THE current MINI isn’t exactly a tiny car when compared to the original icon from the 70s.
And this week’s test-drive, the Countryman, is huge — in fact, it’s the biggest MINI ever created.
It’s a compact SUV in size now, so a better name for it might be the MIDI instead of MINI.
However, even though its suspension is slightly raised, it still manages to retain some of that go-kart experience you expect when you drive any of the MINI models — and there’s plenty to choose from.
But back to the Countryman.
Inside, it looks just like the regular MINI hatch or new fully-electric Aceman.
Key Facts:
MINI Countryman C
Key facts:
Cost: From €40,990
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo petrol
Power: 170bhp
Torque: 280Nm
0-100kph: 8.3 seconds
Top Speed: 212kph
Economy: 44.9mpg
Real world economy: 40.9mpg
Emissions: 143g/km
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: 7-speed auto
Rivals: Volvo XC49, Mercedes GLA, Audi Q2, VW T-Roc
My test car was the entry-level petrol Countryman C model that’s powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo engine that produces 170bhp and 280Nm of torque.
So 0-100kph takes 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 212kph.
It uses mild-hybrid tech that helps it return an official combined average of 45.6mpg, and I managed a respectable 40.9mpg — not bad for a big girl!
On the road, the Countryman is fun to drive, not as nimble as the MINI hatch, but what it lacks in agility, it makes up for in interior space.
And being more SUV than car, the Countryman has slightly raised suspension, so is very compliant over rough terrain, making it a great rural vehicle.
It’s perfect for those who lead an outdoor lifestyle or have an active family.
Other models in the line-up are the Countryman S ALL4.
That’s — surprise, surprise — all-wheel drive and produces 218bhp.
Then there’s the potent John Cooper Works Countryman ALL4 that produces 300bhp.
And you can opt for a fully-electric model that comes with a 64.6kWh battery and two power outputs.
The Countryman E has 204bhp with FWD and the Countryman SE has 313bhp with AWD, with a range up to 461km plus up to 130kW DC fast charging.
As mentioned above, inside, the Countryman is very similar to the MINI hatch and the new MINI Aceman as they all feature a large 9.4-inch-OLED central screen.
The graphics are superb, sharp, modern and the infotainment system is voice-activated.
You can say simple commands like ‘Cool it down’ and the car will drop the temperature.
To manually adjust the heating, though, you have to tap the screen, there are no physical buttons, and it’s the same for the heated seats and steering wheel.
But the heating controls are permanently situated on the screen, so you don’t have to go digging in any sub-menus to adjust them.
The Driving modes, called Experiences, are fun, with different graphics and sounds for each setting.
Core is the default and Go-Kart gives you full power and torque with a turbo boost and G-Metre gauge.
There’s also Green, which is the Eco setting, Personal, Vivid, Timeless, Balance, which shuts the screen covering, and finally Trial mode – a sort of off-road mode with a compass and body angle metre, although this Countryman wasn’t the all-wheel drive version.
There are other cool, retro-style features, like the twist key start button and toggle switches that hark back to the retro MINI.
The dash is covered in fabric, the figure-hugging seats are leather-trimmed and as the Countryman is a four-door, there’s great room in the back.
There is lots of headroom for rear-seat passengers, who also have a couple of cup holders, door bins, electric windows, seat pockets, two USB-C sockets, heating controls, plus the rear seats can be individually slid back and forth.
The boot is a good size too, 450 litres — and that rises to 1,450 litres with the rear seats down.
