Mini Countryman SUV 2017 Review | Driver's Seat

We've been out testing the all-new second-generation Mini Countryman, which just happens to big the biggest car Mini has ever made.
The new model is 20cm longer, 3cm wider and has a 7cm longer wheelbase than before. This means there is more space inside and an increase in storage capacity.
Under the bonnet, there are four new engine variants to choose from at launch, two petrol and two diesel.
The Cooper petrol is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder that develops 134bhp and 162lb ft of torque. It’ll go from 0-62mph in 9.6 seconds, returns 51.4mpg and emits 126-139g/km of CO2.
Residing in the Cooper S is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, developing 189bhp and 207lb ft of torque. Accelerating from standstill to 62mph takes 7.5 seconds (faster with ALL4 and an auto box), yet it’ll return 45.6mpg and emit 139-141g/km of CO2.
If diesel is your flavour then you can choose between a 148bhp (243lb ft) and 187bhp (295lb ft) version of Mini’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine, called Cooper D and Cooper SD, respectively. The D manages 0-62mph from 8.9 seconds, returns 64.2mpg and emits 113-127g/km.
With the more powerful SD, you’ll get from stationary to 62mph in 7.7 seconds and it’ll return 61.4mpg and emit 121-129g/km of CO2.
All variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox and two-wheel drive as standard, however, you can specify an eight-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox and ALL4 all-wheel drive.
Prices start from £22,465 and the first customer deliveries will begin in February 2017.

[@craigmccamley]

I love the Mini brand and this looks like it won't disappoint. Lovely car.

[@fulv_uk]

Can you make a test drive video of the 1.5 Cooper petrol (not all 4)?

[@Topgeargordon]

I am loving the new countryman but all the reviews I've seen are of the top of the range models which are very expensive . I would love an honest review and mpg figures of a more realistic choice and petrol and diesel automatics.

[@driversseat659]

Hi Gordon. Would love to give that info to you but Mini only had the top-of-the-range models available at the launch in either two or four-wheel driver (ALL4). My understanding is that the Cooper is very similar to the Cooper S in terms or ride and handling.

[@williamchanchan7845]

This car is for mini man or huge guy?

[@barca2324]

I own the last JCW and it does feel peppy off the line but after 3 years I am really tired of the suspension. It's fun to drive but a pain on bad roads.

[@driversseat659]

barca2324 Hi there. It'll be interesting what the new JCW is like. Might be a bit of the same again with spirited performance and a hard ride.

[@rudymaertens1611]

i had the basic cooper 1.5 petrol for a 48 hour test drive and i liked the countryman. i averaged 40mpg, but i live in a very hilly area... it made me realise that the countryman is the car for me, just not the 1.5 FWD... if you don't have hills it may be the car for you... Call mini and book a 48 hour test drive... you won't regret it

[@sbomorse]

I've just ordered my Cooper D. I'm getting the dealer to remove the 'COUNTRYMAN' badge off the rear. Looks stupid.

[@tanyaerasmus128]

Hi Samuel. What type of fuel consumption are you getting on your Cooper D?

[@LiveTorsionParadoxTo]

Aaaaah! What happened?! Was there some kind of explosion ? Did the design team get drunk?

[@driversseat659]

Live-Torsion-Paradox 😂😂. It does look more rugged that its predecessor, though. Assuming that’s a good thing.