The Mini Countryman combines the retro style and fun driving experience of the Mini Hatch in a bigger, family-friendly SUV. There’s generous space inside, but the Countryman is still quite compact on the outside so it’s easy to drive around town. It’s quiet, comfortable and feels like a premium product, yet it’s very good value as a used buy.
The current version of the Countryman has been on sale new since 2017, having replaced an earlier version sold from 2010 to 2017. The latest model is more spacious and better to drive.
There are three versions to choose from — Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works (JCW), with power and performance increasing as you go up the range. Trim levels are Classic (entry-level but still well-equipped), Sport (sportier with more equipment) or Exclusive (more luxurious and more standard features).
The Countryman is available with a 1.5- or 2.0-litre petrol engine, a 2.0-litre diesel engine or plug-in hybrid power. All of the engines give good acceleration – indeed, the sporty Cooper S and high-performance JCW can get up to high speeds very rapidly if you want. Some models have four-wheel drive (you can tell these by their ALL4 badging) and an automatic gearbox is a popular option.
All Countryman models have smartphone connectivity, sat nav, air con and cruise control. High-spec models have more advanced versions of those features plus extras such as heated leather seats. The Classic, Exclusive and Sport packages include extra tech and equipment.
The Countryman can cost a little more than some of its rivals but, considering the space and equipment you get, it’s good value. It holds its value well, too, and all but the very fast models are fuel-efficient. Petrol models give official average fuel economy of 38-51mpg and diesel versions can give more than 60mpg. The plug-in hybrid model has an official average of more than 100mpg but what you get in real-world driving will depend on how you drive and how often you charge the battery.
There are many small SUVs similar to the Countryman. Other premium-brand options include the Audi Q2, the Mercedes-Benz GLA and the DS 3 Crossback. There’s a lot to like about those cars, but the Countryman’s space, great driving experience and unique retro looks may win you over.
The Mini Countryman has five doors and five seats and is a practical family car. There’s lots of space in the front, and more than enough in the back for two adults to be comfortable on a long journey. The back seat slides back and forth by up to 13cm, too, so you can get a lot more legroom, albeit at the expense of boot space. The boot’s a good size for this type of car, with space for three large suitcases. The back seats fold down, creating a usefully large space for tip runs or big shopping trips.
The Countryman is the largest Mini model. Below it in the range is the Clubman, which offers similar space in an estate car body that you might prefer to an SUV. The Mini Hatch is quite a lot smaller, whether you’re looking at the three-door or five-door version.
Safety organisation Euro NCAP awarded the Countryman a full five-star safety rating. Driver safety systems with automatic emergency braking are fitted as standard. High-spec models have more advanced systems such as adaptive cruise control.
The Countryman is available with petrol-electric plug-in hybrid power in the Cooper SE model. It has an automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive – the engine sends power to the front wheels and the electric motor sends power to the back wheels. They can drive the car by themselves, or together. According to official figures, the Cooper SE can give fuel economy of more than 100mpg and go 26 miles on battery power alone, which is far enough for most people’s commutes. Recharging from an electric car charger at home takes about two hours.
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