2015 MINI Countryman Quick Spin Review

MINI has traditionally taken a conservative route when adding new models to their lineup. First, there was the MINI Cooper hatchback. Then, the Cooper Convertible, which was essentially a standard Cooper with its roof cut off. The MINI Clubman came next, which added a few inches of body to the rear end, followed by the Countryman, which currently serves as MINI's entrant into the luxury crossover class. The Countryman's body was altered to provide two extra doors, an increased ride height, and an all-wheel drivetrain.

Although regarded by some as a bold (if not odd) choice, the Countryman has nevertheless become MINI's best-selling model.

Design

Anyone could recognize the Countryman as being part of the MINI family. From the basic shape, which has been slightly stretched to accomodate more interior space and two more doors, to the front end with the narrow front grille and large headlights, the basic design language remains the same. A new tailgate design with a large MINI badge and the Countryman name stamped across the liftgate are the main focus of the rear. Of course, given that it's a MINI, there are a large number of customization options ranging from different colors and patterns for the roof, to a wide variety of wheels.

The interior should be familiar to MINI fans. The dash boasts a large speedometer and distinctive, albeit somewhat confusing, centerstack. Like the exterior, the interior can be customized to heart's content with cloth and leather upholstery, different trim materials, and colors. Cargo room measures out 16.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up, and 42.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down.

Performance

There are three different engines available for the Countryman. The base Cooper gets a 1.6L four-cylinder with 121 horsepower and 118 pound-feet of torque. Power flows through a six-speed manual or automatic transmission to the front wheels. Fuel economy is rated at 27 City/34 Highway/30 Combined for the manual and 25 City/30 Highway/27 Combined for the automatic.

Next is the Cooper S Countryman with a turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder producing 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. There is a choice of either front-wheel or MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive system. No matter if two or four-wheels get the power to the road, both can be equipped with a six-speed manual or an automatic. Fuel economy numbers are as follows:

Cooper S Countryman FWD w/6-Speed Manual: 26 City/32 Highway/29 Combined Cooper S Countryman FWD w/6-Speed Automatic: 25 City/32 Highway/28 Combined Cooper S Countryman ALL4 w/6-Speed Manual: 25 City/31 Highway/27 Combined Cooper S Countryman ALL4 w/6-Speed Automatic: 23 City/30 Highway/26 Combined

Finally, the pièce de résistance: the John Cooper Works ALL4. The "hot-rod" Countryman boasts a punchier turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder with 208 horsepower and 192 pound-feet torque. MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive comes as standard and features the choice of either a manual or automatic, both with six-speeds. EPA ratings for the John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman are 25 City/31 Highway/27 Combined for the manual, and 23 City/30 Highway/26 Combined for the automatic.

Photo by MINI

Safety

All MINI Countryman models come equipped with anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, run-flat tires, stability control, tire pressure monitoring system, and seven airbags. Cooper S and John Cooper Works models get Dynamic traction control, while the base Cooper has it as an option. Rear parking sensors are optional.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn't tested the Countryman. Meanwhile, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has given the the Countryman its Top Safety Pick as it got the highest rating - Good - in all of its tests.

Pricing & Features

For 2015, the MINI Countryman begins at $22,750 for the base Cooper. Standard equipment includes the MINI Maintenance Program & Roadside Assistance program; daytime running lights, six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, keyless entry and start; six-way manual adjustment seats, and automatic climate control.

Next up is the Cooper S Countryman which kicks off at $26,100 and adds front fog lights, air scoop, rear spoiler and sport seats with six-way adjustments. All-wheel drive is available for an extra $1,750.

Finally, there is the John Cooper Works ALL4, which starts at $35,350. This model gets a John Cooper Works tuned suspension, a new 3-spoke steering wheel with controls for the cruise control and audio; cloth upholstery, and body-colored mirror caps and roof.

The option list is extensive with a fair number of option packages, wheel choices, a Harman-Kardon sound system, and more.