The exterior and interior design of the new Mini Countryman is so distinctive from other premium crossovers that you can’t help but wonder if Mini’s original goal was to ensure that the Countryman stands out in the surprisingly crowded luxury crossover market. Its unique style and quirky yet practical interior make it stick out, but what’s even more intriguing is where it fits into the market.
The fully loaded BMW X1 sDrive 20i xLine variant is significantly less expensive than the completely equipped Volvo XC40 T4 R-Design, but the S “JCW inspired” version you see above costs the same. But the Countryman is a far better deal overall than the Audi Q2 since the latter is only slightly better equipped when purchased in its Premium 40TFSI configuration.
Therefore, is the recently released Mini Countryman a good investment? And how is it in any other case? The following has five features of the new Countryman that you will likely appreciate and two that you might dislike for this evaluation.
The 2024 Mini Countryman’s appearance is what distinguishes it from all of its competitors. Unusually for a car that isn’t particularly large, the Countryman has a lot of presence on the road. While some of its competitors have larger cars on the market, their designs are significantly more logical. In contrast, Mini’s design is rather striking and divisive. With a dash of chrome for the headlight surround and the sizable hexagonal grille, the front end is a classic Mini design. This automobile gets a lot of attention, mostly because of its hilarious LED headlights with bug eyes that look amazing when lighted up.
Overall, the Countryman has a lot of character thanks to its rather low riding position and heavy body covering. It has an aggressive visual posture, particularly when viewed from behind, thanks to the flared wheel arches and aggressively styled brakes (part of the JCW influenced standard). Overall, a curved front and back end combined with a lack of prominent side creases produce a cohesive, albeit humorous, look.
The Countryman is currently exclusively available in Cooper S configuration, which comes with BMW’s VANOS variable timing valve system and a robust two-liter turbocharged petrol engine featuring direct injection. Considering that the Mini isn’t as hefty as most of its competitors, the 192 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque that it can produce are amazing. The Countryman can reach 100 kmph in just 7.84 seconds, demonstrating its ability to accelerate with remarkable tenacity. Although this engine doesn’t have a neck-snapping twitch, it can nonetheless move this crossover like a train when it delivers a powerful, linear power surge. Regarding the remaining tested statistics, the Countryman will reach 150 kmph in an equally astounding 16.98 seconds and 0-60 kmph in under 3.68 seconds.
When driving the Countryman on a curvy road with extended undulations and bumps, it seems the least like a pseudo-SUV of all the crossover options. Everything about this JCW-inspired variant, including the steering, compliance, and suspension setup, is predictable, and it seems like a lot of fun to drive. The turn-in is sharp, and there is less body roll than with the original Cooper chassis, even with the extra weight and extended wheelbase. Although some may find the town’s steering a bit heavy, it’s a point-and-shoot situation generally.
The Countryman is dependable and fun to drive quickly because of its direct steering and agile chassis. Speaking of which, the Countryman is very flat, so when you go for it, keeping speed is simple. Body control is excellent, and the general equilibrium at high speeds is remarkable.
Not surprisingly, Mini has improved the Countryman’s interior for 2021. It’s not as though the old car’s interior was devoid of grandeur or significance. Indeed, this redesigned interior is quite charming, skillfully preserving its vintage charm while including classic Mini features like the 8.8-inch infotainment screen positioned centrally on the dashboard and a row of robust toggle switches below it. Soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and high-gloss plastics abound throughout the cabin, all of which complement the luxury feel of the vehicle. Elements such as the substantial steering wheel and the exquisitely crafted air vents exude exceptional craftsmanship.
When you select every optional extra, the Countryman’s interior not only looks great but is also fully equipped. The Mini Linked infotainment system is the standout feature of its interior; it’s really easy to use and has a unique feel to it. It has an 8.8-inch display that manages every aspect of the vehicle, including media, navigation, and driving modes. The BMW-produced technology is quite straightforward because to its iDrive-like joystick and the way the vehicle is displayed in context while changing driving modes. In addition, there are two digital screens, a heads-up display, ambient lighting, a top-tier Harman Kardon sound system, leather upholstery, JCW trim pieces, dual sunroofs, LED headlights, front and side airbags, ESP, ABS, and cornering assist.
Some people may find the ride quality to be overly stiff, which partially detracts from the overall driving experience. The suspension is unquestionably tuned for a fast drive and is not intended for daily use on shoddy city roads. It is stiffly sprung. Undoubtedly, the Countryman’s suspension system has more than Even though a Mini with two fewer doors has a more accommodating ride, you will still likely feel and hear most road irregularities.
Don’t misunderstand me. With premium leather throughout and a separate rear sunroof, the atmosphere is excellent, and there’s plenty of room for passengers to sit comfortably in the back. The seat cushioning is just too stiff, which isn’t very remarkable. You wouldn’t want to spend a lot of time in the second row despite its ample size due of the uncomfortable stiff backrest. Overall, if you are thinking about moving four with the Countryman, adults all of the time, you might want to think again. The Countryman lags behind its competitors as a family crossover to drive daily, but if you’re looking for a premium interior with a bit of modern flair, it’s not as comfy as a BMW X1 or a Volvo XC40.
The new Countryman is a Mini in every way, even with its restrained, family-focused attitude. Its size, interior design, drivetrain, and on-road cost are all distinctive and cause curiosity. Speaking of which, one could have a mid-spec BMW X1 or a fully equipped Volvo XC40 for the same money. While both of these options better meet the comfort requirement, none would stand out as this Mini does, and the Countryman is unquestionably the one for you if you’re willing to pay more than usual for a little exclusivity and a ton of character.
