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While engines are getting smaller, cars are getting bigger. One brand in particular used to be known for its small, cute, yet sporty models. We're talking about MINI, and its latest Countryman is anything but small. MINIs have evolved, with past models now refined and sculpted for a specific driver. This is definitely the case with the new Countryman.
The Countryman is MINI's family SUV, and its unique design language resonates with the fun, aesthetic, and youthful owner, making it an obvious choice for many.
The interior of the Countryman showcases MINI's distinctive design flair. The doors feature a tactile fabric lining that seamlessly blends into the dashboard, creating a cohesive look, while the striking white seats offer exceptional comfort. All attention inside the cabin, though, is drawn to the circular infotainment screen in the centre of the dashboard.
MINI's infotainment screen is the heart of the experience. Everything, besides the gear selector toggle, driving experience selector, ignition switch, and steering wheel buttons, is controlled from here. The absence of a driver's display in front of the driver necessitates some habit modification; for instance, monitoring your speed by looking to the left may not be the most convenient experience.
The screen does, however, provide seamless wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Pair this with a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and the audio experience is remarkable. Space is plentiful in the cabin, with ample legroom for both front and rear passengers, but surprisingly, the boot space is rather small if you choose to keep your parcel shelf and boot floor in the car.
Overall, the interior is aesthetically pleasing. It's youthful, adventurous, and unique, and it's clear that the Countryman was designed for younger families and individuals who enjoy a left-of-the-norm ownership experience.
When it comes to the driving dynamics of the Countryman C, it ticks most boxes. The 3-cylinder, turbocharged 1.5-litre engine delivers a respectable 115kW and 240Nm of torque. It does 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds, which is far from impressive when looking at it in isolation. Surprisingly, however, accelerating off the line isn’t a boring exercise, with the car offering enough shunt to deal with daily duties. It is also frugal, sipping away gently at the tank with an average of 6.1 litres per 100km.
The Countryman feels decidedly German. Its ride quality is firm on rough surfaces but smooths out on highways, offering a solid and controlled feel through corners, reminiscent of BMW. Its turning circle is also impressive, as navigating tight parking spots is a breeze in the Countryman. It also comes with various driver-assist functions, with Reverse Assistant being the most useful and surprisingly accurate. This feature autonomously reverses the car using pre-recorded data and sensors to replicate the last 50 metres driven. This feature is also present in most new upper-spec BMWs.
It’s a comfortable car that is playful in the corners while offering a more composed and easy driving experience. The car provides a variety of driving experiences that cater to your driving style, making it simple to operate and navigate the onboard features.
Priced at R758,820, the Countryman falls squarely into the premium small SUV segment and is well-positioned in terms of value. Because this is such a unique vehicle from a design point of view, there isn't much competition in the local context. If, though, your budget stretches to the R800k range, the BMW X1 is an excellent alternative. Coming in at R808,899, the X1 is a little pricier but offers a classy alternative with a similar tech loadout and an even more agile driving dynamic.
The MINI Countryman is a characterful, lighthearted SUV that offers owners a one-of-a-kind cabin experience while retaining that youthful USP. This MINI was designed for a specific type of person. Is that person me? No, it certainly isn't, but I don't think that's a bad thing. The brand knows its customers and offers a new product that meets the style and practical demands of MINI drivers. It's a good all-round package, but the aesthetic sets it apart from any other product on the market.
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