MINI COUNTRYMAN HATCHBACK 2.0 S Sport ALL4 [Level 3] 5dr Auto

The MINI Countryman re-invents itself in third generation form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The third generation MINI Countryman serves up an even trendier confection for youthfully-minded customers in the lower-mid-sized SUV segment. There's a divisive look, a completely redesigned and more practical cabin and full-electric drivetrains for those wanting them. It's all about as far from the original wood-panelled middle-class '60s Countryman estate as you could imagine.

Background

Here's a different kind of MINI Countryman. The third generation version of the brand's lower-mid-sized SUV has grown in size. First to leave space beneath it in the range for the company's new Aceman small SUV. And second so it can share all its underpinnings and powertrains with BMW's X1 and iX1 models. This MK3 Countryman is built in a BMW factory too, the Leipzig plant that makes the 1 Series; it's the first time that BMW's and MINIs have run along the same production line. Petrol power continues, but as our previous 'BMW iX1' reference suggests, the big news this time round is that instead of the electrified Countryman offering being a Plug-in Hybrid, it's a full-EV. As with the second generation MINI Cooper Electric, there are two battery variants, though here, they use a completely different battery and platform. What this Countryman does now share with that smaller MINI model is its completely redesigned cabin with its new screen and media technology. It's a rejuvenated proposition.

Driving Experience

MINI wants to be a full-EV brand - but not quite yet. Which is why, though new full-electric variants headline this third generation Countryman line-up, a huge proportion of sales will still be of the combustion models. With diesel consigned to history, these are all of the petrol-powered sort and must all use auto transmission. The big numbers are likely to be accounted for by the entry-level front-driven Countryman C with its 1.5-litre 168hp three cylinder turbo unit, good for 62mph in 8.3s en route to 132mph. The other two combustion Countrymans have four-cylinder 2.0-litre units allied to MINI's All4 four wheel drive system. The Countryman S offers 215hp (0-62mph in 7.1s and 142mph); and the Countryman JCW All4 has 296hp (0-62mph in 5.4s and 155mph). What about the full-EV variants? Well there are two, both using a 64.7kWh battery. Things kick off with the single motor Countryman Electric E, which offers 201hp, 62mph in 8.6s and a range of 287 miles. The alternative is the Countryman Electric SE, which adds an extra electric motor on the rear axle, creating a nominal four-wheel drive system. This boosts total output to 308hp with 494Nm of torque and the 62mph sprint time drops to just 5.6s. But range drops too - to 269 miles. Different chassis settings are available depending on the model you choose, including an adaptive suspension option that lowers ride height by 15mm. You can select between seven 'MINI Experience' modes - 'Core', 'Green', 'Go-kart', 'Personal', 'Vibrant', Timeless' and 'Balance' - each with a corresponding soundtrack.

Design and Build

Back in 2010, the original Countryman was bigger than any MINI model we'd previously imagined. Well now, at way past 4.4-metres in length, it's a lot bigger still, 13cm longer and 6cm taller than the second generation design introduced in 2016. Some will find the swollen stance visually challenging and there are some curious touches, like the heavily stylised C-pillar with its contrast-coloured panel. Black plastic wheel arch surrounds and roof rails supply the crossover vibe, big wheels (17 to 20-inches) suit the current trend and there's much the same octagonal grille and range of lighting signatures as you'd get from the latest MINI Hatch, though here, the LED headlights are of a lozenge shape. The minimalist interior is a big departure from what went before and in design is carried over almost completely from the cabin created for that new-era MINI Hatch - though the extended dimensions here allow for an enlarged centre console. There's no instrument binnacle. Instead, dominating everything is the brand's latest 9.4-inch LED 'MINI Interaction Unit' round central screen, which you'll have to get used to looking at for speed unless you specify the optional Head-up display. You can flick between different settings for this very thin 240mm-diameter display, with sporty or retro typefaces, and it incorporates a new ambient lighting system which sees projectors flash a light show across the new textile dashboard at night. Virtually all the previous buttons and switches have been removed from the fascia and centre console (including unfortunately, the old rotary infotainment controller). A small panel with a few short-cut buttons is all that remains, along with the drive selector and a start/stop switch designed like an ignition key attached to the dash. In the back, the new platform has freed up an extra 130mm of leg room and the backrests can now individually adjust through six positions by up to 12-degrees. As before, the seat base slides - by up to 13cms. Boot space is improved to 460-litres - or 1,450-litres with the backrest folded. And there's space beneath the boot floor - enough to store the set of charging leads needed by the EV versions.

