In a similar way to the rapidly evolving crossover market, MINI is a brand that has shapeshifted over the last few years to keep up with the changing desires of its customers. The result is ultimately MINIs that aren’t so mini anymore.
One of those not so mini MINIs is the Countryman, which for 2017 enters its second-generation. And the easiest way to think of the new Countryman is that it’s like the Clubman, but with SUV DNA.
The new Countryman does share many traits with the Clubman – almost identical interior layout and engine range – but it also has its own unique identity.
The second-generation Countryman is now 20cm longer, an inch wider, has a bigger boot and is the only MINI model to have its own unique headlights. There’s some interior tweaks too, with £1,900 worth of extra standard equipment.
MINI’s conscious choice to beef up the Countryman more was apparently to complete its shift from B segment to C segment when it comes to size so that there is no doubt that it does in fact compete with the crossovers like Audi Q3, Skoda Yeti and Nissan Qashqai.
So, it is “visually more SUV” and “expected to be sold to a new customer group”, according to MINI. But is it still a MINI at heart? And should crossover competitors be worried?
Performance 4/5
The Cooper S ALL4 Auto that we tested is the fastest Countryman you can get, with a 189bhp 2.0-litre petrol on-board that makes for a zero to 62mph sprint of 7.2 seconds. This is the same engine featured in all other Cooper S models.
Although its sprint time is rather nippy, the Cooper S Countryman doesn’t feel blisteringly quick, especially when you consider the amount of noise it makes. Sure, it is fast enough to warrant an S badge on its rear and there is plenty of low down pull, but it doesn’t quite have the guts of the Cooper S Hatch – understandably so because it is heavier.
A manual transmission is standard in the Cooper S, but our model was fitted with the eight-speed automatic. Cruise up the gears or floor it from a standing start and the auto does a great job of keeping up, seamlessly finding the right gear. The auto also comes with steering-wheel mounted flappy paddles for quick changing, although we doubt you’ll feel the need to interject.
Ride and Handling 4/5
MINI’s are known for their trademark “go kart handling” and the Countryman is no different.
Take on some twisty roads and the brilliant weighting of the steering, along with razor sharp responsiveness makes for a extremely entertaining drive. You can turn into a corner, feel exactly where the wheels are pointing and fire yourself out from an apex with confidence. There are a few characteristics you will have to get used to though.
Although it corners with finesse, it feels much heavier and taller than the MINI Hatch, and as a result leans more in the corners, which may put you off when feeding power in around bends. The steering, although brilliant feedback wise, can be a little heavy when attempting parking manoeuvres – although there is an argument that messing around with a variable weighting system could take away from its competence.
On the subject of weighting, the Countryman’s variable driving modes are a little hot and cold. The placid Green mode is perfectly fine when cruising on the motorway, but Sport mode – which sharpens throttle response and weights up the steering even more – feels very forced, artificial and frankly unnecessary. The aptly named Mid Mode is the one to stick with.
There are also a few refinement issues. With a boxier shape comes more wind noise from the A pillars and the ride is rather frim and jittery, regardless of driving mode.
The Cooper S Countryman is a great car to drive, but there is a payoff. Ultimately, it will depend on what mood you are in. If you are after calm and collected, then you may be put off – but then perhaps you shouldn’t be looking at a Cooper S.
Interior and Equipment 4.5/5
There have been a few tweaks to the Countryman’s interior, but much like MINI’s daddy brand BMW, the changes are minute.
For example, the air vents are now more vertical in order to “make it look more like an SUV”, according to MINI, there is a plusher soft touch material lathered across the dashboard and there is now £1,900 worth of more standard equipment over the existing model.
New standard equipment to the Countryman range includes MINI Navigation, Bluetooth, DAB radio and 16-inch alloys (17-inch on Cooper S models).
The interior layout is still very much MINI though, with aviation-style switches scattered about, a large centre touchscreen surrounded by a lighting tube and a circular rev counter mounted to the steering column.
With the Countryman’s exterior getting bigger, as has its interior. The wheelbase is now three inches longer, which has resulted in an extra 5cm of leg room for rear passengers. The rear bench is also moveable by 13cm, which adds extra flexibility. Head room wise, the added height of the Countryman is its trump card, with even six footers having excess room.
Hand in hand with the moving rear seats is the now larger boot, which stands at 450 litres with the seats up and 1,390 litres with the seats down. The boot also has a wide opening, flat loading surface and low load height, which makes it surprisingly practical for something with mini in its name.
Costs 4/5
Although the standard Countryman starts from £22,500, the Cooper S will fetch you upwards of £28,000. Compared to the entry-level price of something like the Audi Q3, that is actually rather competitive.
From a fuel economy point of view, the Cooper S claims a combined figure of mid-40s, but with the 2.0-litre petrol under the bonnet you are likely to get a little zealous and achieve closer to mid-30s. CO2 on the other hand is quoted at 146g/km.
Verdict 4/5
Regardless of what MINI you are buying, fun is always going to be one of, if not the most, important factors considered – and in that respect, the Countryman fits the bill.
The crossover market has become so diluted with new models, it can be easy to forget that there aren’t many models out there that offer entertainment on tap. The Countryman may roll a bit in the corners and have a slightly unsettled ride at times, but we still think it’s the best dynamically capable crossover on the market.
Add practicality and MINI styling to the mix and you’ve got a pretty endearing model.
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