2017 Mini Countryman First Drive Review | Mini’s Big-Guy Shows Its More Grown-Up Side
This is the Mini that isn’t. Well, it isn't as mini as it used to be but it’s hardly a barge. The new Mini Countryman has grown-up and grown bigger; it’s 202mm longer compared to its predecessor, and is a substantial 478mm longer than a three-door Mini hatch.
But, as far as small SUVs go, it’s still small. It is jJust 24mm longer than a Mazda CX-3, and 140mm shorter than the BMW X1 it’s based on but 108mm longer than primary rival, the Audi Q2.
But enough boring figures, the whole idea behind the Countryman’s expansion is to make it a better family car. While the Mini hatch models are often ideal for young singles, couples or empty nesters an SUV needs to be more flexible, and that’s what this second-generation Countryman aims to address.
Vehicle Style: Small SUV
Price: $39,900 - $51,500 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre 3cyl turbo petrol, 110kW/330Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo diesel, 141kW/280Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo petrol, 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo diesel | 6sp automatic, 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy Claimed: 4.8 - 6.5 l/100km
OVERVIEW
This new Countryman is a larger, better equipped and safer proposition than the model it replaces, one that could woo people away from the likes of a Mazda CX-5 or Volkswagen Tiguan, and into a premium brand.
Part of growing up is knowing when to admit you were wrong. While Mini is not about to stoop to an apology, heavy revisions to the range highlight shortcomings in the old Countryman. The previous model lacked a reversing camera, front parking sensors, rear air bags and back seat air vents that now join sat nav, a powered tailgate and climate control as standard features in the new car.
Mini Countryman - Prices, Features, and Specifications