MINI Countryman review: Does bigger = better?

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This is the new MINI Countryman!

It’s the largest MINI you can buy, and Mat’s about to see if this SUV-like MINI can compete with other crossovers such as the Audi Q2 or BMW X1!

For starters, let’s check out the design. This car is distinctly a MINI from whatever angle you look at it. From the front, the car looks much more modern compared to the previous edition, and with the JCW edition we have here, there are a couple of chequered flag motifs as well as several JCW badges. Along the side alloy wheels go up to 20-inches, and being a MINI there’s lots of customisation available, such as the option to go for two-tone paint. At the back, nothing notably stands out, although this JCW edition does come with an integrated spoiler and quad tailpipes!

On the inside, the revised Countryman interior is seriously nice. The main feature is a new large circular infotainment screen in the centre of the dash, which is super bright and colourful. Unfortunately, though, the system can be a little bit laggy. There are a few physical buttons and toggle switches set underneath the screen, although most functionality is managed through the touchscreen. Fabric materials adorn the doors and dash, while there’s also a small heads-up display available.

There are several different engines available. The range starts with a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol that can deliver 170hp and comes with front-wheel drive. There’s also a 2-litre turbo petrol, which in the S delivers 218hp, and in the JCW puts down 300hp. Both these editions come with all-wheel drive. There are also two electric editions to choose from. The single motor can put down 201hp, while the dual motor edition delivers 302hp.

The Countryman range starts from around £30,000, rising to around £45,000 for the JCW edition. But is it worth it? Stick with Mat to see for yourself!

Chapters
00:00 Lights
00:40 Design
01:43 Price
02:03 Interior
04:34 Back Seats
06:28 Boot
07:54 Annoying Features
09:39 Good Features
12:29 Engines
13:25 Town Driving
15:09 Motorway Driving
16:05 Country Road Driving
16:58 0-60mph
17:25 Verdict