The Mini Countryman S is a enjoyable little SUV.
And little it might be, however this well packaged small SUV is sensible in ways in which you mightn’t count on.
The enjoyable issue is there, the design is extroverted, and it has loads of the trademark attributes you’d count on of a car from this model.
However is it definitely worth the cash being requested?
How a lot does the Mini Countryman value?
The Mini Countryman lineup consists of some totally different selections, together with petrol and electrical variants. On take a look at right here is the Countryman S All4 in Favoured trim, that means it has a better output and all of the fruit together with all-wheel drive.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Mini Countryman C | |
| 2024 Mini Countryman C Core | $49,990 |
| 2024 Mini Countryman C Basic | $52,990 |
| 2024 Mini Countryman C Favoured | $55,990 |
| Mini Countryman S All4 | |
| 2024 Mini Countryman S Basic All4 | $58,990 |
| 2024 Mini Countryman S Favoured All4 | $61,990 |
| 2024 Mini Countryman S JCW Sport All4 | $63,990 |
| Mini Countryman E | |
| 2024 Mini Countryman E Core | $64,990 |
| 2024 Mini Countryman E Basic | $67,990 |
| 2024 Mini Countryman E Favoured | $70,990 |
| Mini John Cooper Works Countryman All4 | |
| 2024 Mini JCW Countryman Core All4 | $67,990 |
| 2024 Mini JCW Countryman Basic All4 | $70,990 |
| 2024 Mini JCW Countryman Favoured All4 | $73,990 |
| Mini Countryman SE All4 | |
| 2024 Mini Countryman SE Basic All4 | $72,990 |
| 2024 Mini Countryman SE Favoured All4 | $75,990 |
| 2024 Mini Countryman SE JCW Sport All4 | $77,990 |
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability device
What’s the Mini Countryman like on the within?
This new technology Countryman is larger in each course – longer, taller, and wider – and meaning it’s additionally roomier on the within.
It measures about 4.5 metres in size, but it surely’s nonetheless smaller than among the different automobiles on this phase. That would truly be a very good factor, as these bigger fashions could be a bit extra cumbersome to dwell with on a day-to-day foundation; tougher to park, extra work to manoeuvre in tight streets… proper? That’s why you purchase a Mini as an alternative.
And as you’d count on – as a result of it’s at all times been Mini’s job to be a little bit totally different, a little bit disruptive – the inside has some hallmarks of the model, which add cuteness and character inside.
I reckon the inside of this automobile completely delivers on that. It’s daring, recent, and I like it for that cause. This specific mannequin has an incredible inside trim end. There’s precise color in right here, which is refreshing to see – not simply black on black!
A stunning textured end runs throughout the dashboard and extends onto the doorways, with a color shift by means of the center of the door trim as properly. The fantastically stitched fake-leather seat trim ties all of it collectively, and truthfully, whoever specced this automobile in all probability learn my thoughts – to me it appears to be like completely beautiful.
After all, if this daring fashion isn’t to your style, there are extra conservative trim choices accessible throughout the Mini vary. However I actually love this combo. It’s fashionable and considerate, particularly with regards to usability.
There are massive bottle holders within the doorways, a wi-fi cellphone charger, a small storage tray, cupholders, and even a little bit lined bin that’s helpful for retaining issues out of sight. There’s additionally additional storage down beneath. One small quirk, although: the centre console isn’t a storage bin, because it’s simply an armrest.
As for the sprint design, the standout characteristic is the round factor – not the steering wheel, however a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen media system. It’s undoubtedly attention-grabbing. I don’t love each side of it, however credit score to Mini for sticking to its round design theme.
In entrance of the motive force there’s a head-up show, however in any other case it’s pretty minimalist. The format of the controls would possibly take a little bit of getting used to. There’s a fan controller button, local weather management sliders on the edges, and whereas it’s not essentially the most intuitive system on the earth, I discovered that after just a few days of driving, you begin to get the hold of it.