Market and Model

Prices start from just under £29,500 for the 1.5-litre Countryman C. You'll need from around £35,000 for the 2.0-litre Countryman S All4; or nearly £42,000 for the 2.0-litre Countryman JCW ALL4 performance model we tried. If you want to go all-electric, the Countryman Electric E starts from around £42,000, while the Countryman Electric SE All4 model starts from around £47,000. There are three available trim levels - 'Classic', 'Exclusive' and 'Sport' - and all are well equipped. The 'Classic' trim presents the brand's logo in a new colour ('Vibrant Silver'), and there's a range of three external paint finishes ('Melting Silver', 'Midnight Black' and 'Nanuq White'), plus two roof colour options and three wheel options. The 'Exclusive' trim adds additional exterior design elements, such as the option for a Multitone Roof with a combination of six different colours, as well as offering the front grille in 'Vibrant Silver' to match the MINI logo. Finally, the 'Sport' trim offers a distinctive front and rear design including a redesign for the front bumper, rear bumper, side skirt and spoiler, while using high-gloss black as the frame for the front grille and logo colour. You can combine that with a contrasting Chili Red roof and optional red/black bonnet stripes. MINI boasts that this is its most connected SUV ever, courtesy of a revised 'My MINI' app; and a "Hey MINI" personal assistant voice control system, via which owners can choose digital depiction of a British bulldog named Spike as their screen avatar of choice.

Cost of Ownership

Like every other brand, MINI's parent company BMW has long ago stopped development of combustion engines, but it has at least added a light sprinkling of electrification to the 1.5 and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol units carried over from the previous generation model - in the form of a 48V mild hybrid system. This set-up works as mild hybrid systems these days usually do. Fitting a powerful 48-volt starter-generator and a tiny second battery enables a significant increase in the amount of brake energy that can be regenerated and stored. This energy is used not just to supply the electrical system but also to lighten the combustion engine's workload and boost its power. The starter generator also increases efficiency by assisting the engine when driving at constant speeds. That hasn't made a huge difference to the efficiency figures of the fossil-fuelled Countryman C, S and JCW models. Think about 48mpg on the combined cycle for the base three cylinder 1.5-litre Countryman C, which is WLTP-rated at between 138-155g/km of CO2. Think about 44mpg for the 2.0-litre Countryman S All4 (and 155-169g/km); and about 40mpg for the Countryman JCW All4 (177-188g/km). As for the Countryman Electric models, well we gave you the range figures for these in our 'Driving' section - 287 miles for the E and 269 miles for the SE. The 64.7kWh battery that both variants use can be rapid-charged rates of up to 130kW and so connected, can be replenished from 10 to 80% in half an hour. The 'My MINI' app provides a convenient overview of the vehicle status and charging process, including current battery status, charging-optimised route plan and charging history.

Summary

It's tempting to say that this is a different kind of MINI Countryman. The evolved look, the redesigned cabin and the switch from PHEV to full-electric drive are all things that suggest that. Ultimately though, the thing that really makes this third generation design different is its subtle shift up-market in size and price. If though, you can still stretch to a Countryman, then there's lots to like here, providing you appreciate the slightly divisive styling. In terms of rear seat room and boot space, this now a proper competitor for a Qashqai-class lower-mid-sized SUV, with a little sprinkling of premium appeal that might also tempt in folk who would otherwise have opted for a poshly-badged model in this class. The redesigned interior is a big improvement, the efficiency stats look competitive and this model's fun-to-drive USP has been retained. If all that sounds tempting, then a new MINI Adventure awaits.

