Used test: Mini Countryman vs Nissan Juke vs Skoda Yeti
Mini is about to replace its Countryman SUV, but how does the outgoing model stack up against its rivals as a used buy?...
Our Verdict
Each of these cars combines a funky image with a dash of practicality and a healthy dose of fun. All three represent an interesting alternative to a traditional supermini or hatchback, but one stands out as the most appealing – the Skoda Yeti.
Its big, well-shaped boot, spacious interior and hard-wearing dashboard make it the most child-friendly option here, and what's more, it's good to drive, with a quiet, responsive engine and a fine balance of ride and handling. True, the Yeti is best-served as a diesel or with a smaller petrol engine; this 1.8-litre version is rather expensive to run in this company. However, its low price does go some way toward mitigating the high fuel bills.
The Nissan Juke comes second. It's pretty fun to drive, and its interior looks funky, plus the Juke manages to combine reasonable used prices with respectable running costs. However, its dashboard is made from some pretty low-rent plastics, so it's likely to have stood the test of time the least well out of all these cars; combined with cramped rear seats, a small boot and a firm ride, that means the Juke just isn't as good a family car as the Yeti.
The Mini Countryman is cheaper to run than any of the other cars here, but that isn't enough to save it, and neither is its funky styling. It's still very expensive to buy, which means you might have to plump for an older or higher-mileage example for your budget than you will with the other two. Throw in its unsettled ride and heavy steering, and it's a tough sell.
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1st – Skoda Yeti
For Fine ride and handling; flexible engine; most practical; low purchase prices
Against Highest running costs; bland interior; least well equipped
Verdict A solid, practical all-rounder, and a great used buy
Rated 4 out of 5
Read the full Skoda Yeti review
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2nd – Nissan Juke
For Loads of kit; hot hatch pace; not too costly to buy and run
Against Firm ride; turbo surge can cause wheelspin; cramped in the back
Verdict Appealing in some respects, but makes a poor family car
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full Nissan Juke review
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3rd – Mini Countryman
For Strong engine; affordable running costs; should hold its value well
Against Expensive to buy; stiff ride; heavy steering
Verdict High price counts against it in this company
Rated 3 out of 5
Read the full Mini Countryman review
Find used Mini Countryman for sale>>
Specifications: Mini Countryman Cooper S All4
Engine size 1.6-litre petrol
List price when new £22,030
Price today £6,000-£30,000
Power 181bhp
Torque 177lb ft
0-60mph 8.2sec
Top speed 130mph
Fuel economy 42.2mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 157g/km
Specifications: Nissan Juke 1.6 DiG-T Tekna
Engine size 1.6-litre petrol
List price when new £17,395
Price today £5,500-£21,000
Power 188bhp
Torque 177lb ft
0-60mph 8.1sec
Top speed 133mph
Fuel economy 40.9mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 159g/km
Specifications: Skoda Yeti 1.8 TSI SE 4x4
Engine size 1.8-litre petrol
List price when new £19,515
Price today £6,000-£13,500
Power 158bhp
Torque 184lb ft
0-60mph 8.7sec
Top speed 124mph
Fuel economy 35.3mpg (Official average)
CO2 emissions 189g/km
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