Review
MINI Countryman
The MINI Countryman was first launched in 2010. It was the first MINI with 4 doors, a spacious trunk and five seats and more than 540,000 units have been sold worldwide. We are now ready for a brand new generation of this cool MINI. Particular attention was paid to improvements in the areas of space, functionality, sportiness and luxurious equipment. It is also the first MINI to be available with a plug-in hybrid drive.
Motorizations
The Countryman is available in various engines. We were introduced to the Cooper D (27,700 euros). It has a powerful four-cylinder diesel engine with a capacity of 1995 cc. This block produces a power of 150 hp and has a max. torque of 330 Nm. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds and has a top speed of 208 km/h. Our test car was equipped with the optional 8-speed steptronic automatic transmission.
The diesel range also includes a Cooper SD with a power of 190 hp (34,000 euros).
The MINI Cooper Countryman is the entry-level model in the petrol engine range. It has a three-cylinder petrol engine with a power of 136 hp. From 25,800 euros it will be in your driveway. In addition, a Cooper S is also available with a power of 192 hp (30,250 euros). For the sporty, there is also a John Cooper Works with a 2.0-liter with a power of 231 hp from 38,700 euros.
New at MINI is that a plug-in hybrid is now also available. The MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 has a three-cylinder petrol engine with a power of 136 hp in combination with an electric motor with 88 hp. The system power is 224 hp and the purely electric range is approximately 40 km.
Optionally, you can also choose intelligent all-wheel drive ALL4 on all models for more traction, among other things.
Room
There is enough space in the interior to transport five adults. In addition, there are also many storage options and the Countryman has a versatile suitcase. The rear seat is divisible and can be adjusted in length by up to 13 centimeters. The backrest is also adjustable in slope for more seating comfort or to create more storage space. You have a loading volume of 450 liters available in the suitcase, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1309 liters. If you want extra comfort, you can also opt for an optional Picnic Bench. This is a flexible surface that is folded out of the trunk and on which you can sit with 2 people.
Touch screen
For example, if you choose the Wired package, you will receive the Professional navigation system with a 22.4 cm touchscreen. You can then operate the functions on the screen such as navigation not only via the touch controller on the center console, but also by touching the screen. This is useful, for example, when you want to view or enlarge a specific point on the map.
MINI Find Mate
The Wired package also includes another nice option, the MINI Find Mate. You will then receive two Bluetooth tags that you can attach to items you don’t want to lose. This could involve, for example, (house) keys or bags. MINI Find Mate can then use the tags to locate the items via the on-board computer and your smartphone. A nice application of connectivity. You can purchase additional Bluetooth tags from MINI Lifestyle and use up to six in total with the MINI Connected App.
Conclusion
The MINI Countryman feels like a true MINI in many ways. It is also the largest and most versatile model in the current range with plenty of space inside and room for five adults. The higher seating position gives the driver a good overview of the traffic and other road users cannot miss this large MINI. The Cooper D has a spicy and fun engine that allows you to drive smoothly with traffic. The steptronic with eight gears shifts smoothly and quickly and is immediately in the right gear. The interior looks stylish, especially with the colored interior lighting and the touchscreen can be operated very intuitively.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
