Merc B-Class, MINI Countryman or Nissan Qashqai?

How do the following cars rank in terms of ground clearance (to behave safely on bumpy broken roads): Mercedes-Benz B-Class (old model), MINI One Diesel Countryman (current model) and Nissan Qashqai (current model)?

Thanks, Bruno

Tasselli Bruno (Florence, Italy)

Aug 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

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Expert answer

Hi Bruno,

Hands up, we cannot find ground clearance data for the first gen Mercedes-Benz B-Class, but it's a lower-slung car in general than either of the other two, and with that sandwich floor construction, we'd guess it would be quite low riding. Mind you, it's worth pointing out that ride height is not the be all and end all when it comes to tackling rough roads - suspension design, layout and stiffness have a major, potentially larger part to play.

Nonetheless, of the other two, it's the Nissan that has the slightly higher ride height, 188mm plays the MINI Countryman's 163mm. Given that we've nothing but praise for the new Qashqai's brilliant twin-chamber shock absorbers and silky-smooth suspension, we'd say it's probably the best bet for what you need.

Let us know how you get on

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe