engines.

Mini’s two 1.6-liter four-cylinder engines are updated in the 2011 Countryman. The base engine improves from 118 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft. of torque to 121 horses and 118 lb.-ft. of torque. The turbocharged version in the S models makes 184 horsepower, up 12 from last year, and 177 lb.-ft. of torque. An overboost mode ratchets torque up to 192 lb.-ft. for a few seconds during hard acceleration. Both engines are mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Mini says the base engine can launch the car from 0 to 62 mph in 10.5 seconds, while the turbocharged engine cuts that time to 7.6 seconds.

Mini made only turbocharged S ALL4 models available for testing and all had the manual transmission. The turbocharged engine pulls nicely from a stop, with no noticeable turbo lag. A stab of the throttle at freeway speeds also makes passing fairly easy. The all-wheel-drive system prevents torque steer (the steering wheel pulling to one side during hard acceleration), but we suspect it is still evident and slightly annoying in front-drive models.

It’s definitely entertaining to churn through the gears with the six-speed manual. It shifts easily, though with a somewhat rubbery feel. Clutch take-up is also somewhat abrupt, which can cause those unfamiliar with the car to stall it at a stop.