Test drive Kia Soul, Mini Cooper Countryman, Nissan Juke: Three Rebels

If you want an urban model with a personal touch and flair for adventure, then this is the right place.

Today it is fashionable to be illogical. More and more of us are happy to do what until recently we did not like. Until recently, our mothers told us to dress warmly, and we protested. Today, people buy all kinds of waterproof, windproof and breathable clothing that they wear in everyday life - completely voluntarily and without intended use. For what? Because they are interested. Not surprisingly, cars such as the Mini Countryman are becoming increasingly popular.

Although, in the interest of objectivity, we have to admit that the MINI Countryman in particular is neither impractical nor unreasonable in fact. Because the truth is that seat access is more convenient in this car than in any other MINI. A beautiful view from the driver's seat is also an advantage that should not be underestimated - this car is able to bring joy to people who are already young only in spirit, but not in age. To some extent this applies to the Soul, but not to the Juke. Juka's passion is to provoke discussions around him at any cost.

Juke: a style you either love or not

In just three years, Nissan managed to sell half a million copies of the Juke - at the premiere of the model, such a market success sounded like fiction, not entirely scientific. However, since the market sensation has already become a fact, with a partial Juke update, the changes are more cosmetic. In fact, the most important novelty is that in the 2WD version, the trunk volume has been significantly increased - from 251 to 354 liters. However, the modest flexibility of the cargo hold remained unchanged. There is also not much space in the rear seats - especially in height. On the other hand, the driver and his companion can enjoy ample space as well as a colorful interior ambiance. Ergonomics may not be perfect, but solutions such as the different modes of operation of the center display and the buttons around it definitely bring freshness, although the practical benefits are debatable.

We press the start button - and here the 1,2-liter engine noisily reminds of itself. Yes, albeit a small one, but a 1200 cc car. CM draws attention with a sharp turbocharger cough, almost reaching the sound effects of an American police car. More importantly, the Nissan engine has significantly more confident traction than the naturally aspirated units of its two opponents in the test. Due to the abundance of torque at low revs, Japanese engineers decided to make the sixth gear of the transmission quite “long”. This reduces noise levels and reduces fuel consumption (in the test, an average of 8,6 l / 100 km).

Electrical conductivity is also excellent. Handling is quite spontaneous, and the ESP system successfully combats the tendency to understeer. Unfortunately, the Juke's braking system performed disappointingly, which, unfortunately, made up for the points earned by the reasonable price and rich equipment. MINI and Kia do not want to be in the spotlight - although they do not mind.

Soul: an ordinary machine of unusual shapes

The design of the soul is more like a screen. This car seems ready for any adventure, but it's actually hard to handle anything more extreme than driving down a (not particularly rough) dirt road. Based on the Cee'd, Soul can only be equipped with front-wheel drive and is fully developed for paved roads. However, even on them, he does not shine with special dynamism. The steering adjustment can be adjusted in three steps, but none of them can change the indirect feel and lack of feedback from the steering wheel. In faster corners, the car doesn't turn early and the ESP intervenes decisively and uncompromisingly. Besides, 18-inch wheels are definitely not good for ride comfort - this is also not the crown of discipline for the Soul. Especially when fully loaded, the Soul reacts quite rudely to the unevenness of the road surface. Adding to all this the noisy, lethargic 1,6-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, we can't help but conclude that sporty driving is not this Kia's favorite pastime at all. On the other hand, the Soul will please anyone looking for spacious interior space and state-of-the-art infotainment equipment. In addition, in this comparison test, the seats here are the most comfortable. The model wins the championship, and in terms of space on both rows of seats, the trunk is also large, although not very flexible. With reliable brakes, extensive comfort and safety equipment, and a seven-year warranty, the Soul proves that owning an SUV isn't always a bad investment.

Countryman: A little joy every day

In 2010, MINI introduced the Countryman and back then a lot of people were still wondering if it was a real MINI or not. Today, few people ask this question. For what? Because the answer has long been clear: "The company - yes!". The car sells like a loaf of bread, and for good reason, like its flexible interior layout. The rear seats can be adjusted horizontally, and the backrests have an adjustable tilt. With a bit more baggage of skills, this car can easily accommodate the luggage of a family vacation of four, and of course a family of four as well. The limits of the chassis when absorbing bumps are only visible at full load - in all other situations, the tight-fitting Cooper demonstrates a very decent ride. Inside, the model has a unique design, and after a partial update of the model in the summer - with more durable materials. In everyday use, ergonomics prove to be much better than the seemingly unconventional design logic of functional elements suggests. The possibilities for additional customization are huge, but they make the car even more expensive - although the Countryman is already more than 15 levs. More expensive than the similar Soul.

One of the things the MINI justifies its price with - down to the last penny - is the unimaginable pleasure it delivers to drive. On the road, the MINI Countryman behaves like a grown-up kart – it even responds with a light and controlled rear end feed when the load changes suddenly – cleverly balanced by the ESP system. With impeccable steering precision and fantastic shifting, the choice of engine in the Countryman isn't always that important - in a MINI, agility comes down to handling first and foremost. Which is actually good in the case of the Cooper Countryman, as the 1,6-litre naturally aspirated 122bhp engine built in collaboration with PSA delivers decent, but definitely not mind-blowing, performance. It meets Euro 6 standards, has an average fuel consumption of 8,3 l / 100 km, but to be honest, the Countryman is also available with significantly better drives. The Cooper is the only test participant that can be ordered with dual drive. So now he can fulfill everything that his appearance promises.

Text: Sebastian Renz

Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert

Evaluation

Kia Soul - 441 points

In keeping with the Korean brand's image, the Soul is a smart, spacious and modern member of the small SUV category. The brakes work very well, but the same cannot be said for the lethargic engine or the Soul's hesitant handling.

MINY Cooper Zemliak – 445 points

In keeping with the tradition of the brand, Countryman inspires with its excellent handling, to which must be added quite decent driving comfort. Despite showing the shortest body in the test, the MINI boasts the smartest use of interior volume. The engine is rather slow.

Nissan Juke – 434 points

Juke is a master of the art of being different and provocative. It is richly equipped, has a reasonable price, excellent handling and a temperamental engine. However, the brakes are not very convincing, there is little interior space, and much to be desired from a comfortable ride.

technical details

Kia Soul	MINI Cooper Countryman	Nissan Juke
Working volume	1591 cc	1598 cm³	1197 cm³
Power	132 k.s. (97 kW) at 6300 rpm	122 k.s. (90 kW) at 6000 rpm	115 k.s. (85 kW) at 4500 rpm
Maximum torque	161 Nm at 4850 rpm	160 Nm at 4250 rpm.	190 Nm at 2000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	11,4 with	11,6 with	10,3 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	35,4 m	36,7 m	40,6 m
full speed	185 km / h	191 km / h	178 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	6,7 l	8,0 l	8,6 l
Base Price	22 790 €	22,700 €	21.090 €

Home " Articles " Blanks » Kia Soul, Mini Cooper Countryman, Nissan Juke: Three Rebels