For on a regular basis usability, the automobile comes with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is a large plus. There are a number of menus to discover, built-in sat nav (relying on the spec), and the show itself may be very responsive.
You possibly can slide up for shortcuts or slide down to regulate key settings, however there’s so much to undergo on that display screen, so I’d suggest getting a correct walkthrough on the dealership for those who’re contemplating this automobile. It’ll make a giant distinction.
The gear shifter is situated below the display screen with a park button close by, and as an alternative of a push-button starter there’s a twist starter. It even offers a little bit rev once you begin it up, which provides to the character.
One other quirky and enjoyable characteristic is one thing Mini calls ‘Experiences’. You possibly can change the theme of the display screen – for instance, switching it to ‘Timeless’ brings up a extra typical show.
There are a number of themes to select from: Timeless, Private, Steadiness, Path, Inexperienced, Core, and Go-Kart – every with its personal visible and musical aptitude. It’s playful and precisely the type of element Mini is understood for. It provides that wow issue to the front-seat expertise.
Now, leaping into the again seat – if somebody requested me to explain my dimension, “mini” wouldn’t be the primary phrase I’d use – I’m 182cm (6’0”), and with the seat set to my driving place, I nonetheless had a little bit knee room, good foot room, and loads of headroom. That’s one factor the Countryman has at all times provided because of its boxy design, and this technology continues the development.
Becoming three adults throughout the rear bench can be a bit tight because the cabin isn’t notably large, and there’s noticeable centre transmission tunnel intrusion.
Rear passengers get directional air vents and two USB-C ports to maintain gadgets charged. There are map pockets, bottle holders within the doorways, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders, too.
Enhancing the practicality are again seats that may slide ahead if you wish to increase boot house or passenger room. It’s a break up 60/40, and you can too regulate the recline or incline of the seat backs, and even fold down a ski port if wanted. The outer seats have adjustable recline ranges too. Be conscious of the center seatbelt although: it comes down from the roof behind the seats and isn’t the smartest resolution when in use.
There are ISOFIX little one seat anchors within the window seats, and three top-tether factors too, that means you can also make it work as a small household SUV.
And the boot house is nice, too. The S has an electrical tailgate and there’s truly fairly a little bit of house – Mini quotes a boot capability determine of 505 litres, which expands to 1530 litres with the second row of seats folded.
There are procuring bag hooks, storage sections on the edges of the boot space, and much more space for storing below the boot ground.
One draw back, although: there’s no spare wheel. That could be a deal-breaker for some.
| Dimensions | Mini Countryman S |
|---|---|
| Size | 4444mm |
| Width | 1843mm |
| Peak | 1661mm |
| Wheelbase | 2692mm |
| Cargo capability | 505-1530L |
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
For a little bit of context, listed below are the main points of all of the petrol-powered Mini Countryman variants, when it comes to the engine, efficiency, acceleration and gas use.
| Specs | Mini Countryman C | Mini Countryman S | Mini Countryman JCW |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 3cyl turbo-petrol | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-petrol |
| Energy | 115kW | 150kW | 233kW |
| Torque | 230Nm | 300Nm | 400Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 7-speed dual-clutch auto | 7-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1520kg | 1620kg | 1660kg |
| 0-100km/h (claimed) | 9.0 seconds | 7.4 seconds | 5.4 seconds |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 6.8L/100km | 7.6L/100km | 7.7L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 45 litres | 45 litres | 54 litres |
| Gasoline requirement | 95-octane premium unleaded | 95-octane premium unleaded | 95-octane premium unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | 154g/km | 172g/km | 177g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2000kg | 2000kg | 2000kg |
The Countryman S, then, clearly occupies a powerful middle-ground place when it comes to energy and on-paper effectivity, and the addition of an additional cylinder and AWD would possibly make the step up from a C mannequin a good bit simpler for some.
