MINI Countryman

The cabin of the Mini Countryman retains several bits from the other Mini cars but gets its different looking layouts for the dashboard and centre console. In addition, there are more dual-tone upholstery choices in the Countryman, which make it look much more premium.

The Mini Countryman gets the same round-themed multifunction steering wheel, full-TFT instrument console with rounded edges and a big rounded upper centre console with an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system like other Mini-cars. However, the dashboard here has a clearer layout, with a middle layer of faux carbon fibre flowing down towards the lower centre console. The lower centre console houses rounded dials for AC and toggle-like switches for various functions, however, they are not accommodated in a separate panel. The upper rounded centre console also has vertically-laid AC vents on its sides.

Thanks to its altered dimensions over the Mini hatchback, the Mini Countryman feels more spacious on the inside. However, when compared to other SUVs in the same space, it feels short in legroom and knee room.

The Mini Countryman takes forward the cutesy looks of the Mini Cooper hatchback and gets its unique design language which is exclusive to it in the entire Mini lineup. The overall stance and silhouette of the Mini Countryman give it a visual appeal of an SUV, which is the flavour of the season.

At the front, the Countryman is the only model from Mini to not get rounded headlamps, but squared-off LED headlamps, which have rounded edges with daytime running LEDs running around their circumference. The grille here is smaller, with the trapezoidal grille having rounded edges and a honeycomb mesh pattern within it. The front bumper has an aggressive design to it, with chunky looking silver skid plate, central moulding with rounded fog lamps integrated within its corners and vertical air scoops on its corners.

On the side, the Mini Countryman gets an added flair over other Mini models with its own set of distinctive elements. While the Countryman also gets simple looking door panels, wraparound-themed chrome shoulder-line and blacked-out pillars, roof and rearview mirrors, it has a distinctive look with a tough-looking body cladding all around, roof rails and smaller rear quarter window panels. The pentagonal design element on the front fenders adds some character to the look of the car.

At the rear too, the Mini Countryman has a different design over other Mini offerings. While it gets a boot-mounted license plate housing with rounded lower edges and a horizontal strip over it, the vertical tail lamps here look slightly different, with rounded edges and unique Union Jack-themed LED tail lamps. The rear bumper here gets a silver skid plate in the middle and vertical reflectors on the sides.

The overall chassis setup of the Mini Countryman has been tuned a bit to suit its mild off-road driving prowess. However, it still feels stiff, which helps it in giving good handling and stability on both straight lines and corners. The cabin feels more spacious over the Mini Cooper hatchback but lesser than the Clubman.

The Mini Countryman retains all of its three engine options for its three different variants from the Mini Clubman. The entry-level Mini Cooper Countryman is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which produces 136 PS of power and 220 Nm of torque. Then comes the Mini Cooper S Countryman with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which pumps out 178 PS of power and 280 Nm of torque. The top-spec Mini John Cooper Works Countryman has the most powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which makes 306 PS of power and 480 Nm of torque. An 8-speed automatic gearbox is the standard choice of transmission here.

The Mini Countryman is equipped with basics like airbags all around, ABS with EBD and brake assist, front and rear parking sensors, dynamic stability control and cornering brake control. However, many safety features like rear parking camera, radar-based driving assistance features and tyre pressure monitoring system are available as paid extras.

With its unique theme of design in and out and an added hint of ruggedness in its visual appeal and driving manners, the Mini Countryman feels an altogether different experience when compared to other Mini offerings in the market.