The Mini Countryman S is a enjoyable little SUV.
And little it might be, however this neatly 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 price?
The Mini Countryman lineup consists of some totally different selections, together with petrol and electrical variants. On check 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 | Value 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 software
What’s the Mini Countryman like on the within?
This new era Countryman is larger in each path – longer, taller, and wider – and which means it’s additionally roomier on the within.
It measures about 4.5 metres in size, however it’s nonetheless smaller than a few of the different automobiles on this phase. That might 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 a substitute.
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 adore it for that purpose. This explicit mannequin has a tremendous inside trim end. There’s precise color in right here, which is refreshing to see – not simply black on black!
A beautiful textured end runs throughout the dashboard and extends onto the doorways, with a color shift via 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 completely attractive.
After all, if this daring type isn’t to your style, there are extra conservative trim choices out there throughout the Mini vary. However I actually love this combo. It’s trendy and considerate, particularly in terms of usability.
There are large bottle holders within the doorways, a wi-fi telephone charger, a small storage tray, cupholders, and even a little bit lined bin that’s useful for holding issues out of sight. There’s additionally further storage down under. 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 function is the round factor – not the steering wheel, however a 9.4-inch OLED touchscreen media system. It’s positively 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 driving force there’s a head-up show, however in any other case it’s pretty minimalist. The structure 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 planet, I discovered that after just a few days of driving, you begin to get the cling 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’ll be able to slide up for shortcuts or slide down to regulate key settings, however there’s loads to undergo on that display screen, so I’d suggest getting a correct walkthrough on the dealership when you’re contemplating this automobile. It’ll make an enormous distinction.
The gear shifter is positioned below the display screen with a park button close by, and as a substitute of a push-button starter there’s a twist starter. It even provides a little bit rev if you begin it up, which provides to the character.
One other quirky and enjoyable function is one thing Mini calls ‘Experiences’. You’ll be able to change the theme of the display screen – for instance, switching it to ‘Timeless’ brings up a extra standard show.
There are a number of themes to select from: Timeless, Private, Stability, Path, Inexperienced, Core, and Go-Kart – every with its personal visible and musical aptitude. It’s playful and precisely the form 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 supplied due to its boxy design, and this era continues the pattern.
Becoming three adults throughout the rear bench can be a bit tight for the reason that cabin isn’t notably broad, 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 develop boot area or passenger room. It’s a cut up 60/40, and it’s also possible to alter 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 best answer 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 area is nice, too. The S has an electrical tailgate and there’s truly fairly a little bit of area – 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 cupboard space below the boot ground.
One draw back, although: there’s no spare wheel. That is perhaps 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 software
What’s below the bonnet?
For a little bit of context, listed here are the main points of all of the petrol-powered Mini Countryman variants, by way of the engine, efficiency, acceleration and gasoline 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 sort | 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 financial 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 commonplace | Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2000kg | 2000kg | 2000kg |
The Countryman S, then, clearly occupies a formidable middle-ground place by way of 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 check, although, I noticed a notably larger consumption quantity throughout a mixture of city, stop-start, open street and freeway testing – 10.1L/100km. Not terrific. And it wants premium gasoline, too!
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
How does the Mini Countryman drive?
What you’re in search of within the Mini Countryman will in the end decide which model is best for you.
If you would like one thing full of life, joyful, and extra inexpensive, then the bottom mannequin with the smaller engine and fewer energy and torque is perhaps the perfect match, particularly when you dwell within the metropolis and don’t want all-wheel drive.
Nonetheless, when you’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 provides considerably extra energy and torque, plus all-wheel drive which actually helps get that further energy to the bottom in slippery situations or on unsealed roads.
This can be a very sharp-handling little automobile. It grips fantastically, delivers sturdy efficiency, and even has an honest engine word – particularly in Go Kart mode.
However as enjoyable as it’s, there are some concerns you must have in mind.
The trip consolation is one. I check each automobile I assessment on a very bumpy road close to me, and sure – this can be a Mini, so you may 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 needs to be simply accounted for.
You do really feel extra of the street floor coming into the cabin, fairly than being absolutely remoted from it. Nonetheless, 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. However it is perhaps too hard-riding for some.
