Mini have been on a bit of roll recently. A new Cooper, an all-new all-electric Aceman, and to top it off, a new Countryman. While the Countryman was the first BMW made Mini to boldly go into a market where no Mini has gone before, namely the urban SUV sector, it has been such a strong seller for the brand and one which has introduced the ethos of Mini-ness into a much wider section of the buying public. Come to think of it, the chances are you will probably see at least three Countryman models on your morning commute and probably within the first 10 minutes of your journey.
Anway, onto the new Countryman, which is slicker, contains more tech and most notable of all, is the biggest Countryman yet. The range consists of a mix of ICE and Electric options. The petrol variants start with the Countryman C, then the mid-range Countryman S All4 and my test car, the Countryman JCW All4. Those wanting zero emission driving from their Countryman can choose either the Countryman E or Countryman SE.
The Countryman JCW All4 featured here is priced at $83,990 and features the same 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine which sits in the Countryman S All4. The only difference being the increase in power and torque over the S with figures sitting at 221kW instead of 160kW and 400Nm over 360Nm. Mated to a seven-speed DCT automatic transmission, the extra grunt from the John Cooper Works package will allow you to reach 100 clicks in 5.4 seconds and return a combined 8.3L/100km and 188g/km of CO2. The All4 naturally refers to the Countryman’s all-wheel-drive system.
The new Countryman measures 4,447mm in length, 1,843mm in width, and 1,645mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,692mm and ground clearance of 188mm, making it the largest Mini to date. The front features a redesigned LED headlight cluster, an updated grille, and a more angular front lip. Either side are 20-inch flag-spoke two-tone alloy wheels, along with additional black accents and details including the wing mirrors and roof rails.
The rear displays black “Countryman” lettering across the boot lid, updated taillights, and twin-sports exhaust tips. JCW badging and various sporty design elements are also present. All in all, an aggressive looking Mini, no doubt.
The brand’s distinctive approach to Mini-inspired interior design is consistently reflected across its range and is particularly apparent with the new Countryman. Centre stage is the slick 240mm OLED circular infotainment system which has been the brand’s throwback to the Mini of old’s central mounted speedometer.
Aside from being able to watch funky videos celebrating Mini past, present and future, you have a vast array of on board tech to play with, though the amount of sub menus you have navigate through to activate certain functions can get a bit tiresome sometimes.
Standard equipment includes wireless charging, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, MINI augmented reality navigation, interior camera, a head up display, heated front seats, heated steering wheel, anthracite roof lining, a panoramic roof, auto tailgate, surround view rear camera, park assist, blind spot monitoring, 4x USB C-Ports, rear cross traffic alert and collision warning to name but a few. Its also worth mentioning the 12-speaker, 365w Harman/Kardon sound system is also a mighty fine bit of kit. “Extreme Ways” by Moby never sounded so good.
The fact the new Countryman is bigger means there is far more room to move than ever before. Front or rear, I found my 5ft 10 frame had heaps of head and legroom and even entry and exit were not arduous exercises for yours truly. That extra space extends to the boot which now offers 505L of space which swells to 1,530L with the rear seats folded away. More than enough for one’s K9 companions to tag along—unless it’s a Great Dane.
In keeping with modern Mini design, engaging the starter activates the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Selecting the desired drive mode using the drive select switch enables immediate and responsive performance. The turbocharged engine provides smooth acceleration in the standard Core mode, and Sport mode gives the drive that increased level of driving dynamism.
Upholding the John Cooper Works reputation, the new Countryman JCW delivers some good punch both through corners and on the straights. It’s a rorty sounding unit too and the seven-speed DCT box gives some slick changes in manual mode via the shift paddles.
In addition to what seems like a gargantuan number of drive modes, the Countryman JCW’s Terrain mode turns the screen into a gradient indicator and reigns in the power and AWD system to suit those rougher dirt or shingle roads and inclines. Though I can’t really picture many Countryman JCW buyers taking their Mini off-roading on a regular basis.
The ride achieves a balance between sporty dynamics and a high level of comfort. While occasional bumps are noticeable, they aren’t unbearable, and tyre noise is well-controlled. The vehicle’s handling further reflects Mini’s distinctive driving characteristics; despite increased ground clearance, it maintains sharpness and responsiveness on winding roads, aided by substantial steering feedback.
Mini have really pushed the boat out with the new Countryman and while there are a few niggles, overall the addition of extra space and clever tech, coupled with a sprightly and engaging powertrain and that all-important character which could only be Mini, there is a lot to like here.
Best Countryman yet? Undoubtedly.
RATING: 7.5/10
