By placing on just a few kilos and inflating in each dimension, the brand new MINI Countryman has broader shoulders, higher cargo house, and a extra spacious inside than ever earlier than. The overused cliché continues to use – the MINI isn’t mini anymore – however as each SUV in Canada grows in dimension, the Countryman is solely filling a requirement by being 60 mm taller and 130 mm longer. It sits on the similar top as a current-generation Honda CR-V and Porsche Macan for reference, and meaning copious quantities of headroom irrespective of which seat you end up in. I stand six toes tall and there’s a lot headroom left over that the automobile really feels monumental, extra so than the BMW X2. And in some ways, the Countryman makes a extra good-looking, well-packaged, and distinctive BMW SUV.
Whereas the fashionable exterior is a transparent evolution in muscle and character, the inside design has been elevated onto one other plateau. A lot of the idea automobile has been introduced ahead into this manufacturing model from the flurry of colors and material supplies to the 9.4-inch frameless round OLED touchscreen, reminiscent of the times of the unique MINI Cooper that had its instrument dials within the heart of the sprint.
This style of attraction and inimitable persona is precisely what we would like from MINI. It units them aside from different premium manufacturers attempting to advertise each an automotive equipment and a life-style that follows. MINI is conscious of what makes its model stand out and it’s with this timeless but fashionable enchantment that takes customization, color, and expression, and presents it to the driving force in an inviting approach with out showing superfluous.
Take the brand new steering wheel for example. From the overly cumbersome leather-based grips to the gold-coloured accents that pair properly with the blue materials, it’s the star merchandise of the inside and even the underside spoke is furnished by an ornamental material strap – a high quality piece not solely in really feel but additionally in design. The built-in buttons should not these touch-sensitive haptic sensors like they’ve on Mercedes or Ferrari wheels so the buttons really feel rather more constructive, participating, and logical to make use of with out taking your eyes off the street.
And talking of which, there’s BMW switchgear in all places which is spectacular at this worth level, from the window switches to the flush door handles. And check out the brand new toggle bar located under the touchscreen. Whereas the final era of MINIs adopted airplane-style switches to make you’re feeling like a pilot, right here they’ve built-in a turn-key change like they’ve on Porsches, a throwback to ignition begin sequences that elevates the Countryman’s sense of event. Even the dashboard illuminates with completely different colors and patterns relying on the driving mode.
The remainder of the cabin has been cleverly packaged with even a cubby field within the heart console, full with a pull strap to open it. The wi-fi charging pad receives an elevated dock for straightforward entry and the middle armrest not will get in the way in which of your elbow as you attain for the cupholders. Every layer feels purposeful and ergonomically designed, and the Countryman’s swollen dimensions have really aided this aim.
The round touchscreen affords the most recent MINI infotainment system and it’s suitably lag-free and responsive to the touch inputs. MINI invested quite a lot of money and time into designing a vibrant and welcoming interface for every menu display, all the pieces from the aircon menu to the driving modes, making every button press a pleasant shock.
Ergonomics was a big focus and we’re glad they didn’t resort to hidden fan vents with difficult toggles like they’ve in BMWs. To scale back litter, it might have been a logical determination to implement quantity management into the touchscreen like Land Rover fashions however there’s an precise quantity dial right here. Not so fortunate for the temperature controls although, which could be cumbersome to function.
Just like the Volvo EX30 and not using a driver’s instrument panel, we have been displeased by all the principle data solely being displayed on the middle touchscreen, forcing you to take your eyes off the street to capitalize on important knowledge and to make touchscreen changes. There’s a small head-up show however its dimension limits how a lot data could be proven without delay. We additionally observed some fickleness with the Apple CarPlay system which might reduce out the audio prefer it misplaced connection round sure spots of the town. This additionally occurred after we tried Android Auto as effectively.
Mechanically, the brand new MINI Countryman receives minor updates. The Countryman S makes use of the identical 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine nevertheless it now produces a more healthy 241 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, 52 hp and 89 tq greater than earlier than. Even with the added weight and dimension, the Countryman is spritely in a straight line and makes freeway overtakes a breeze additionally because of a intelligent ALL4 all-wheel drive system. Additional, the powertrain emits the identical raucous exhaust noises that we’ve come to know and love from current MINIs.
The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that we discover thorny and inconsistent, leading to disjointed acceleration at occasions and an unresponsive throttle pedal. It feels just like the engine and gearbox are linked by a skinny shoestring slightly than a pc chip, incessantly lagging on rolling stops stepping into gear, and jerking the automobile ahead till a cog occurs to make its approach via. At occasions, urgent the go-fast pedal does nothing for a cut up second, just for the gearbox to lastly register the necessity to propel itself ahead, leading to a tank slap into the headrest. It’s not essentially the most polished or mild powertrain, and we had the identical points with the BMW X1 and X2 that make the most of the identical languid unit.
Our Countryman S is carrying 20-inch wheels and it rides with a heavy dose of underlying firmness. It hugs the street and doesn’t soak up impacts with the identical sort of cushioning or deftness as a Mercedes GLC or BMW X3. As anticipated, however regardless of the safe and grounded experience, this grown-up MINI has misplaced a few of that agility and entrance nostril chunk from earlier than, that means it’s not as desirous to rotate, is lazier on the entrance finish, and has clearly been tuned to be extra civil and simpler to dwell with. On a aspect be aware, an adaptive suspension is out there for $600, which we predict can be effectively price it for a barely extra compliant experience over bumpy roads.
The most important MINI within the steady has capitalized on its model enchantment and affords attraction and magnificence with out attempting to mimic anybody else. What makes the Countryman distinctive is its customizability and use of color and materials to raise its inside to a premium degree – you gained’t discover this type of visible magnetism in a rivalling Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLB. A agency experience and a recalcitrant transmission gently taint its general driving polish however in any other case, the brand new Countryman is a cleverly packaged dose of enjoyable and charisma that we simply can’t get sufficient of.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4
Paint Kind: Smokey Inexperienced
Base Value: $45,990
Value as Examined: $53,890
Wheelbase(mm): 2,692
Size/Width/Peak (mm): 4,433 / 1,843 / 1,656
Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 241 hp
Torque: 295 lb-ft
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, AWD
Noticed Gas Financial system (L/100km): 9.2
Tires: Pirelli P Zero Winter; 245/40R20
