March 2024 – Pulpaddict (2024)

We get to grips with the next-gen MINI Countryman in entry-level and performance guises…

I’ve always found it tricky trying to categorise the MINI Countryman. It looks like it’s a cross between an estate and a crossover, yet it’s actually about the same size as a family-sized Nissan Qashqai SUV.

One thing is for sure, the third generation Countryman is the biggest MINI ever. MAXI even.

Fans will be pleased to know that it’s still recognisable as a Countryman with its boxy styling, though this time round it’s 130mm longer than the outgoing model and 60mm taller.

The even better news is that means there’s more space for occupants and their luggage, and it’s had a significant tech upgrade.

First a quick recap. The MINI Countryman first appeared in 2010, with the second generation following in 2017. Significantly the Mk 2 was also available as a plug-in hybrid.

The all-new Countryman goes one better. There’s now a 100% electric option with a range of up to 287 miles.

The EV wasn’t available at the launch event, so we sampled two of the turbo petrol versions – the entry-level Countryman C, which has a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and is likely to be the most popular model – and the high-performance Countryman JCW (John Cooper Works) ALL4 range-topper, complete with 2.0-litre four-cylinder.

The 2024 MINI Countryman follows the clean, minimalist look already seen in the new MINI Cooper Electric.

There’s now an octagonal grille, smoother lines and simplified LED lighting front and back, while its rugged, upright proportions give it more of an SUV style.

Starting at £29,290 the MINI Countryman is offered with three trim levels – Classic, Exclusive or Sport. The JCW tips the scales at a hefty £40,425.

Arguably, the wow factor comes when you step inside the cabin. It’s paired back, like the exterior, and now the centrepiece is the world’s first circular OLED display.

Serving as an instrument cluster and onboard infotainment hub, the stunning touchscreen is 9.4 inches in diameter. The upper half displays vehicle-related information such as speed and battery status, with the lower area is used for navigation, media, phone and climate.

Frankly, it was a little overwhelming at first because there’s an awful lot going on there, but I reckon it would all start to make sense after a week or so of ownership. Thankfully, MINI has kept a few signature toggle switches below the display.

The display’s party trick is a range of different ‘Experience’ modes, which change the look of the infotainment system and the car’s driving characteristics.

The default ‘Experience’ mode is referred to as Core, with others including Go Kart, Green, Vivid, Timeless, Personal, Balance, and Trail. Whenever you change the mode there’s a corresponding animation and jingle that plays. You’ll either find these quirky or irritating.

Elsewhere, the cabin definitely feels roomier and lighter than before (there’s an optional panoramic glass roof).

A sliding rear seat bench with adjustable backrests adds to the car’s flexibility, while up to 460 litres of boot space is offered with the seats up, expanding to 1,450 litres when they’re folded. Plus, there’s an additional under-floor compartment for stowing charging cables, for instance. In short, it’s a genuine family-sized car.

One of the outgoing Countryman’s strengths was the premium quality of the cabin. Except for the soft synthetic leather seats, I’d say the new model isn’t quite as classy, with its blend of rough-textured ‘knitted’ fabric made from recycled materials wrapped round the dashboard and door cards, and scratchy plastic surfaces.

Another example is the small perspex head-up display. Better than nothing, but nowhere near as classy as a HUD that projects directly onto the windscreen.

On the road, the third-gen Countryman has retained the fun-loving character you’d associate with the MINI family.

The front-wheel drive Countryman C’s punchy engine produces 167bhp and 280Nm of torque, and it can dash from 0–62mph in 8.3 seconds.

So, it’s swift, but it’s also no hot hatch – you’ll need to choose the S or JCW versions for more performance.

That said, it’s willing, and if you like a three-pot thrum and economy is important to you (it averages up to 46.3mpg, while CO2 emissions start at 138g/km), then this model ticks all the right boxes.

The C gets a standard passive suspension setup, which is on the firm side. It’s only really noticeable over the worst lumps and bumps, though it can feel a little jittery on poorer surfaces too.

For the most part it’s a perfectly pleasant ride with tidy handling and plenty of grip. The steering is direct and responsive, while the seven-speed automatic gearbox is slick with well-judged rations.

