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What’s it like?
As the name suggests, MINIs have never been massive, but in 2010, the Countryman came along to change all that. A more practical take on the MINI design, it became a bit of a hit for the BMW-owned brand and established itself as a key part of the line-up. By 2016, the Countryman was due an update, and the second-generation car was unveiled, hitting Irish roads in 2017. Promising a choice of powertrains, a more modern design and eventually a hybrid system, it cemented the Countryman’s place as a true family SUV contender, and a challenger to the likes of the VW Tiguan, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Volvo XC40.
Which model to go for?
Buyers were offered a wide range of engine and trim options with the Countryman, but arguably the most attractive for many will be the Cooper S E plug-in hybrid model. Combining a three-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, it had 224hp and a sensible all-electric range, but it was far from the only choice. MINI also offered Cooper versions with either a 136hp petrol engine or a 150hp diesel engine, and Cooper S models with either a 192hp petrol powerplant or a 190hp diesel motor. The All4 all-wheel-drive system was available as an option, and customers could choose between manual and automatic transmissions on some variants.
For those with an eye on performance, meanwhile, the Countryman was offered in John Cooper Works (JCW) form with an even more powerful 2.0-litre petrol engine and all-wheel drive. Before the car was updated in 2020, that version produced 231hp, but that increased to 306hp at the turn of the decade.
Standard equipment wasn’t necessarily that generous, especially on early Cooper (as opposed to Cooper S) models, so look carefully at any adverts to ensure the options you want have been specified. Front parking sensors, for example, are a desirable feature that did not come as standard.
It’s also worth looking into wheel sizes and specifications, because though the Countryman is fun to drive, it isn’t especially comfortable, and examples with big wheels are likely to be even firmer than basic versions. Especially if they also come with run-flat tyres. And buyers of the hybrid should be aware that it’s less practical than combustion-engined examples.
Does anything go wrong?
MINI has a fairly solid reputation for reliability, and the brand’s parent company, BMW is equally well regarded, so the Countryman should stand up pretty well compared with its rivals. However, like so many cars, it has its problems, and we’ve heard reports of some early plug-in hybrids being delivered without charging cables. They can also get lost over time, so if you’re buying a hybrid Countryman, check the charging lead is present and correct. It’s also worth checking the underside of the car – especially if it’s an all-wheel-drive All4 model – to see whether it’s suffered any damage from off-roading. The car’s ground clearance is adequate for light off-roading, but it’s no Land Rover.
MINI has only issued one Countryman recall – due to a problem with the seat belts – since the car’s introduction, so as long as that work has been completed, you shouldn’t have too much trouble.