On take a look at, although, I noticed a notably larger consumption quantity throughout a mixture of city, stop-start, open highway and freeway testing – 10.1L/100km. Not terrific. And it wants premium gas, too!
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability device
How does the Mini Countryman drive?
What you’re on the lookout for within the Mini Countryman will finally decide which model is best for you.
If you need one thing full of life, joyful, and extra reasonably priced, then the bottom mannequin with the smaller engine and fewer energy and torque could be the very best match, particularly for those who dwell within the metropolis and don’t want all-wheel drive.
Nevertheless, for those who’re after one thing with a bit extra zest – and I imply bite-into-an-orange-skin ranges of zest – then the Countryman S might be the one to go for. It affords considerably extra energy and torque, plus all-wheel drive which actually helps get that additional energy to the bottom in slippery situations or on unsealed roads.
It is a very sharp-handling little automobile. It grips fantastically, delivers sturdy efficiency, and even has a good engine be aware – particularly in Go Kart mode.
However as enjoyable as it’s, there are some concerns it’s best to take into account.
The trip consolation is one. I take a look at each automobile I evaluation on a very bumpy avenue close to me, and sure – this can be a Mini, so you’ll be able to count on a firmer trip. It has 19-inch wheels with Continental EcoContact (245/45/R19) rubber, for reference.
And whereas I wouldn’t head to the Simpson Desert on this automobile, it does have 202mm of floor clearance, that means the occasional kerb soar or tenting observe ought to be simply accounted for.
You do really feel extra of the highway floor coming into the cabin, somewhat than being totally remoted from it. Nevertheless, this firmness leads to wonderful physique management and dealing with, that means you do get a extra enthusiastic expertise than in different equally sized and priced small SUVs. Nevertheless it could be too hard-riding for some.
Plus, there’s a important quantity of highway noise intrusion on rougher surfaces. So for those who’re fascinated by this automobile and you have got some coarse-chip roads you’ll commonly be driving on, go hunt them out on the take a look at drive.
The steering is direct and fast, but it surely’s additionally a little bit twitchy on centre, it doesn’t matter what mode you’re in. Admittedly, it is vitally playful and properly responsive once you’re hustling. However you would possibly discover the steering motion a bit disconcerting once you’re attempting to park or simply do the commute.
As for the powertrain, the dual-clutch automated transmission is fairly manageable. There’s hesitation at decrease speeds, particularly in stop-start visitors or once you’re attempting to reverse right into a parking spot, however you get used to it.
One factor which may take longer to regulate to is the brake pedal really feel, which has an airiness on the high of the pedal, so it is advisable press it extra earlier than the brakes actually begin to chew.
General, this small SUV is genuinely pleasant to drive. If you need one thing that’s enjoyable to steer and extra charming than a traditional SUV, it might be the proper alternative. However it’s a must to bend on a few of these different concerns like quietness and luxury.
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability device
What do you get?
Every trim grade within the Countryman vary permits for plentiful customisation, as is the Mini method.