There’s decent body control in more challenging corners, but it would be an exaggeration to say that the Countryman C is agile with go-kart handling.

If you want more performance and sporty handling, then try the distinctive John Cooper Works Countryman. Its 2.0-litre produces 296bhp and 400Nm of torque, drive is via all four wheels and it can sprint from 0–62mph in just 5.1 seconds.

On the downside, fuel economy drops to an official 36.2mpg and CO2 emissions rise to an old-school 177-188g/km.

The JCW gets an adaptive suspension setup, so it constantly alters its behaviour according to road conditions and driving style in order to maximise the balance between ride and handling.

In reality, it feels more planted on the road, and if anything, it’s just a bit too powerful at times.

The steering is sharp and, for the most part, the ride is better, but it’s still firm and will still crash over the worst UK roads can offer.

The engine is more refined, though some won’t like the fact that it is artificially enhanced.

Stick the JCW into ‘Go-Kart’ mode and it sharpens up, delivering more driving engagement than its conventional SUV rivals.

Verdict: The new MINI Countryman is a real step-up from its predecessor, especially when it comes to practicality and technology. Fun to drive, well equipped and nicely finished, there’s arguably more of a cooler vibe than premium feel this time round.

MINI UK

We put the PHEV version of Toyota’s funky family car through its paces…

Cards on table time. We’re already fans of the latest Toyota C-HR family crossover. If a car could be judged purely on its styling, it would be best-in-class.

When we first tested the second-generation C-HR in 2023, it was the full hybrid (‘self-charging hybrid’ in Toyota-speak) version.

Now the new C-HR’s appeal has been widened further with the addition of a plug-in hybrid to the line-up.

Before we assess the PHEV, let’s time travel back to 2017 when the first generation ‘Coupe-High Rider’ was launched in the UK.

With its radical looks, it was something of a departure for Toyota which was still selling the conservative Auris and Avensis at the time.

The funky C-HR was a aerodynamic crossover with a low-slung roofline like a coupe. Distinctively styled with a big roof spoiler and sloping rear window, it sold very well but it wasn’t without issues.

The new Toyota C-HR is a looker. A more grown-up version of the outgoing model, it boasts a wider stance and the original’s curves have been replaced by sharper lines and solid surfacing.

Once again there’s a heavily raked tailgate, though this time it features a dual-element rear spoiler and a full-width LED light bar below with an illuminated ‘C-HR’.

At the front, it features the new ‘hammerhead’ face of Toyota SUVs, while the ‘hidden’ raised rear door handles have been replaced by retractable ones, front and rear. Overall build quality, interior materials and technology have also been upgraded.

The plug-in hybrid C-HR is priced from £39,145, which is a jump from the entry-level full hybrid model (£31,290). Additionally, there are three PHEV trim levels – Design, Excel and GR Sport.

It uses the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as the most powerful hybrid model. However, it’s paired with a bigger electric motor (161bhp) and larger battery pack (13.6kWh compared to 11.1kWh), boosting total output from 194bhp to 220bhp.

This extra power translates into a swift 0–62mph time of 7.4 seconds, compared to 8.1 seconds for the 2.0-litre hybrid model and 10.2 seconds for the 1.8-litre hybrid model. It’s also worth noting that the C-HR PHEV is front-wheel drive – there is no AWD option.

In theory, the plug-in hybrid is capable of 353.1mpg, while CO2 emissions are a low 19g/km, putting it in the 8% benefit-in-kind company car tax band.

But, of course, it’s the fact that the PHEV has an all-electric driving range of up to 41 miles (more than most rivals) that matters most. If you can charge at home and your commute is short (or you just use your car for short journeys) your trips to the garage could be few and far between.

As with all plug-in hybrids, it’s most economical when it’s not used for long journeys and is kept charged up.

Significantly, Toyota says the C-HR PHEV uses less fuel when running in hybrid mode compared to most competitor plug-ins because the clutch-less dual motor system eliminates friction and wear. We’d need a week or so with the car to be able to comment, but we certainly noticed the EV light regularly popping up on the dash while driving.

