The NEW 2024 MINI Countryman - Vicki-Butler Henderson's Verdict
Watch Vicki Butler-Henderson give her verdict on the new 2024 MINI Countryman.
As the UK car park favours the SUV segment year on year, MINI have launched the latest, largest and third generation of the Countryman for 2024.
With prices starting at just under £30,000 with the top-of-the-range John Cooper Works reaching over £40,000, MINI have positioned this version to provide for a range of driving needs, and for the first time ever, there is an electric version.
Specification Checklist
There are three main options for the new Countryman: Classic, Exclusive, and Sport. Each option has sub-trim levels (Count C or Count S); however, the Sport option is available in the renown John Cooper Works options as well as the other two sub-trims.
Classic Specification:
• 170 – 218 HP (COUNT C / COUNT S)
• 47.1 – 47.9 mpg / 41.5 – 42.8 mpg (COUNT C / COUNT S)
• A 0-62 mph acceleration time of 8.3 s / 7.1 s (COUNT C / COUNT S)
Exclusive Specification:
• 170 – 218 HP (COUNT C / COUNT S)
• 46.3 – 47.9 / 40.9 – 42.2 mpg (COUNT C / COUNT S)
• A 0-62 mph acceleration time of 8.3 s / 7.1 s (COUNT C / COUNT S)
Sport Specification:
• 170 – 218 – 300 HP (COUNT C / COUNT S / JCW)
• 45.6 – 47.1 / 40.9 – 42.2 / 35.3 – 36.2 mpg (COUNT C / COUNT S / JCW)
• A 0-62 mpg acceleration time of 8.3 / 7.1 / 5.4 s (COUNT C / COUNT S / JCW)
Design and Exterior
MINI have not held back with the new Countryman as ironically this version of the countryman is the largest yet, standing 6cm taller and 13cm longer than its predecessor. To the untrained eye, the car keeps the traditional feel of a MINI with the help of a redesigned c-pillar to give the illusion of a smaller appearance. As we move towards the rear, the Countryman pays homage to its British heritage with its Union Jack-themed headlights.
Wheels & Tyre Talk
The Countryman comes with rims from 17” up to 20” depending on the variant you choose and are made from 70% secondary aluminium. In Vicki’s review, that particular model came with the Hankook S1 Evo 3 tyres which picked up the best tyre for small SUVs in the 2023 DriverReviews Customer Choice Awards. There are other fantastic choices for the MINI Countryman with Kumho’s Ecowing ES31 winning the highly recommended category and Goodyear’s EfficientGrip Performance 2 taking the commended category.
Interior
For the 2024 Countryman, MINI have completely redesigned the infotainment system with a 24cm circular screen at the heart of the centre console. The ‘MINI interaction’, powered by the new MINI operating system 9 has many features with customisation being at the forefront. An OLED touchscreen paired with an all-new MINI intelligent personal assistant gives the driver an immersive experience. Functions such as radio, telephone, navigation, or even climate control can all be operated through the MINI intelligent personal assistant which is activated by simply saying “Hey MINI” followed by a command.
Practicality remains in the Countryman’s DNA as it allows for up to 1,390 litres of space when the rear three seats are folded to make extra room for your luggage. Paired with practicality, customisation is in abundance when configurating your own. There are three ‘pack-levels’ to choose from.
Level one comes with the following equipment:
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Comfort Access
• Driving Assistant Plus preparation
• Folding Wing Mirrors with Auto-dimming
• Front Heated Seats
• High-Beam Assistant
• Larger-Capacity Fuel Tank
• MINI Head-up Display
• Rear-view Mirror with Auto dimming
• Sliding Rear Seats
• Storage for wireless charging
Level two comes with all of these with the addition of: Harmon Kardon Surround Sound Audio System, Luggage net, Panoramic Glass Sunroof, and Sun Protection Glass.
Level three comes with all the above with the addition of: Active Seat for Driver, Electric Memory Seats, Interior Camera, MINI Navigation AR, Parking Assistant Plus and Personal eSIM.
Interior Design
Contemporary design flows through the cabin with a brand new three-spoke steering wheel which has the option to be heated. Gone are the days of leather or even fake-leather dashboards as MINI have opted for a knitted dash design using recycled polyester. Owners of the Countryman benefit from larger cup holders and extended space for a compartment which has wireless charging for mobile phones now that a manual gearbox is not an option.
Vicki’s First Drive
“Our love affair with the MINI spans seven decades and shows no signs of waning”.
A review of a car wouldn’t be complete without a test drive, Vicki took the Countryman for a spin, and this was her first impression. Agility is just one of the attributes of the new Countryman with its low centre of gravity and suspension tweaks. No car is perfect, and Vicki mentions that the steering wheel as modern and packed with technology as it is, is a touch too “chunky” which could be a problem for longer journeys.
The future is here in the form of autonomy as for those who aren’t particularly enthralled by the sensation of driving a car likened to a go-kart, the Countryman can come equipped with technology to semi-automate driving. Drivers can take their hands off the wheel, trusting the car to navigate the road up to a speed of 37 mph.
Vicki finishes her review by stating that the new Countryman is “as far removed from the original car as ever” but still has “the fairy tale charm to give every owner a happy ending”.
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