Countryman has been MINI's answer for those who love the brand's fun and funky essence but need more practicality. Nominally a Mini, but in reality it's not a Mini, the Countryman is already the brand's biggest model, and this latest version is even bigger than its predecessor.
In the third generation, the Countryman has increased significantly in size, now reaching a length of 4,433 mm (136 mm more than the previous generation), a width of 1.84 m (+2.1 cm) and a wheelbase of 2.69 m (+2.2 cm). Imagine that the new Countryman is 33.6 cm longer than the first generation model! Now surpassing the Jeep Compass (4.39m), Mercedes-Benz GLA (4.41m), Nissan Qashqai (4.42m) and other models in size, and "equaling" the Cupra Formentor (4.44m) and the Volvo XC40 (4, 45m), the new Countryman is not far from the BMW X1 (4.50m), which shares the UKL2 platform, as well as a large part of the mechanical components. It was also the first MINI produced at the BMW plant in Leipzig, Germany.
Not so much...... MINI
Its design language is far from the MINI models we are used to, with curves replaced by sharp edges, giving a more dynamic image and more emphasis on the increase in size. Some styling details, such as the Land Rover Defender-style square trim on the C-pillar, may seem redundant, but the roof, large octagonal grille and short overhangs suspended above the body are all familiar.
The headlights are now square in shape, while at the rear, the larger rear tailgate and the equally square lights give a wider feel. Piano black roof rails are standard to maximise the vehicle's transportability, and 20 cm of ground clearance ensures safe off-road driving. Depending on the trim level (Essential, Classic, Favored and JCW), there are different shades of the body and roof, as well as the elements on the third pillar.
Gorgeous and minimalist
If you feel that the body design has changed a lot, then look at the interior. Now we have found a more minimalist approach, with an impressive OLED round screen that stands out, not only because of its large size of 9.4 inches (or 240 mm), but mainly because of its excellent clarity, which is not found in any other car in this category. The screen has a variety of different display options with very different styles, while the central indicator is toggled by swiping left or right like a widget on a smartphone. Of course, its use requires a younger audience and a short learning curve, but once you get used to the logic, the experience is very enjoyable.
The plastic and pretty two-tone trim (Classic, Favored, and JCW versions) are mostly hard, which leaves questions about the brand's high-priced tag, but once you understand that most of the plastic is made from recycled polyester and uses a special knitting process. The assembly is top-of-the-line, but there is also no shortage of special details, such as the steering wheel that is essentially spoked, and the third spoke is a colored cloth band.
Below the screen is a panel that contains physical switches for starting the engine, transmission options, and available driving profiles. We found a head-up display to replace the traditional dashboard, giving the driver all the necessary indications.
The exterior dimensions are large enough to sit comfortably even for 5 passengers, and the rear passengers have plenty of headroom and plenty of knee room. The model's practicality is reflected in a variety of smart pockets for small items, the rear seats can be retracted in six positions at an angle of up to 12°, and the rear seats can be moved up to 130 mm along the longitudinal axis. The boot space is only satisfactory at 450 litres, but it can reach 1,450 litres with the rear seats folded.
It's basically just words
Although the lineup of the new Countryman includes 3 petrol cars, 1 diesel car and 2 battery electric vehicles, the Greek market is most interested in the base version we tested, with a three-cylinder turbocharged 1.5-inch engine. lt gasoline engine, which has a mild hybrid system and a small 19Ps electric motor contributes. A combined torque of 170 hp and 28.6 kg-m is sent to the front wheels via a dual-clutch transmission with a 7-speed automatic transmission (no manual option).
The power of the kit is completely satisfactory, with a 0-100 km/h completion time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 212 km/h. It is always active in acceleration, does not pass through the annoying three-cylinder "notes" in the cabin, and proves to be quite economical, since in everyday life it takes about 7.5 l / 100 km, and only under pressure will it exceed 8 l / 100 km.
Since then, the new Countryman has behaved like a refined C-SUV. It by no means has the sparkle and immediacy of the first-generation model, but it is a very comfortable ride, even though our test model was equipped with 20-inch wheels at the Favored trim level. In any case, the ride quality is very good, and the suspension is strong enough to meet the needs of a family SUV driver, as well as a driver from another small MINI model. The steering is direct, the weight is just right, the feedback is moderate, and the driver can precisely grasp his "mark" when he decides to go fast on a tortuous route.
The tilt is present, but by no means disturbing, the grip of the 245/40 tires is more than enough, and only when you have opted for the sport or go-kart program of the MINI there is a slight tilt in the tail, gradually opening up its trajectory. Less intrusive. Of course, this option is a "must-have" for fast driving, with a heavier steering wheel and faster gearbox shifts, but we also want two small paddles for manual shifting, which unfortunately are only available for the top trim, John Cooper Works, which increases the cost of the basic Essential version from 34,500 euros to 41,451 euros.
The level of equipment is complete from the entry-level version, including an automatic transmission, a 24cm OLED screen, automatic air conditioning, a power tailgate, a driver assistance safety package, a reversing camera and active parking assist, Mini Connected service and remote functions. Mini app. The Favored kit has a beautiful two-tone body and a different interior and is priced at 38,500 euros. Judging from the current price pattern of the C-SUV segment, the price of the new Countryman is very competitive, and it will definitely rank first among the models in its class.
基本版Countryman C 1.5T 170Ps Essential价格：34,500 欧元
测试版价格Countryman C 1.5T 170Ps 最受青睐： €38,500