Mini might have drawn some criticism for introducing its Countryman in 2010 as the brand’s largest model – it’s not so ‘Mini’ after all – but it has quickly become one of the firm’s most popular cars.
Offering the same fun styling and sporty during experience that the firm’s smaller models are known for, but with greater practicality for the family, it’s a good option.
And recently the Countryman has had further revisions, introducing updated styling, more standard equipment and additional personalisation options.
So if you’re considering a new Mini Countryman, here’s what you need to know,
What powertrains are available?
Mini has recently removed diesels from its range, so the Countryman is now available with a choice of petrol options, as well as a plug-in hybrid.
A turbocharged 1.5-litre unit (called the Cooper) kicks off the range, and despite producing a modest 134bhp, it’s able to reach 60mph in under 10 seconds, while returning up to 45mpg. Manual and automatic gearbox options are also available, along with an all-wheel-drive model.
Next up is the Cooper S, which uses a punchier 178bhp 2.0-litre engine that enables a 0-60mph time of 7.2 seconds - though Mini says it will still return 42.2mpg. This just comes as an automatic, though you can have all-wheel-drive if needed.
We also can’t forget the plug-in hybrid, which proves a popular choice with company car drivers thanks to its 10 per cent benefit-in-kind. Here, this option combines a 1.5-litre petrol with an electric motor for a combined 217bhp, enabling a 0-60mph time of 6.6 seconds. An 8.8kWh battery also allows for an electric range of up to 30 miles, while it can be charged in under 2.5 hours using a 3.7kW wallbox. Mini also claims it will return around 150mpg, along with CO2 emissions of 39g/km.
At the top of the range is the John Cooper Works, which uses the most powerful Mini engine ever – a 302bhp 2.0-litre petrol unit that allows the Countryman to hit 60mph in under five seconds and head on to a claimed top speed of 155mph.
What trim levels are offered?
Rather than trim levels as such, Mini offers one standard specification, with buyers then able to choose from three ‘styles’. Here we explain.
Standard specification
All Countrymans come with a generous amount of kit, with standard features including an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation, along with a digital instrument cluster screen, cruise control, rear parking sensors and air conditioning, You also get LED headlights, Mini puddle lights, heated windscreen washer jets and an emergency call system.
Classic – from £24,495
The entry-level ‘style’, the Classic comes with 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels (depending on trim), along with a grey headlining and sports leather steering wheel.
Sport – from £27,595
If you want sportier looks this is the grade to go from, as it gets larger 18-inch alloy wheels, along with a John Cooper Works styling kit, sports seats, a black headlining and adjustable driving modes.
Exclusive – from £27,595
If you want something more luxurious, choose the Exclusive, which comes with leather sports seats, additional chrome styling and more upmarket trim.
John Cooper Works – from £37,650
We also can’t forget about the flagship John Cooper Works, which gains performance tweaks such as a Torsen mechanical slip differential, sports suspension and a sports exhaust system. You also get a racier black and red bodykit, along with keyless entry and part-leather sports seats.
What about personalisation?
Mini is a brand that has historically majored on personalisation, and the Countryman is certainly no different. There’s a broad range of colours on offer, including particularly bright shades like British Racing Green and Chill Red, while you can also easily add the likes of bonnet stripes and a different-coloured mirrors.
There are plenty of options on the interior too, such as a host of leather choices and colours, as well as different interior trim, including carbon detailing and Piano Black.
A variety of more typical optional extras are also available, such as a reversing camera, adaptive cruise control and an electric sunroof to name but a few features.
Enquire on a new Mini Countryman