Can new Mini Countryman take on the best family SUVs?
The Countryman SUV is a stylish, characterful machine that has traditionally proven a strong seller for Mini. However, we have always found it somewhat lacking in comparison with its numerous family-focused rivals that win out for style, space and value.
Now the second-generation Countryman has arrived, with more interior room and better kit levels than its predecessor. How does it measure up?
The high-riding Countryman is 20cm longer and a tiny bit wider than before, resulting in more rear space and luggage room. That extra practicality is enhanced by the continued use of a two-part, sliding back bench seat, plus an optional new electric rear tailgate and even a ‘picnic bench’ that folds out of the boot floor.
Three petrol engines, two diesels and a plug-in hybrid are available; we drove the powerful Cooper S, which as standard matches its 189bhp 2.0-litre petrol turbo with a six-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive. However, our test car was equipped with the optional eight-ratio automatic (£1675) and All4 four-wheel drive (£1615).
There’s plenty of low-down pull, although the Countryman’s much heavier weight over that of its three and five-door hatchback stablemates means performance here is brisk rather than outright fast. The smooth, quick-shifting auto has nicely timed and well chosen ratios, and we rarely needed to touch the paddleshifters, instead letting the box do its own thing.
The well honed drive helps disguise the Mini’s relative bulk. Its steering feels a little heavy, especially while low-speed manoeuvring, but it’s quick, resulting in a darty-feeling front end that can feel hyperactive at motorway speeds.
Even on fast, smooth B-roads the firm ride makes the body bob up and down, while city potholes and sharp bumps are especially noticeable with the 18-inch wheels fitted to our sporty test car.
Inside, there are few signs of the Countryman’s SUV pretensions from the driver’s seat, as the front of the cabin feels very similar to that of the hatch. The taller body means there’s plenty of headroom, though, while that extra width provides the driver and passenger with more elbow space than before.
A pronounced rake to the rear seatback helps give back passengers plenty of headroom as well, and there’s slightly more space for three adults than previously, although kneeroom is still limited.
The increased boot area compares well with that of the Nissan Qashqai, if not the Kia Sportage and Seat Ateca, and provides space for a pushchair and the weekly shop even with the seat pushed right back.
While £26,350 is not exactly cheap, the Countryman comes better equipped than before, with Bluetooth, sat-nav and cruise control on all variants. The attractive cabin has a more premium feel and most materials have been improved, although you can still find hard plastics without too much searching.
While the new Countryman addresses a fair few criticisms of its predecessor, we wouldn’t recommend it over some of its more spacious and comfortable competitors – at least, not in expensive to buy and run Cooper S form. Even the entry-level Cooper costs more than £22,000; the 1.5-litre petrol or 2.0 diesel make a lot more sense.
2017 Mini Cooper S All4 Countryman
Engine size 2.0-litre diesel
Price from £26,350
Power 189bhp
Torque 207lb ft
0-62mph 7.2sec
Top speed 138mph
Fuel economy (official combined) 44.1mpg
CO2/BIK band 146g/km/26%
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ArticleCan new Mini Countryman take on the best family SUVs?HaymarketMiniMini Countryman Cooper S All4 driven
It’s bigger and better equipped than before.