Mini Countryman Review: A Stylish Crossover SUV

There are so many different categories and subcategories of crossover SUVs that it’s nearly become impossible to tell one from the other these days. Car companies are not making things easier for us by introducing new models almost every year and sometimes creating entirely new subcategories for one model. However, not so long ago, there was a British automaker that didn’t produce any crossover, even if it meant making more money. As you might’ve guessed, the automaker I’m talking about here is Mini. While it has been made famous by a certain British comedy series, Mini earned its sterling reputation over years of motorsport championships and with the sale of the fantastic Mini Cooper.

However, times have changed, and when BMW took hold of Mini in 2000, one of their first ambitions was to jump onto the crossover bandwagon. Fast forward a decade to 2010, the Mini Countryman was unveiled. The Countryman became Mini’s first-ever venture into the world of crossover SUVs, marking the marque’s first subcompact premium crossover SUV. In the UAE, the all-new second-generation Mini Countryman rivals the Audi Q2, BMW X2, and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

Exterior of the Mini Countryman

Unlike its discontinued Paceman sibling that never looked like a crossover SUV, the larger Mini Countryman at least has the visual impact of a crossover. The second-gen measures 4.299 meters in length, 1.822 meters in width, and 1.557 meters in overall height, boasting a wheelbase of 2.670 meters and a minimum boot capacity of 450 liters. As for its exterior styling, the Countryman resembles a regular Mini hatchback from certain angles, intentionally designed to ensure you don’t mistake it for anything else.

The front end is dominated by:

• Trademark Mini circular headlamps with distinctive LED surrounds
• Heavily contoured hood
• Hexagonal grille
• Sporty bumper with large fog lamps and a central air dam

The Countryman’s very distinctive “helmet roof” draws attention, along with:

• Posh roof rails
• Contrasting two-tone paint
• Enlarged wheel arches
• Bold-looking 18-inch alloys
• Slim door handles
• Black body cladding
• Short overhangs

The back features large vertically placed LED tail lights, bold “Countryman” lettering, a chrome strip around the window line, twin exhausts, and a chiseled bumper.

Interior of the Mini Countryman

The interior design of modern-day Mini cars has been eye-catching and trendy, and the Countryman is no exception. Up front, you’ll find:

• Chunky & sporty steering wheel
• Motorcycle-inspired instrument binnacle
• Large circular housing for the infotainment unit
• Funky door handles
• Airplane-styled toggle switches

Owing to its size, the Countryman offers ample room compared to the larger Clubman, and the seats are expected to be comfortable and supportive. The quality of build, materials, and fit-and-finish is all well-maintained.

The feature-packed Countryman offers:

• Keyless entry with toggle-switch engine start
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Hands-free tailgate
• Head-up display
• Leather seats
• Ambient LED lighting
• Cruise control
• Wireless charging
• 8.8-inch touch-infotainment display with navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth
• Electronic handbrake
• Parking assist

The Countryman’s safety catalogue includes:

• Seven airbags
• Traction & stability control
• Run-flat tires
• Collision detection

Engine and Performance

The John Cooper Works version of the Mini Countryman uses a 1.6-liter turbo-four motor that produces 218hp and 300Nm of torque. Mated to a 6-speed torque converter automatic and an AWD system, it can accelerate to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 228 km/h.

Verdict

The Mini Countryman range is priced between AED 147,000 to AED 204,645 for the base and top-spec variants, respectively. While such a price for what is essentially a crossover might seem steep, it offers features and performance that few contenders in its segment can match. The JCW variant of the Countryman provides impressive power, all at your disposal from low revs, along with a comfortable back seat experience and a spacious boot, enhancing the versatility of the vehicle.