First impressions count, and the second-gen Toyota C-HR certainly oozes kerb appeal, especially if you opt for a two-tone paint-job.

In terms of size, its dimensions are almost identical to the Suzuki S-Cross, which makes it a tad smaller than its main competitors (including the Nissan Qashqai), but bigger than cars in the class below (eg Nissan Juke).

The driving position will be on the high side for some, but you soon get used to it because it’s comfortable with a decent amount of support.

There are roomier cabins, not just because the C-HR isn’t as wide as some rivals, but the driver focused set-up with high centre console makes it snug, especially on the passenger side.

The good news is that the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen combined with the driver’s digital display looks the part and works well enough. And mercifully, the C-HR has some physical controls for essentials such as air-conditioning.

There’s reasonable space for passengers at the back, while the cabin as a whole has a classier feel, with more soft-touch surfaces.

Toyota’s also ticked the sustainability box because the seat fabrics are made from recycled plastic bottles and there’s animal-free ‘leather’ on the steering wheel.

Load capacity is a modest 310 litres (down from 388 litres in the 1.8 Hybrid), while the 60:40 split rear seats flip to increase cargo volume to 1,076 litres.

Visibility is good ahead, but slightly more challenging behind thanks to those chunky rear pillars and small rear windows. Thankfully, all versions have a reversing camera.

On the road, the C-HR is refined for the most part. Every time you start a journey, it defaults to fully-electric mode and it will continue that way until it’s run out of battery charge.

However, if you’re heavy with your right foot, or your battery is out of charge, the petrol engine will kick in.

Drive smoothly and it’s fine, but if you hustle it the CVT automatic gearbox causes the revs to rise and stay high until you’ve reached your desired speed. The din in the cabin soon settles down, but it puts you off driving anything but sensibly.

That said, it has a supple suspension with only the worst lumps and bumps upsetting the calm progress. So, it’s one of the more comfortable SUVs on the market.

Light steering suits its natural urban habitat well, but the C-HR is at its best cruising along. It would be an exaggeration to call it dynamic on entertaining B-roads, but it’s agile and there are good levels of body control, while grip is decent.

The C-HR flips between electric and engine drive seamlessly, and it’s as close as you can get to driving a 100% electric car when it’s running in EV mode.

The other three modes available are auto EV/HV, HV and charging.

In EV/HV mode the engine will engage when extra power is needed, returning to EV running afterwards.

HV mode helps maintain the battery’s state of charge and is engaged automatically when battery charge runs low, while charging mode can be used when the driver wants to charge the EV battery when driving, using power generated by the engine.

Additionally, there are three drive modes – Normal, Eco and Sport – plus Custom, which allows the driver to select their preferred powertrain, steering and air conditioning settings.

Finally, it’s always worth remembering that the C-HR comes with a three-year warranty that extends up to 10 years/100,000 miles so long as your car is serviced annually at an authorised Toyota workshop.

Verdict: The eye-catching Toyota C-HR Plug-in Hybrid is easy to drive, comfortable and well equipped, with the potential to be super economical. It may not be the cheapest or most spacious family PHEV, but it’s definitely got that wow factor.

Toyota UK

Car leasing provides access to a vehicle without the cost or commitment of an outright purchase. Choosing between a long-term and short-term car lease is a significant decision that depends on your needs, financial situation, and lifestyle preferences. This article identifies the fundamental differences between these two leasing options to help you decide.

When considering car leasing options, individuals typically weigh the advantages of long-term versus short-term arrangements. A short-term car lease, like those offered by Flexxilease, refers to a leasing agreement for a vehicle that lasts for a relatively brief period, usually ranging from a few months to a year. This provides greater flexibility and allows lessees to readily adapt to their changing needs.

Long-term car leases, spanning 2 to 5 years, often require a thorough credit check and entail lower monthly payments than short-term leases.

Whether you opt for a long-term commitment with lower costs or embrace the adaptability of short-term leases, you can find a suitable arrangement tailored to your preferences and lifestyles.

What are the benefits of using a short-term lease?