Body Glass

Darkened rear glass

Sun protection glazing

Front and rear electric windows

Rain sensor with auto headlights

Heated rear window

Rear window wiper

Brakes

Anti-lock brake system

Electronic handbrake

Traction control

JCW Sport Brakes

Hill hold assist

Hill descent control

DSC - Dynamic Stability Control

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

Hill start assist

Brake calipers in Black with JCW badge

Carpets/Rugs

Floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Adaptive suspension

Communication

E-call

Compatible mobile phone bluetooth with audio streaming

Bluetooth connection

Driver Aids

Electro-mechanical speed dependant steering assistance

Parking assistant Plus - Surround and remote 3D view, Cameras at front and rear and in the exterior mirrors, Driver recorder function

MINI Experience Modes

Front/rear Parking distance control

Driver Information

Circular OLED Screen

MINI Head up display

MINI Navigation AR

MINI TeleServices

Digital dashboard display

Driving Mirrors

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Interior rear-view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function

Embellishment Trims

JCW Black/Red dashboard knit

Engine

Larger capacity fuel tank

Double clutch sports transmission

Entertainment

Harman Kardon surround sound system

Personal eSim

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Front and rear apron

High gloss hexagonal patterned grill surround

Auto tailgate

Opening panoramic roof with slide and tilt functionality, Retractable sun shade with fully opaque fabric

Roof rails

Rear roof spoiler with airblades

Exterior Lights

LED third brake light

LED headlights with extended contents including Adaptable light signatures

LED rear lights

LED daytime running lights

High beam assistant

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Auto air conditioning

Interior Features

Lidded storage box in Black/Red knit

Vescin/Cloth upholstery

Anthracite headliner

Heated steering wheel

Front armrest

Height and length steering column adjustment

Wireless charging tray

Luggage compartment separating net

Perforated Vescin steering wheel

Packs

Driving assistant professional pack - Mini Countryman

Interior and exterior mirror package - Mini Countryman

Safety

3x3 point rear seat belts

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Manual rear child locks

Front ISOFIX (iSize)

Warning triangle

6 Airbags - front, side, head and seat belt tensioners

Seats

JCW Front sports seats

3 Seat sliding rear bench in 2nd row

Active seat for driver with lumbar support and electrically adjust for height + reach, Backrest tilt, Position, Cushion surface tilt, memory function

Electric front passenger seat adjustment includes heigh, Backrest tilt, Position, Cushion surface tilt with lumbar support

Driver and front passenger seat heating

Front headrests

Rear headrests

60/40 split rear bench seat

Driver seat massage function

Single front passenger seat

Seat adjustment for rear seats

Security

Auto drive away locking

Deadlocking function

Start/stop toggle with keyless go

Alarm system with tilt sensor, monitoring doors, bonnet interior and tailgate

Electronic vehicle immobiliser

Comfort access system

Remote control locking

Locking wheel bolts

Interior camera

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

MINI Mobility Kit

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 198

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 145

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 130

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 160

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 153

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 192

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 210

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 141

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 154

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 125

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 141

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 151

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 170

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 163

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 146

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 82

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 94.6

CC: 1998

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 11.1:0

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Engine Code: B48A20M2

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Low: 32.1

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - High: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 39.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 30.4

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 51.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 42.2

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 39.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 8.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 9.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 5.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.2

General

Coin Series: Cooper S Sport

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 26E

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 81

NCAP Safety Assist %: 79

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 218

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: 0

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.1

Top Speed: 142

Engine Power - BHP: 218

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 160

Engine Power - RPM: 5000

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 245/45 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 245/45 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: JCW RUNWAY SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4444

Width: 1843

Wheelbase: 2692

Width (including mirrors): 2069

Height: 1661

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1640

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2195

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 54

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 555

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 450

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1450

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Body colour roof

Black bonnet stripes

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - British racing green

Metallic - Slate blue

Metallic - Midnight black ll

Metallic - Melting silver lll

Metallic - Nanuq White

Metallic - Blazing blue

Metallic - Smokey green

Metallic - Legend grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Chili red

Towing

Towbar

Trim - Part Leather

Vescin/Cloth - JCW Black/Red

Wheels - Alloy

20" JCW Flag Spoke 2 Tone alloy wheels