MINI Countryman goes Maxi | REVIEW
Major changes for Mini in 2024.
Readers of a certain age will remember the Austin Maxi. Granted, it was largely forgettable, but it really should be thought of as something of a trendsetter. Why? Because it was the first, British built, mass produced hatchback.
Production began in 1969 and featured mind-boggling features (at the time) such as front-wheel drive and five gears. The gear selection was a bit of a problem because the early models used a cable linkage which, after a couple of months, began to stretch. Consequently, gear selection became something of a lottery. The Maxi also used hydroelastic suspension which gave a seriously smooth ride, but it suffered from the same problems as the 1100 and 1300 models in that it produced a floating sensation. It could induce a bout of seasickness. Wonderful.
Anyway, the Maxi was launched because the manufacturer, British Leyland, recognised that buyers were looking for a larger version of their popular 1100 and 1300 models and of course the original Mini.
This is what happened with the car you see here - the 21st-century MINI Countryman. The MINI hatchback was selling like hotcakes so MINI (or their BMW owners) decided to launch various other models, including the much larger Countryman.
During the course of 2024, the entire MINI range will be updated. There will be new models in the shape of the new MINI Cooper, a brand new model in the all-electric MINI Aceman and, first up, the MINI Countryman.
MINI is one of those rare manufacturers which has unique DNA coursing through its veins. New generations of various models come and go but they’re still recognisable as MINIs. Once you get in, you instantly spot MINI trademarks like the toggle switches and large central speedo and infotainment screen. Then you set off and quickly discover that, yep, no matter which model you go for, it’s still wonderful to drive and has typical ‘go-kart’ handling.
So, how about the new MINI Countryman which, incidentally, is the first MINI to be built in Germany.
The first thing you notice is that the Countryman is big. This is a proper SUV with room for five adults. There are styling tweaks all over the place but, especially in profile and up front, it still is instantly recognisable as a MINI Countryman. The rear has been smoothed off and, in my opinion, has lost a bit of character.
You can choose from 3 petrol engine options or two fully electric versions of the 3rd generation Clubman. The 1.5-litre model I tested has recently gone on sale starting at £29,335.
Under the bonnet, you’ll find a 1.5 litre 168bhp 3-cylinder engine which gives you a 0-60mph time of 8.3 seconds. Top speed is 130mph. Power goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed auto ‘box. In terms of fuel economy, MINI reckon you’ll get close to 48mpg, which is pretty good going bearing in mind that this is quite a large car. A pair of 2.0 litre Countryman (should that be Countrymen?) all-wheel drive models are also available; the Countryman S ALL4 with a 215bhp engine and the John Cooper Works version which gets a 296bhp high-performance unit.
If you want to go all-electric you can choose from a 201bhp MINI Countryman E which comes with front-wheel drive, or a 309bhp twin-engine, 4x4 SE ALL4 version which tops the range at £47,180.
In terms of trim, MINI keeps things simple with 3 options - Classic, Exclusive and Sport - available across the entire Countryman range.
In typical MINI fashion, the interior is dominated by the large, (think medium size pizza), 24cm circular infotainment system which controls just about everything. It looks good but, as with a lot of these systems, there can be a lot of finger prodding to get something simple like the right cabin temperature. It also acts as the speedo, but I’d recommend the optional head-up display so that you don’t need to take your eyes off the road. Overall, you’d have to say that the interior of the MINI is a thoroughly nice place to be. It oozes quality with loads of neat design touches.
Every MINI is good to drive and the Countryman is no exception. Even though the one I tested was the entry-level model, it still feels sufficiently lively. Even though the more powerful S ALL4 can hit 60mph in 7.1 seconds, it hardly seems worth shelling out the extra £5400. The 1.5-litre 3-cylinder engine even sounds good.
The ride can be a little firm at town speeds, but once you get a move on, the Countryman handles and rides really well, so keen drivers will love it.
Looking at the different trims, the Classic trim gets you goodies like sat nav, DAB radio, LED front and rear lighting, Core, Green and Go-kart driver modes, air con, loads of safety aids, parking sensors, rear-view camera, powered hatch, Apple Car Play & Android Auto integration, and powered mirrors.
If you like the look of the Countryman with skid plates and side sills (I do), then it might be worth going for the Sport trim (£2,700) which also chucks in Sports front seats and 19-inch alloys.
However, beware. It’s very tempting to head into the option packs. This can change what looks like a decently priced, quality car into something which can become downright expensive, so do your homework beforehand.
The latest MINI Countryman is leading a MINI revolution. The core models are continuing but new variants like the Aceman will be landing in a MINI dealership near you over the next 12-24 months.
Thankfully, as I mentioned near the start of the article, the DNA of the MINI brand is in safe hands if the 3rd generation Countryman is anything to go by. Yes, it’s big enough to make you wonder whether calling it a MINI really fits anymore. It’s good to drive, has a premium look and feel, comes with the essentials as standard and should hold onto its value pretty well.
I think MINI is on to a winner here.
words: Graham Courtney
pictures: MINI