• Flexibility: Perfect for temporary needs like business trips or short-term projects, providing a vehicle when required temporarily.
• Low commitment: Unlike lengthy traditional leases, 3-month leasing offers a shorter commitment, allowing lessees the freedom to change vehicles more frequently.
• Cost-efficiency: Monthly payments for short-term leases are often lower than long-term ones, making it an economical choice for brief car needs.
• Maintenance: Many 3-month lease agreements include maintenance and servicing, easing lessees from upkeep responsibilities.

What scenarios should you choose a short-term lease?

Here are some examples of where to use a short-term car lease:

• Waiting for a new car to be delivered: If you have ordered a new one but will not be delivered for a few months, you can lease one.
• Temporary job assignment: If you have a temporary job assignment in a different city, a short-term car lease can provide you with transportation without needing a car.
• Travelling for work: If you are travelling for work and need a car for a few weeks or months, a short-term car lease can be convenient and cost-effective.
• Seasonal work: If you work in a seasonal industry, such as tourism or agriculture, a short-term car lease can provide you with a vehicle during your busy season.
• Test-driving a car before buying: If you are considering purchasing a vehicle but want to test-drive it for a few months before making a decision, a short-term car lease can be a good option.

What are the advantages of using a long-term lease?

• Stability: Long-term leases provide stability and predictability in monthly payments when compared to the possible changes that come with shorter-term leases, making budgeting easier.
• Lower monthly payments: Monthly payments for long-term leases are typically lower than those for shorter-term leases, as the cost is spread out over a longer period.
• Warranty coverage: Leasing a car for an extended period often means the vehicle remains under warranty for the lease, minimising the risk of unexpected repair costs.

What scenarios should you choose a long-term lease?

Here are some examples of where to use a long-term car lease:

• You need a car for over a year but don’t want to buy one.
• You want to drive a new car without worrying about maintenance or repairs.
• You want to be able to switch cars every few years without having to go through the hassle of selling or trading in your old car.
• You have a poor credit score and do not qualify for a traditional car loan.

Leasing a car can be a good option if you need a car for an extended period but don’t want to deal with the hassles and costs of ownership.

Are monthly payments different for short or long-term car leases?

Yes, the length of a lease contract can affect the monthly payments. In most cases, the shorter the lease term, the higher the monthly payments. This is because the leasing company spreads the depreciation cost over a shorter period.

For example, if you lease a car for two years, your monthly payments will be higher than if you rent the same car for four years. The leasing company considers that the vehicle will depreciate more quickly in the first two years.

What’s the best car leasing option for you?

Your choice between a short-term and long-term car lease depends on your requirements and situation. Opt for a long-term car lease if you need a car for over a year but don’t want the cost or commitment of buying outright and want to keep your costs below those of a short-term lease. On the other hand, if you’re waiting for your new car to arrive and/or your situation requires a car for less than a year, then a short-term car lease is the more suitable option.

It’s no secret that running a business takes a large financial toll on entrepreneurs.

Most small to medium-sized businesses don’t have enough internal cash flow and capital to operate at a satisfactory level. For instance, these enterprises could lack computers for their staff to use, machinery to produce their product, or motorcycles for their delivery fleet.

In either case, it pays to be resourceful and look for external ways to acquire these assets. Fortunately, there are many financing solutions that your business can avail to acquire these key assets.

Ready to learn more about it? Here are several financing solutions your business can consider to readily acquire vehicles, pieces of equipment, and more vital assets.

Let’s begin!

1. Chattel Mortgage

Chattel mortgages, or equipment loans, are types of loans that grant you (the borrower) the ownership of the specific type of business equipment as soon as the contract is set.

This loan can only be requested if you’re taking out money for the purpose of purchasing equipment. This can range from a copy machine, a motorcycle, a computer— anything that’s mobile and meant to be used in the business.

Just like other loans, you’ll need to pay the principal and interest rate marked in the contract in a timely fashion to avoid late fees and penalties. The lender can also reclaim the equipment if you fail to meet repayment terms.

Since the equipment or vehicle is immediately under your business’s ownership, mortgage interest rates are generally higher than standard loan rates—starting at 7.5% per annum and reaching up to 15% per annum.

If you have a good credit score or can show that you make timely payments, you can get better rates—which can save you a good couple of bucks over the period of the loan.

