Mini Countryman

The Coutryman has been playing SUVs since 2010. Replacing the eponymous estate, the first generation of the model was a great success, so much so that BMW-owned Mini offered it a successor in 2017. A renewal was carried out in 2023 with the arrival of a new version. Largely modernized with a more assertive style, the latter contains under its hood petrol and diesel engines, as well as a new electric variant.

The look and dimensions of the Mini Countryman

The Countryman is a Mini in name only. This third generation is evidenced by this third generation stretched by 13 cm compared to its predecessor, reaching a maximum of 4.43 m. A growth spurt combined with a thoroughly revised style. The few curves that the older generation enjoyed have been relegated to oblivion for a more muscular design. The headlamps now feature sharp angles and rub shoulders with a horizontal bonnet, a high bodyline, a gaping grille and plastic protections around the wheel arches. The rear benefits from vertical lights that can be embellished, depending on the finish, with the Union Jack-type light signature, already present on contemporary Minis.

There is a shake-up on board with a stripped-down dashboard dressed in recycled fabric. In the center is a large, round touch screen, 24 cm in diameter. This model brings together almost all the features present on board. Driving information is also displayed, but to keep your eyes on the road, a head-up display has been installed behind the steering wheel. The navigation possibilities are extended with a voice assistant. The Countryman also intends to make life easier for its users by recording the driver's routine. The gestures repeated daily at the same time are thus acquired by the car, which will then be able, for example, to roll down the driver's window when approaching the parking barrier. As already seen with other models, such as the Volkswagen Passat and Skoda Superb, the gear selector finds its place on the steering column, and no longer on the center console. The roominess is generous with a high modularity thanks to a rear seat sliding on 13 cm. The trunk has a cargo volume of 450 dm3 and 460 dm3 on the 100% electric version.

The combustion engines of the Mini Countryman

The Countryman shares its technical base with that of the BMW X1. The catalogue offers two petrol engines: a 1.5 three-cylinder with 170 hp (Cooper C) and a 2.0 4-cylinder with 300 hp attributed to the John Cooper Works (JCW) sports version. The latter benefits from all-wheel drive. Another engine will complete the range under the name Cooper S, while a four-cylinder diesel (Cooper D) is also in the works. In any case, you will have to make do with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The electric powertrains of the Mini Countryman

The rival to the Mercedes GLA and Audi Q3 intends to do well with two electric versions. The first, called Countryman E, offers a 204 hp electromotor, housed on the front axle, while the second adds a module on the rear axle, thus becoming a four-wheel drive with a power of 313 hp (Countryman SE All4). In both cases, you have to count on a 64.7 kWh battery, offering 462 and 433 km of range respectively. The maximum charging power is announced at 130 kW.