Name: Mini Countryman Review
Item: Mini Countryman
Author: Gumtree.com

The MINI Countryman offers a fresh twist on the classic compact car, and anyone with an affinity for this iconic British brand will be excited to take it for a spin. Its larger SUV size makes it ideal for ferrying the family around town, but it still boasts the eye-catching aesthetic and nimble handling that is associated with MINIs. And while you’ll end up spending a little extra just to be part of its prestigious design heritage, this could be balanced out by its great fuel economy, particularly with the newer plug-in hybrids.

Visit our model page to take a look at available MINI Countryman specs.

What we think about the MINI Countryman

Pros

Distinctive branding and looks

Elegant, spacious interior

Generous cargo space

Impressive speed and power on the higher trims

PHEV offers excellent fuel economy

Cons

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Quite expensive

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Design could be divisive

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Other MINIs are more fun

The cheapest trim of the MINI Countryman has a 1.5-litre petrol engine that can provide around 44 mpg, according to official efficiency figures. It’s a four-door, five-seater SUV. There’s also the Cooper D (diesel), the Cooper S (sports), the top-end Cooper JCW, and the S E PHEV (plug-in hybrid).

Driving performance of the Mini Countryman

Our Driving Rating8 / 10

As you would expect from a vehicle with the prestige of a MINI, the Countryman is a real joy to drive, with excellent grip and noticeably sharp, nimble steering. However, the experience has been balanced slightly more towards comfort than excitement, and its larger size means that it doesn’t quite have the satisfying agility of MINI’s more well-known models. Bumpier roads can sometimes be a problem, but the Countryman also comes with Dynamic Damper Control, which can adjust the suspension according to the type of terrain.

Safety and reliability of the Mini Countryman

Our Safety Rating7 / 10

Crash tests on the Countryman were last carried out by Euro NCAP in 2017, and the car received the full five-star rating. It scored an impressive 90% for how well it protected adult occupants, and 80% for the protection of children on board. As for protection of pedestrians, this was given a 64% score. The safety tech was judged to be quite basic, receiving a 51% score. This includes a collision warning and autonomous braking as standard. You can upgrade to get more advanced camera-assisted driving and adaptive cruise control.

Under the bonnet of the Mini Countryman

Our Engine Rating8 / 10

The basic 1.5-litre petrol engine on the MINI Countryman provides a solid 134bhp, and you can upgrade to the Cooper S to get a 2.0-litre four-cylinder version, which kicks out up to 176 bhp. The best performance available comes from the Cooper JCW, which can provide a fierce 302 bhp, and will propel you to 62 mph from standing in as little as 5.1 seconds, before maxing out at 155 mph. The plug-in hybrid also performs remarkably well, providing 217 bhp with rear-mounted electric motors creating all-wheel drive, and doing 0-62 in just 6.8 seconds.

What you'll find in the Mini Countryman

Our Design Rating7 / 10

One of the most iconic brands in the automobile industry, MINI always creates cars with a distinctive look and presence, but the Countryman’s larger SUV size means that it’s a little less eye-catching than other models. Its aesthetic is likely to be more divisive than usual, but it still has the classic rectangular MINI shape and bulbous front end, along with a new large grille and elegant front and rear bumpers. It also features adaptive LED headlights with auto-dimming as standard.

Comfort and interiors in the Mini Countryman

Our Comfort Rating9 / 10

Inside the cabin is where the Countryman really comes into its own, as it combines the upmarket feel and quirky design of most MINI interiors with a roomier space. The dashboard’s huge circular instrument panel and chrome switches exude class and style, all the components are well-crafted, and the soft touch materials are of a very high standard. You’ll get around 450 litres of boot space, which is more generous than most smaller SUVs, and there’s enough headroom and legroom for five adults to sit without too much discomfort.

What features you'll find in the Mini Countryman

Our Features Rating8 / 10

As is the case with most MINI models, there are all kinds of design tweaks you can apply to the Countryman. For a little extra cash, you can have contrasting roof and mirror colours, as well as bonnet stripes and other themed flourishes. You can also choose from a number of ambient lighting packs for inside the cabin. The standard tech features include Bluetooth, a DAB digital radio, and a 8.8-inch colour touchscreen display for the infotainment system, which also offers satnav and Apple CarPlay functionality. Alexa connectivity and a digital cockpit are available as extras.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Mini Countryman

Our Fuel Consumption Rating8 / 10

If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint or looking to keep fuel costs down, the MINI Countryman is a car worth taking a look at. The entry-level petrol unit has an advertised efficiency of 44 mpg, although you’re unlikely to achieve this very often in reality. The diesel engine is even better, providing up to 54 mpg, and around 129 g/km of CO2 emissions. Best of all is the plug-in hybrid, which will cut emissions down to just 43 g/km. If you have regular access to a charging point, you could get up to 166.2 mpg.

Running costs of the Mini Countryman

Our Cost Rating7 / 10

Impressive fuel economy will go a long way to keeping your running costs down for the Countryman, particularly if you choose the diesel. And the hybrid-electric engine will save you a bit on road tax, as it qualifies you for a eco-friendly discount. You shouldn’t be shelling out too much for your insurance premiums either, although some of the higher trims on newer models will bump the car into a more expensive insurance group. The manufacturer’s warranty offered by MINI is the industry-standard three years.

Our verdict of the Mini Countryman

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

Not quite as fashionable as some smaller MINIs, the Countryman is nevertheless a fast, capable SUV, and it's well worth the extra cost that comes with such an iconic brand.

MINI Countryman Review