2. Novated Leasing

Suppose you’re a full-time employee of a company and an entrepreneur on the side. In that case, you can enter a tripartite agreement with your employer and the leasing company to lease a vehicle as part of your salary package.

This agreement essentially helps reduce your pre-tax salary, which can put you in a lower tax bracket and thus reduce your taxable income. You can also earn tax benefits by availing deductions of associated vehicular costs, like fuel and maintenance.

Novated leasing is good since it grants you the car straight off the gate, albeit not under your ownership just yet. That said, you’re still expected to decide the vehicle’s fate at the end of the lease’s term—whether to buy the vehicle at market value, extend the lease, or initiate a new lease.

This can be a good thing since it grants your current self flexibility in how you can control your ownership status and the tax benefits associated with your move.

Remember, you don’t own the car right away, and this can be a good thing for your taxes, particularly if you’re still currently low on capital.

Are you still questioning the benefits of novated leasing?

Follow this link for more information to help you break down this viable option for financial planning.

3. Equipment Leasing

Don’t want to own your equipment yet, or are unable to find someone to grant you ownership? The plain and simple task of equipment leasing is another viable solution you can consider.

Equipment leasing offers a flexible alternative for businesses that aren’t able to purchase outright. By leasing, your business gains access to the latest equipment without the hefty initial investment (or super-high interest rates), preserving capital for other operational needs.

If you want to keep your debt cash outflow low for budgeting purposes, going this route is effective.

Once your cash starts ramping up considerably, you can then consider going into a contract to purchase the equipment when you’re ready—if the lender accepts this proposition, of course.

What’s more, leasing can provide tax benefits since the payments are tax deductible. If your finances are tight but you still need business equipment, you can take advantage of this method to utilise the tool without outright owning one.

4. Crowdfunding

Another way to secure financing for vehicles, equipment, and other key assets for your business is by looking into crowdfunding.

Crowdfunding is essentially a form of financing wherein businesses raise money through individual donors (also called backers) through online platforms. The amount donated can be big or small—it’s solely dependent on the individual’s contributions.

Typically, this way of financing is effective if the public holds an interest in your product or service offering. Businesses can even incentivise buyers who have contributed a minimum amount with unique offerings.

Of course, going this route requires businesses to be validated by the market; that is, your product needs to be good.

Marketing efforts are a must for crowdfunding to be effective, and once public sentiment of your offering is good, you can reap the benefits of many contributors helping you achieve you acquire your product.

5. Business Lines of Credit

If you (as the entrepreneur) have a good line of credit, you can apply for a business line of credit to potentially fund your asset acquisitions.

This type of financing works similarly to a credit card in that it gives you a predetermined amount you can borrow to spend on for a monthly period. Of course, you’ll have to repay it by the end of the due date for you to continue using this financial method.

This financing route grants entrepreneurs an extra means of financing their business, whether it be by buying assets or ensuring operational continuity. You also only have to apply for it once unlike loans, making it a smooth and flexible way of adding more to your cash flow.

6. Grants

Government grants are great ways of securing financing—and depending on your state and country, you can be eligible for multiple ones.

For example, in Australia, there are over 615 grant programs offered by various government sectors that you can avail of, depending on your eligibility, of course. You can typically search what type of program is fit for your specific needs through this grants finder database.

Just like other forms of financing, grants are great since they give you a set amount of finances for you to conduct business operations.

The application process can be cut-throat, but if you’re accepted into one, then you don’t have to worry about making repayments as the government will help you out in that respect.

7. Business Loans

One of the most accessible ways of getting funding for your business is by applying for a business loan. There are multiple credit agencies that can lend you cash, offering a wide range of fixed or variable interest rates and repayment terms depending on your creditworthiness.

You can consider vetting and calling these credit providers and asking around for good rates. Be sure that you can actually follow through with the terms set in the agreement.

Once you’ve spotted a potential fit, then go ahead and secure the loan.

You’ll have to fill up some paperwork and documentation before and after the approval of the loan, but once you’re done, you’re set and can use the money for any business activity of your choice—from buying new equipment to repairing old ones.