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2016 Mini Countryman Road Test and Review

Charles Krome
by Charles Krome
June 2, 2016
4 min. Reading Time
2016 MINI Countryman profile ・  Photo by MINI

2016 MINI Countryman profile ・ Photo by MINI

The 2016 MINI Countryman is the crossover of the MINI lineup, offering many of the brand's hallmark traits—like nimble handling and a distinctive design—but in a noticeably more practical package than the MINI Hardtop 4 Door. In fact, despite being much smaller than the new subcompact crossovers from the mainstream brands, the Countryman actually has more cargo space than some of those bigger rivals. Another difference is that the MINI also aims for maximum driving engagement, and delivers both a robust all-wheel-drive system—engineered specifically for the brand—and two high-performance models.

Yet the Countryman is a relatively premium choice, too, which makes sense when you keep in mind that the MINI brand is now owned by the Bavarian Motor Works—aka, BMW.

Pricing

Based on its Bavarian backing, the 2016 MINI Countryman make a case for value. Consider: It's a BMW that can be bought for as low as $22,750. That's more than $10,000 less than the least expensive "real" BMW. Of course, the entry model for the Countryman does feature a six-speed manual transmission at that price, as enthusiasts expect, and MINI's six-speed automatic raises the MSRP by $1,250.

MINI next provides two up-level models, each furnishing an increasing amount of horsepower and torque for increased amounts of money. The Cooper S, with a turbocharged engine, starts at $26,100 and then adds MINI's ALL4 all-wheel-drive for $1,750. Topping the range, for price and performance, is the Countryman John Cooper Works ALL4 for $35,350.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Trim Levels

The 2016 MINI Cooper Countryman leads off the roster with a premium cabin that includes automatic climate control and power amenities, naturally, and then showcases leatherette seating for five, a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system with USB port. The key upgrade to the Cooper S Countryman is under the hood, in the form of a turbocharger for the vehicle's engine, but MINI also matches that boosted power with standard sport seats and LED front fog lights.

The John Cooper Works Countryman gets a hand from MINI's in-house tuning department, which honors the driving force behind the original Mini Cooper. For the Countryman, JCW contributes an aero-upgrade package, a sport-style steering and yet more power under the hood.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Powertrains, Performance and Efficiency

Although the brand does carry an impressive performance-oriented pedigree, the standard powertrain for the 2016 MINI Countryman, with a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine, produces a somewhat unexceptional 121 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft. of torque; fuel-economy ratings are likewise a little lower than in mainstream subcompact crossovers, peaking at 22 mpg city / 32 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined with the manual gearbox.

But oh, what a difference forced induction makes: When MINI turbocharges that engine for the Cooper S and JCW versions, outputs rise to 181 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque in the former and 208/207 in the latter.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Exterior Design and Lighting

The 2016 MINI Countryman is every inch a MINI on the outside—with a length of just 161.7 inches, it's more than half a foot shorter than typical mainstream subcompact crossovers like the Chevy Trax or Honda HR-V. Yet there is enough room for some SUV-like style cues, such as an upright grille and roof rails, along with an array of LED signature lighting. A particularly eye-catching detail: a ring of 15 LED units that create daytime running lights around each headlamp.

Shoppers also should remember that MINI supplies an extremely wide variety of exterior fashion enhancers, from contrast-color roofs to Union Jack mirror caps to a whole bunch of "bonnet" stripes and aggressive wheel designs—of up to 19 inches.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Interior Design and Capacities

The interior of the 2016 MINI Countryman is surprisingly large and unsurprisingly expressive. As regards the Countryman's cabin size, front-row headroom is right on par with the larger, "true" subcompacts, at 39.9 inches, and while accommodations are tighter for rear-seat passengers, the MINI does offer more back-row headroom than a Mazda CX-3. Moreover, Countryman owners welcome 17.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 42.2 in total; it's more than in vehicles like the Fiat 500X or Nissan JUKE.

The MINI's cabin also has an especially dramatic design. The large, round speedometer, for example, is set atop the center stack, with a display screen inside it, and the brand’s Center Rail system is an adaptable solution for between-seat storage functionality.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Infotainment and Audio

Infotainment-wise, many of the usual suspects are on hand, including navigation, voice recognition, smartphone integration and mobile-app access, though the 2016 MINI Countryman also can deliver a suite of brand-specific bonus apps. With these, owners can listen to MINI-made custom soundtracks designed to match their driving styles as well as check key vehicle metrics to improve their driving styles—in terms of both efficiency and traditional performance.

In terms of sound systems, the Countryman provides a choice of two, starting with a six-speaker setup with standard HD Radio and a USB port. Audiophiles can select a premium Harmon/Kardon audio system that leverages 10 speakers, 480 watts of power, and a digital sound processor for maximum music enjoyment.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Safety Ratings and Technology

A former Top Safety Pick of the IIHS, the 2016 MINI Countryman continues to achieve the highest possible grades in all of the TPS crashworthiness tests. That's thanks to the crossover's exceptionally rigid body, which is combined with a frame that relies on "second-generation, multiphase steel."

But that said, the current-generation Countryman is a bit lacking in the driver-assistance department, without even a rearview camera. An all-new edition is expected for the 2017 model year, and until then, MINI does have features such as corner brake control and a crash-sensor system for added driver confidence. That braking technology can determine when you're entering a sharp curve and then adjust brake pressure at all four corners for optimum control.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Other Cool Features

Already fairly chill as is, the 2016 MINI Countryman also debuts a cool new appearance package that takes its name from one of London's most fashionable streets. The Countryman Park Lane takes its style cues from there as well, as is obvious from its striking exterior—which suits the vehicle to a "tea," since it mixes an Earl Grey metallic finish for the body with Oak Red for the roof, mirror caps, and available accent stripes. The same shade of red also details the Countryman's eye-catching "side scuttle" trim.

An exclusive cabin appearance complements that sophisticated exterior treatment, as owners step over "Park Lane" entry sills to enjoy a design scheme that favors industrial colors such as Oxide Silver, Cross Stripe Grey and Carbon Black.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI

Final Thoughts

Regardless of whether you consider it a budget BMW or not, the 2016 MINI Countryman stands on its own with a unique blend of style, driving dynamics, and capability. Indeed, while the Countryman may live up to the MINI names when it comes to exterior dimensions, the Countryman's cargo-carrying ability is a much-appreciated benefit. Shoppers will want to pay extra attention to two factors, however: The larger MINI Clubman, with next-gen powertrains and selling in the next class up, is available at an MSRP of $24,100, and the next-gen Countryman itself will launch later in this calendar year.

 Photo by MINI

Photo by MINI


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