MINI Countryman C Review

When MINI and parent company BMW use the same platform and powertrain to build a car, the models will be polar opposites. MINI is more mature than it was a decade ago, but it's still fun and bubbly. BMW, in comparison, remains conventional and serious.

So, when both brands use the same ingredients to build a car, the results are strikingly different. Case in point: The MINI Countryman C. You wouldn't know it at first glance, but this SUV shares the same platform and powertrain as its corporate cousin, the BMW X1.

Without contrast colours for the trimmings, the Countryman looks rather plain

A look around

The Countryman lineup is relatively extensive, consisting of four variants. We have the Countryman C, the entry-level offering, the Countryman E and Countryman SE (electric models), and the range-topping John Cooper Works Countryman.

The Countryman C is also the only model that qualifies for Cat A COE that would make it more attractive to buyers.

The white mirror caps and roof add some much-needed visual presence

However, it really looks the part of a base model, doing without the flashy trim bits found on the Countryman SE. The wheels are 18-inches instead of 20 inches, but at least the roof and mirror caps on this test unit are a contrasting white, giving the car some presence.

Also helping in this regard are the tail lamps, which have three signatures for the driver to choose from. If not for these elements, the Countryman C's exterior would look relatively ordinary.

The interior's bubbly character comes through in the blue stitching and playful graphics

Fortunately, the interior is more engaging. Though the cabin is mostly black (and sombre), there are pops of colour that catch your eye. There's blue contrast stitching on the seats, along with little 'MINI' logos on the seatbacks, and ambient lighting.

The most colourful component is the 9.4-inch round OLED display for the infotainment that's filled with bold graphics and punchy hues. Though comparatively small compared to the typically humongous screens found in modern cars, it makes the Countryman distinct. Besides, not everyone wants a giant display.

Physical switches, along with oval-shaped pedals, make this interior feel engaging

Also unique are the physical switches found on the centre console. Starting and switching off the car requires you to turn a 'key', while toggles are used to select the different Experiences (drive settings) and switch gears. There's even a volume knob, and thankfully, physical buttons - not haptic ones - on the steering wheel.

At the rear, passengers get air-con vents for enhanced cooling, a pair of USB-C ports to keep phones juiced up, and roomy door bins for loose items. However, the centre occupant will still feel awkward, not thanks to the floor hump, and oddly placed tray that protrudes from the centre console.

There's plenty of legroom in the backseat, while the boot offers a useful 450 litres (1,460 litres with seats folded) for luggage

An unhurried MINI

Powering the Countryman C is a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-pot that produces 121bhp and 230Nm of torque. These figures are channelled to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which helps the SUV go from rest to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.

It's slower than expected, but given the output, not surprising. Nail the accelerator pedal at a standstill and there's an obvious delay before the car responds. The transmission takes a moment to initialise, while the plentiful low-end torque needs some time to deal with the inertia as well.

Progress is easier once the Countryman gets moving, as the engine feels more responsive and there's momentum to carry you along. The three-pot may not be buttery smooth, but its rortiness adds character to the proceedings.

Not the most inspiring unit, but it's enough for everyday driving in Singapore

I thought selecting the 'S' setting for the gearbox (by tapping down on the toggle while in Drive) would help, but it just held onto each gear longer. While that does let you build revs, the soundtrack isn't exactly desirable.

Far more pleasing, on the other hand, is the ride quality. With smaller wheels and compliant damping, the Countryman is one of the most comfortable MINIs to date. Coupled with a hushed cabin, it's a car that you wouldn't mind taking on a leisurely road trip.

The proposition

Most buyers shopping in this segment would gravitate towards the BMW X1 because of its badge cachet and perceived performance, even if it's a Cat A model. Yet despite sharing the same platform and powertrain, and offering identical performance, the Countryman C is the more interesting proposition.

That round infotainment screen, those oblong-shaped air vents and door handles, along with playful graphics, are all cues to the Countryman's more exuberant character. And during the test drive, the car even had a 'winter surprise' - an animated video featuring a yeti and a snowman!

You won't find stuff like this in other contenders. If you're someone who prefers the unconventional, this is right up your alley. And the fact that it costs less than its corporate cousin ($257,888 vs $272,888) doesn't hurt either.

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