ABOVE: Countryman S All4 Favoured
2025 Mini Countryman Core tools highlights:
Driving Dynamics and Expertise
- AC Charging Skilled, 22kW
- Mode 3 and Mode 2 charging cables
- Electromechanical parking brake with Auto Maintain
Exterior
- 4 x exterior paint choices
- 3 x roof and mirror choices
- 18-inch alloy wheels
Upholstery
- Gray/Blue Material/Vescin
- Black/Blue Material/Vescin
Infotainment
- Mini Linked Providers
- DAB+ digital radio
- Head-up show
- Private e-SIM with 5G
- 9.4-inch OLED central show
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
Consolation and Expertise
- Adjustable, folding rear seats
- Twin-zone local weather management incl. rear vents
- Auto tailgate with kick perform
- Consolation entry with Digital Key
- Baggage compartment internet
- Mini Expertise Modes
- Prolonged ambient lighting
- Steering wheel heating
- 4 x USB-C ports
- 2 x 12V ports
- Auto-dimming, folding exterior mirrors
- LED headlights
- LED daytime operating lights
- Roof rails in Black
- Ground mats in Velour
- Sliding entrance armrest
Core Extras
- Cruise management
- Parking Assistant
- Entrance, rear parking sensors
- Rear digital camera
- 6 speaker, 100W sound system
- Sport seats
- Sport steering wheel
- Basic Trim Design Components, Piano Black
- Basic Trim Inside Styling, Darkish Blue/Black
Countryman Basic provides:
Exterior
- 7 x exterior paint choices
- 3 x roof and mirror choices
Basic Extras
- Adaptive cruise management
- Parking Assistant with Encompass View
- Computerized Pace Restrict Assistant
- Steering and Lane Management Assistant
- Inside digital camera
- Augmented Actuality (AR) navigation
- Seat heating, entrance
- Panoramic glass sunroof
Discover out extra
Discover out extra in regards to the automobile
Countryman Favoured provides:
Exterior
- 9 x exterior paint choices
- 3 x roof and mirror choices (Countryman E)
- 4 x roof and mirror choices (Countryman SE)
- 19-inch alloy wheels (Countryman E)
- Kaleido Spoke, Vibrant Silver/Black
- 20-inch alloy wheels (Countryman SE, $NCO)
- Windmill Spoke, Vibrant Silver/Black
Upholstery
- Beige Vescin
- Darkish Petrol Vescin
- Classic Brown Vescin
Favoured Extras
- Harman/Kardon premium sound system
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- John Cooper Works seats
- Lively Seat Capabilities, driver
- Electrical entrance seats with reminiscence
- Solar safety glazing
- Headliner anthracite
JCW Sport provides:
Exterior
- 2 x Sport stripes choices
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 20-inch alloy wheels ($NCO)
Upholstery
JCW Sport Extras:
- John Cooper Works steering wheel
- John Cooper Works exterior styling
- John Cooper Works inside styling, Black/Crimson
- John Cooper Works sport brakes
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability device
Is the Mini Countryman protected?
The Mini Countryman achieved the utmost five-star ANCAP rating in 2024, with sturdy outcomes throughout the entire scoring classes.
| Class | Mini Countryman |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 83 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Susceptible highway consumer safety | 81 per cent |
| Security help | 83 per cent |
Countryman E normal security options:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Exit warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Clever emergency name
- Rear collision prevention
- Entrance parking sensors
- Reversing digital camera
Countryman E Basic provides:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Parking assistant
- Encompass-view digital camera
- Computerized pace limiter
- Inside digital camera
- Drive recorder
The Countryman has seven airbags fitted – twin entrance, entrance centre, entrance aspect and full-length curtain protection.
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Mini Countryman value to run?
Mini Australia backs its fashions with a 5 yr, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. The model additionally consists of three years of roadside help at no additional value.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Mini Countryman S All4 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 3 years |
| Service intervals | Situation-based servicing |
| Capped worth servicing | 5 years, 80,000km |
| Common annual service value | $450 |
| Whole capped worth service value | $2250 |
Patrons can select to possibility a five-year, 80,000km servicing package deal for $2250 for all present Mini fashions bought new. The car has a sensor within the automobile that may advise the motive force when it’s due for upkeep, as there aren’t any ‘set’ intervals. However you’ll be able to financial institution on it being each 12 months or so.
That $2250 charge is simply primary cowl. Some further charges could also be relevant for consumables like filters, wipers and different components.
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mini Countryman
There’s a lot to love in regards to the Mini Countryman S for the appropriate buyer.
It isn’t going to go well with everybody – that’s a part of the purpose of it!
However for the cash, it makes a good argument as a punchy, enjoyable and sensible small SUV.
CarExpert can prevent 1000’s on a brand new Mini Countryman. Click on right here to get an awesome deal.
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