Plus, there’s a important quantity of street noise intrusion on rougher surfaces. So when you’re interested by this automobile and you recognize you have got some coarse-chip roads you’ll commonly be driving on, go hunt them out on the check drive.
The steering is direct and fast, however it’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 if you’re hustling. However you would possibly discover the steering motion a bit disconcerting if 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 site visitors or if you’re attempting to reverse right into a parking spot, however you get used to it.
One factor that may take longer to regulate to is the brake pedal really feel, which has an airiness on the prime of the pedal, so it’s essential to press it extra earlier than the brakes actually begin to chew.
Total, this small SUV is genuinely pleasing to drive. If you would like one thing that’s enjoyable to steer and extra charming than a traditional SUV, it might be the proper selection. However you must 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 software
What do you get?
Every trim grade within the Countryman vary permits for plentiful customisation, as is the Mini manner.
ABOVE: Countryman S All4 Favoured
2025 Mini Countryman Core gear highlights:
Driving Dynamics and Know-how
- 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 Fabric/Vescin
- Black/Blue Fabric/Vescin
Infotainment
- Mini Related Companies
- 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 telephone charger
Consolation and Expertise
- Adjustable, folding rear seats
- Twin-zone local weather management incl. rear vents
- Auto tailgate with kick operate
- Consolation entry with Digital Key
- Baggage compartment web
- 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
- Flooring mats in Velour
- Sliding entrance armrest
Core Extras
- Cruise management
- Parking Assistant
- Entrance, rear parking sensors
- Rear digicam
- 6 speaker, 100W sound system
- Sport seats
- Sport steering wheel
- Basic Trim Design Parts, 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
- Automated Velocity Restrict Assistant
- Steering and Lane Management Assistant
- Inside digicam
- Augmented Actuality (AR) navigation
- Seat heating, entrance
- Panoramic glass sunroof
Discover out extra
Discover out extra concerning 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, $NCO)
- Windmill Spoke, Vibrant Silver/Black
Upholstery
- Beige Vescin
- Darkish Petrol Vescin
- Classic Brown Vescin
Favoured Extras
- Harman/Kardon premium sound system
- Panoramic glass sunroof
- John Cooper Works seats
- Energetic Seat Capabilities, driver
- Electrical entrance seats with reminiscence
- Solar safety glazing
- Headliner anthracite
JCW Sport provides:
Exterior
- 2 x Sport stripes choices
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- 20-inch alloy wheels ($NCO)
Upholstery
JCW Sport Extras:
- John Cooper Works steering wheel
- John Cooper Works exterior styling
- John Cooper Works inside styling, Black/Pink
- John Cooper Works sport brakes
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
Is the Mini Countryman secure?
The Mini Countryman achieved the utmost five-star ANCAP rating in 2024, with sturdy outcomes throughout all the scoring classes.
| Class | Mini Countryman |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 83 per cent |
| Baby occupant safety | 86 per cent |
| Weak street person safety | 81 per cent |
| Security help | 83 per cent |
Countryman E commonplace 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 digicam
Countryman E Basic provides:
- Adaptive cruise management
- Parking assistant
- Encompass-view digicam
- Automated velocity limiter
- Inside digicam
- Drive recorder
The Countryman has seven airbags fitted – twin entrance, entrance centre, entrance facet and full-length curtain protection.
To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up towards the competitors, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Mini Countryman price to run?
Mini Australia backs its fashions with a 5 yr, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. The model additionally contains three years of roadside help at no further price.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Mini Countryman S All4 |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 3 years |
| Service intervals | Situation-based servicing |
| Capped value servicing | 5 years, 80,000km |
| Common annual service price | $450 |
| Whole capped value service price | $2250 |
Consumers can select to choice a five-year, 80,000km servicing bundle for $2250 for all present Mini fashions offered new. The car has a sensor within the automobile that may advise the driving force when it’s due for upkeep, as there are not any ‘set’ intervals. However you may financial institution on it being each 12 months or so.
That $2250 price is simply fundamental 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 software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Mini Countryman
There’s a lot to love concerning the Mini Countryman S for the suitable buyer.
It isn’t going to swimsuit everybody – that’s a part of the purpose of it!
However for the cash, it makes an honest argument as a punchy, enjoyable and sensible small SUV.
CarExpert can prevent hundreds on a brand new Mini Countryman. Click on right here to get an incredible deal.
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