New Countryman SUV Takes MINI To The Max.
New Countryman SUV Takes MINI to the Max.
Now in its third generation, the Mini Countryman features both fully electric (EV) and internal combustion powertrains. The new Countryman is one of the first products from MINI to adopt their new design language called “Charismatic Simplicity” and the core styling cues of its predecessors has been carried over in order to preserve its uniqueness. The Mini Countryman is the brand’s biggest model, and although it is still considered a compact SUV, this third generation model has grown to over 4.4 metres in length. This represents an increase of 130mm over the previous model, and it is now 80mm taller too.
Updated for the Modern Era.
The new Countryman stays true to Mini’s traditional styling, but its refreshed styling is updated for the modern era. The interior has been updated too with sustainable materials, a fabric-trimmed dashboard, and simplified controls. The Countryman is built on the same UKL2 platform as the BMW X1, and is definitely a worthy contender against competitors such as the Nissan Qashqai, Volvo EX40, Toyota Corolla Cross and the new Skoda Elroq. The Countryman’s large headlights and front grille, combined with short overhangs, have been hallmarks since the original version was launched more than a decade ago, and that trend continues to this day.
Style-Forward Design.
Mini’s vehicles are always designed to be style-forward, and the new third-generation Countryman sharpens the look without losing the charm it has become so well-known for. The new Countryman is still immediately recognizable as a member of the Mini family, but the style has been enhanced and modernized. Contrasting roof and mirror cover colours are still available to help customise the look, and its generous proportions add terrific practicality, with the wheels pushed out as far as possible in order to maximise cabin and boot space. Cabin space in the Countryman is excellent and this results in plenty of head and leg room for front and rear seat occupants. The seating is very comfortable and supportive, with lots of adjustability available for the driver’s seat. The raised seating position and low dashboard make it easy to see over the bonnet, and the windscreen pillars are positioned in such a way that you can see around them easily at junctions and roundabouts. The interior has a simplified layout with fewer buttons than before, and the only interior screen is a centrally-mounted 9.4” OLED touchscreen, which is operated by MINI OS 9. It can be operated by MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant and has eight configurable Experience Modes.
Enhanced Sustainability.
Storage is good for the size of car, with door bins that have a cut-out for big bottles in the front. The centre armrest slides fore and aft to give easy access to a small tray beneath it, and ahead of this is a covered bin. There are also a couple of cupholders, a shelf for wirelessly charging your mobile phone, and two USB-C slots. MINI decided to make its interiors more sustainable by incorporating a greater amount of recycled materials. This includes some high quality Viscin fabric on the doors and dashboard that provides a more supple feel, and the recycled polyester makes the cabin feel warm, modern, and inviting. Boot space in the new Countryman has increased to 450 litres with the back seats upright, and this expands to 1450 litres when the seats are folded flat.
Trim Levels & Powerplant Options.
The Countryman comes in four trims: Classic, Exclusive, and Sport, along with a potent JCW version, and – depending on the exact model chosen – is offered in two-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive (ALL4) guises. The entry-level Countryman features a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder, petrol engine which puts out 170 hp and 240 Nm of torque. The petrol engine is supported by 48-volt mild hybrid technology which reduces fuel consumption and emissions, and enhances acceleration. It sends power to the front wheels via a slick-shifting automatic transmission, and it can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.3-seconds. An official WLTP fuel consumption figure of 6.0-litres per 100 km on a combined driving cycle is impressive. The Countryman S ALL4 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 218 hp and 360 Nm of torque, and the Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW) has a more powerful version of the S’s 2.0-litre engine with 300 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The Countryman is also offered in an all-electric version, which produces 204 hp and 250 Nm of instant torque.
Test Car Details.
My test car was the Mini Countryman Classic with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, and it was finished in Nanuq White metallic paint (an €869 option). The only additional extra fitted to my test car was a Level 1 package, at a cost of €4,055. This package includes: Adaptive LED Headlights, keyless access, electrically-folding door mirrors, high beam assist, sliding rear seats, luggage net, a head-up display, and a wireless smartphone charging tray. Key standard equipment includes: LED front and rear lights, roof rails, electric tailgate, MINI navigation system, centre front armrest, wheel bolt protection locks, and automatic windscreen wipers with heated washer nozzles. Also standard is a Driving Assistant package, which includes Lane Keep Assist with Blind Spot Detection, Rear Collision Prevention and Vehicle Exit Warning, along with a host of additional driver assist systems. The Countryman is punchy and effortless to drive, and has plenty of power when you ask for a burst of acceleration. There is a decent amount of road grip through bends, and the body doesn’t roll around unnervingly. There are eight selectable drive modes in total: Go-Kart, Balance, Trail, Timeless, Vivid, Core, Green, and Personal – each of which performs a different task. For normal driving, ‘Core’ is the best option, select ‘Green’ to save fuel or ‘Go-Kart’ for increased throttle response. Dynamically, the Countryman is tuned to feel responsive, and the big-bodied crossover felt planted through mid-corner bumps and over rough roads alike.
Verdict & Price.
The new MINI Countryman is a great family car and it is one of the most refined, comfortable and capable MINI’s ever made. The upmarket interior and high-end technology of the MINI Countryman really help it stand out from its rivals, and it has a cheeky fun character about it that can so often be missing from a family car. With a 3 year/100,000km warranty as standard, and with a starting price of €41,130 the Countryman is definitely worth consideration if you’re in the market for a truly competent compact SUV.
Visit www.mini.ie for further information.
