MINI Countryman (2010-2017) Review

Mini Countryman prices from £12,499  Finance from £217.83 per month

If you fancy a used five-door Mini Hatchback but you need something with a bit more space inside, a used five-door Countryman may be the solution.

While it takes all of the stylish charm and brand appeal that comes with being a Mini, the Countryman goes a step further and taps into the booming crossover/SUV market with its raised stance, high roof and chunky looks. Throw in the optional ALL4 four-wheel drive system many first owners ordered it with and you have a seriously practical and versatile car.

It's positioned to compete against the likes of the Audi Q2, BMW X1 and even the Jeep Renegade in terms of price and size, and there's every reason to consider the Countryman if you're considering any of the other three.

A big positive for the Countryman is that it uses the same selectrion of engines you'll find in the Mini Hatchback. As a result, you can have the entry-level One trim with a petrol or diesel engine for buyers on a tight budget, the mid-range Cooper model, again with petrol or diesel power, and the fast and furious Cooper S, also with petrol or diesel power. If those aren't quick enough, there’s the high-performance John Cooper Works variant, offered with a petrol engine only.

Because the Countryman is taller and heavier, it doesn't take corners with the same agility as the Hatchback, this isn't a huge surprise but it's also not that comfortable on the largest 19-inch alloy wheels so avoid those if you can. Choose one on the smaller alloys and you’ll be much happier.

In terms of economy and performance, the 1.6-litre Cooper D is our pick, but more power is available by means of the 2.0-litre Cooper SD if you're after a little more zap from your right foot. If you intend to stray from the beaten track however, the ALL4 may be more up your street. Although it won't offer anything like the per formance of either the standard D or SD models due to some extra weight, it will offer some very capable off-roading if you need it as well as much stability in poorer weather conditions.

Inside the Countryman, you’ll enjoy much better visibility than the Mini Hatchback. It’s a reasonably spacious cabin, too, and certainly roomier than the Hatchback’s. The rear seat, which slides, is available as a two or three-seater so depending on your needs, it’s worth checking which version the example you’re interested in comes with. Meanwhile, the 350-litre boot dwarfs the Hatchback’s.

The Countryman looks butch and chunky but inside it’s Mini business as usual with an interior peppered with fussy little switches, dials and details. The model was facelifted in 2014 but the only serious changes you’ll notice between the two versions are that the later cars have their window switches on the doors, rather than the centre console.

In One trim, it's surprisingly well equipped but go for Cooper for its smarter alloy wheels. Beyond that, the higher trims don't add very much so it’s down to what option packs the first owner requested.

Fortunately, options typically cost you much less on a used car than the first owner spent on them, so unless they really went to town, a Countryman with a good level of optional extras shouldn't be much more expensive than one with only the basics.

 

Key facts

Warranty	3 years
Boot size	350 litres
Width	1789mm
Length	4097mm
Height	1516mm
Tax	£30 to £260

Best MINI Countryman for...

Best for Economy – Cooper D

Good value and no thirstier than the One D but usefully more powerful, this is our favourite Countryman.

Best for Families – Cooper SD ALL4

Powerful and, thanks to its four-wheel-drive system, safe and surefooted on- and off-road, this version of the Countryman makes the most of the model’s potential.

Best for Performance – John Cooper Works ALL4

This is by far the quickest Countryman but saying that, you’ll wish you’d bought the SD ALL4, which is a better all-rounder, instead.

One to Avoid – Cooper ALL4

The extra weight of the ALL4 four-wheel drive system severely blunts the economy and performance of the mid-power Cooper.

History

Understanding MINI Countryman names

Trim and engines Cooper SD

Rather than making a feature of the engine size and its power, Mini combines its engines with the model’s trim levels. So in this example, Cooper indicates it’s a sporty trim while SD tells you it’s the sportiest diesel.

Drive All4

Mini calls its optional four-wheel drive system (it’s standard on the John Cooper Works) ALL4. It improves on and off-road grip but does affect performance and economy.

Gearbox Auto

The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual but most versions are available with an optional six-speed automatic gearbox which, like the ALL4 system, reduces economy.

MINI Countryman Engines

MINI Countryman Trims

MINI Countryman Reliability and warranty

Used MINI Countryman

Other Editions