MINI Countryman

Although we all know MINI for its charismatic and urban style, the range of the English manufacturer is currently dominated by the MINI Countryman, the best-selling model of the house. It is the first SUV of the firm, and the first to move away from the small and urban concept. Its characteristics are special, but its style is not, which remains faithful to the image of the brand.

We have tested this car:

Test MINI Countryman Cooper D 150 CV (With video)

Hand in hand with the BMW Group, MINI made the drastic decision to attack the European C-SUV segment with a product that broke all the company's rules. The first Countryman came onto the market in 2010.. For years it remains almost intact, receiving minimal updates, until the summer of 2023 when the second generation is presented. It appears very changed, mainly aesthetically, adding new features in technology and mechanical offering.

Technical characteristics of the MINI Countryman

Although the company still has its roots in the UK, since 2000 it has operated under the control of BMW. Thanks to this, the SUV offers the best of both worlds; the English concept and German technology. Under the body of the Countryman the UKL platform of the German conglomerate is installed, revised and updated for the second generation. This is the same structure used by other units such as the BMW X1, BMW Serie 2 or BMW Serie 1.

There is no doubt that when we talk about the Countryman we are talking about the largest model in the ranks of MINI. Its dimensions place it perfectly in the C-SUV segment. Externally it reaches 4,43 meters long, 1,84 meters wide and 1,66 meters high.. To these levels we must add a wheelbase of 2,69 meters, which translates into adequate interior space for a maximum of five passengers without the possibility of incorporating a third row of seats.

Three of them are installed on a rear bench of fair width that limits access to three adult passengers, being the most advisable to choose to occupy only the side seats. Regarding load capacity, the MINI Countryman advertises a minimum boot volume of 450 liters (460 liters in the case of electric units and 505 for the most powerful version). The maximum volume is 1.450 liters, resulting from folding the second row of seats completely.

Mechanical range and gearboxes of the MINI Countryman

Mini Countryman SE ALL4 3

The Countryman's updated UKL platform allows it to have a wide mechanical offering. In the second generation models, the diesel versions disappear. The range is made up of two gasoline options, and two 100% electric units. Later, given the recent commercial launch, one or more plug-in hybrid units with the DGT ZERO label will be introduced.

In terms of performance, the range starts with the Cooper versions. They are equipped with a 1.500 cc turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine that develops 170 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque. It is always associated with a seven-speed automatic gearbox. Above is the Countryman JCW (John Cooper Works) with two-liter turbo gasoline engine that delivers 300 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. As standard it is accompanied by the house's typical All4 all-wheel drive.

In the most sustainable versions we find the 100% electric models. The EV offer starts with the Countryman E with a single engine of 204 horsepower that is fed by a lithium-ion battery with 64,7 kWh net capacity. Approved 462 kilometers of autonomy. The most powerful of all is the Countryman SE dual motor with 313 horsepower and 494 Nm of torque. With the same battery as the previous model, it manages to achieve a approved autonomy of 433 kilometers under the WLTP approval protocol.

Equipment of the MINI Countryman

Inside the doors, the MINI Countryman offers a high quality finish. Given its premium approach, the English SUV shows materials with a pleasant touch and a high sense of perceived quality. Personalization is one of the keys to the model and the company, offering customers a large catalog of options, both technologically and aesthetically.

La range of equipment revolves around the different versions: Essential, Classic, Favored and John Cooper Works. The differences are not only at a mechanical and equipment level, there are also clear differences in terms of design and finishes. You can go from a more sober and basic look to a more casual and daring one with the sportier packages.

As for equipment, The Countryman shows off current technologies with the most avant-garde presentation of the house. The list of details is very long, but it includes elements such as: Full LED headlights, ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, parking cameras, multimedia system with touch screen, wireless connectivity for mobile devices, sunroof, electric gate and a spacious catalog of driving assistants with level 2 autonomy.

The MINI Countryman on video

The MINI Countryman of Km 0 and second hand

Throughout its more than two decades of life and two generations, the most atypical MINI has proven its good work in the markets. It is currently the most popular model of the family. Their desirability is high and given the high price of new units, many buyers opt for alternative sales channels. In them we can see thatThe depreciation is close to 29,5%, a standard figure within the category of premium C-SUVs.

If we take a look at the used and second-hand market we see a very large offer in which prices start at figures close to 6.500 euros for first generation models (2010-2017) with diesel mechanics and more than 200.000 kilometers. The Km 0 offer is more limited, and in it the lowest prices rise to a minimum of 35.000 euros for models with gasoline mechanics and One finish corresponding to the existing generation until the end of 2023.

Rivals of the MINI Countryman

the countryman it can be framed in the segment of premium compact all-roaders. For this reason, it has rivals such as the Listen Q3,BMW X1, Jaguar E Pace, Mercedes-Benz Class GLA o Volvo XC40. Before them the English SUV presents a timeless design, a tuning of its sportier chassis and greater exclusivity, thanks in part to the plug-in hybrid mechanics. On the contrary, it cannot compete for interior habitability, quality of some materials, or standard equipment.

Highlight

Customization options
internal quality
dynamic behavior

To improve

expensive options
Standard equipment
Price

MINI Countryman prices

When paying, one realizes that MINI is not a particularly cheap brand. With that premium and exclusive approach, the English models have a high cost. In the case of MINI Countryman prices start at 39.400 euros, without offers or promotions. Price associated with a model with Essential finish and 170 horsepower. The most expensive of the family, at the moment, is the Countryman John Cooper Works sports car with a gasoline engine and 300 horsepower with all-wheel drive. Its price starts at 59.400 euros, without offers or promotions.