Mini Countryman (2024) Launch Review
The Mini Countryman is the Oxford-based brand’s biggest, most versatile model. The 3rd iteration, which recently landed in SA, has features that even top-end BMWs don’t have yet! We got to grips with the crossover during a drive from Joburg to Graskop.
What’s new on the Mini Countryman?
Traditionalists moan that “there’s nothing mini about Minis anymore” and indeed, since the BMW Group took over the British brand in the early 2000s, the dimensions of the latter’s models have grown in every direction. However, that can be said of virtually every nameplate that dates back to the previous century, including, for example, the Volkswagen Golf, which also underpins a crossover model (T-Roc, Tiguan).
And, seeing as Countryman is a premium crossover that rivals the Alfa Romeo Tonale, Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40, the newcomer holds more general appeal than its Cooper siblings.
This all-new version is built on the same platform as the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series Gran Coupe, X1 and X2 (UKL2), but looks bigger than those models thanks to its boxy proportions and squared-off design (to me, it looks more X3- than X1-sized). The Countryman is also the first model in SA to use BMW’s OS9 operating system, which controls the central touchscreen or iDrive system. More on that later though.
Although the 3rd-gen Countryman is 130 mm longer, 22 mm wider and 80 mm taller than the previous model, its engine line-up is unchanged (but those motors are well-proven in BMW compact models).
Mini Countryman line-up
The initial South African lineup includes the newly named Countryman C (previously just the standard version) and the Countryman S – the sportier or bigger-engined variant. The JCW performance model will join the fray soon, followed by the SE version, which is a battery-electric (all-electric) vehicle.
The standard (C) derivative is powered by a 1.5-litre turbopetrol unit delivering 115 kW and 250 Nm of torque, while the Countryman S uses a 2.0-litre turbopetrol pushing out 150 kW and 280 Nm of torque.
We drove the Countryman S from Johannesburg to Graskop and then swapped it for the Countryman C on the return leg. Personally, the latter’s 1.5-litre powerplant felt like it delivered enough “bang for buck” to be a better proposition than the 2.0-litre in terms of value for money (it’s R70 000 cheaper than the S). It pulls well from low down, cruises easily on the freeway and has enough legs to overtake at speed.
The Countryman S’ 2.0-litre 4-cylinder motor does offer more punch (and is equipped with all-wheel-drive), but I can’t say it delivers a notably bigger performance thrill to warrant its premium over the “C”.
We did notice that the bigger-engined Countryman S was more fuel efficient on the open road/in freeway driving conditions – we averaged 6.8 L/100 km in the 2.0-litre and 7.3 L/100 km in the 1.5-litre. However, the Countryman C should be the more frugal operator in the Mini’s natural habitat – in and around town.
What’s the Mini Countryman like inside?
If any brand can pull off “gimmicky” and “toyish” with a modicum of sincerity, it’s Mini. The Oxford-based brand has always prided itself on catering for the young and young at heart, not taking itself too seriously and always looking to put a fun, colourful spin on everything. Remember the previous model’s disco-inspired Light Ring that resembled a 2000s glow-stick party at night? What about the “Maximum Go-Kart” message that would flash up when you engaged the Sport drive mode or the built-in fish game that was meant to teach you how to drive economically? Well, the new model continues to trial fun features.
Instead of Eco, Sport and Normal, the Mini offers 5 distinct Experience modes via the touchscreen menu – they enable the driver to tailor the driving “ambience” to their preference. Note I didn’t say driving experience because the enhancements don’t materialise so much through the pedals and ‘wheel, as in the cabin lighting and infotainment display. You can have a classic central Mini speedo or predominantly red, sporty-looking graphics (with Vivid). Other modes include Green, Personal, Core, Iconic and Classic.
The Vescin (100% recyclable synthetic leather) trim feels refreshingly different to the textured material (that resembles denim fabric) applied to the doors and dashboard. The manner in which a shade of tan gently fades into blue on the upper door panels creates a very interesting contrast within the cabin.
The steering wheel feels chunkier than ever, especially at the 10-2 position. The automatic transmission lever has been removed to create more cabin storage space and now sits in the centre of the fascia as a simple toggle switch. The engine start button needs to be twisted like a key to start it, which is novel.
Passenger space is relatively generous – even for rear occupants and the claimed load-bay capacity is 450 litres, increasing to 1 460 litres with the back seats down, which is about average for the segment.
The Mini Countryman’s features
Meanwhile, the BMW Group’s new OS9 is said to be faster and offer more features than the operating system that does duty in the new 5 Series and even 7 Series. I suggest taking some time to familiarise yourself with where most of the functions lie as there are a lot of settings to play with here. It took me a while to find the trip computer and disable the annoying ding notifying me of a speed-sign change. Most of the system’s features are “set and forget” so it’s just commonly changed ones you need to figure out.
The system has an app download centre where you can play games such as pool and rallying via the touchscreen (although the car has to be stationary for that – playing a rally game while weaving through the frenetic JHB traffic might be a stretch too far for even the best multitaskers out there).
The options list is pervasive and now features the BMW subscription model so you can “subscribe” to functions such as heated seats for only 3 months of the year, or trial a feature for a month to see if you like it rather than paying for something you may never use.
What’s it like to drive?
While the Countryman isn’t meant to deliver Cooper-like “go-kart thrills”, it needs to be fun to drive, but with a level of refinement that befits its price position. While darting around the sublime roads between Graskop, White River and Sabie, the Countryman delivered a surefooted, confident driving experience.
It certainly feels like a resolved product and a vehicle that could be sufficiently engaging to drive on your favourite piece of blacktop. While a lot of noise has been generated in the small crossover- and medium SUV segments by Chinese entrants that offer great value for money, if you want a more premium driving experience, this German/British offering delivers a LOT more – if at an admittedly higher price point.
It’s a pity the transmission seems slow to kick down when you want to drive a little more enthusiastically. And without paddle shifters or a manual mode to the gearbox, there’s nothing you can do to improve this.
Mini Countryman price in SA (June 2024)
The 2024 Mini Countryman comes standard with a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan. See also: Mini Countryman (2024) Price & Specs
| Mini Countryman C | R758 820 |
| Mini Countryman S ALL4 | R821 074 |
| Mini JCW Countryman ALL4 | R1 029 768 |
| Mini Countryman SE ALL4 | R1 112 000 |
Summary
The new Mini Countryman is an expensive toy, but well and truly “on brand”. It’s distinctively quirky, filled with fun features and endowed with a bold interior design. The driving experience is refined and more grown up than the playful interior design and -features suggest, but it still feels like a premium product.
It offers something different in 1 of the few segments where stand-out kerb appeal and the fun-to-drive factor outweigh sheer value for money. You’re unlikely to confuse the Mini for anything else on the road, but opt for brighter exterior colours – the black-and-white scheme of the unit we drove was a bit plain.
