Review of Mini Countryman C Classic 2024

A look at the new country people knowing is enough small got its mojo back.

It was instantly recognizable, but there was something… different about it. Details are sharper and more confident, resulting in an overall less blotchy look.

There’s more going on here than just an exterior overhaul. Under the skin, the new Countryman rides on a new platform shared with the latest version BMW X1 designed to bring a more mature driving experience than before.

Along with a full suite of driver assistance features, something sorely lacking in the previous model, it has a flashy interior reminiscent of the first New Mini under BMW ownership and, by extension, the original legendary version.

While there may be a new electric Countryman, the Countryman E and SE are not yet available in Australia. Instead, the three-cylinder Countryman C is leading the way – how does it fare?

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How much does Mini Countryman cost?

The Countryman starts under $50,000 in Australia, and so does the mid-range Classic being tested here $52,990 before on-roads with an extensive list of standard equipment.

Price does not include on-road costs

To see how the Mini Countryman stacks up against the competition, take a look comparison tool.

What’s inside the Mini Countryman?

Mini has always produced interesting interiors, but the new Countryman takes it to the next level.

We often talk about gallery appeal. The giant circular display combined with some really interesting design and materials details sets it apart from the competition at first glance, which will immediately have buyers on the edge of their seats. not at peace.

Key brand touchpoints such as the small toggle switch at the base of the dashboard return for 2024, while the steering wheel has a unique design compared to the BMW X1 on which it is based.

There’s plenty of space up front, with generously padded armchairs for the driver and passenger. Large drivers will have no trouble getting comfortable, and the seating position offers a commanding view of other traffic through the upright windscreen.

Instead of a small car dressed up in SUV clothes, it feels more like a purpose-built crossover.

The circular touchscreen looks cool but takes some getting used to. Climate controls and additional gauges sit around the edges, while your main infotainment functions are located in the middle.

BMW deserves credit for trying to make all the graphics and animations unique, and the range of themes for the system are typically Mini touch. I especially like the layout which gives you a classic speedometer in the middle of the car.

However, there are some annoying problems with the system. For example, to unlock the full functionality of the digital assistant, which can be activated with the Hey Mini, you need to log in to an online account.

It’s not quite the same as pay-to-play heated seats, but it is another example of technology holding drivers hostage. This time, Euro NCAP didn’t even ask for it.

It can also be difficult to figure out how to access certain functions, which are buried in the same maze of menus you get in other BMW products, but with an added layer of cuteness.

While we’re groaning, the pop-up head-up display hides behind the steering wheel, where the instrument binnacle often looks cheap and uncomfortable, and it’s hard to tell if you’re proportioned properly. Clumsy or not. Since this is a brand new car, it’s strange that Mini didn’t go to the trouble of projecting it onto the windshield.

Storage space up front is a big step up from the last car. There’s no conventional bin in the middle, but you do get a small bin between the seats that allows you to hide valuables. You also have cup holders and spacious door compartments for bottles. The wireless phone charger below the dashboard is powered by dual USB-C ports.

Rear-seat space is a significant improvement here compared to the last Countryman. This is a truly usable SUV, with space for full-grown adults in the back… as long as the driver isn’t an Olympic basketball player.

Tall teens will be comfortable back there, and there’s plenty of headroom despite the panoramic sunroof on our Classic tester. Features a USB-C port and air vents, as well as a fold-down center armrest and vertical window that create a rather airy feel inside.

However, it is worth noting that the rear door opening is relatively small. Getting a child into a rear-facing seat is more difficult and means anyone with limited mobility needs to be a bit more flexible to climb in or out.

ISOFIX points are fitted on the outboard rear seats and there are three top tether points for child seats in the rear. The bench also slides to free up more storage space.

Mini officially quotes the boot capacity figure of 500 litersextended to 1450 liters with the second row seats folded.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Countryman’s basic engine is shared with entry-level versions of the BMW X1 – it’s a powerful little three-cylinder that produces 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque.

How does the Mini Countryman drive?

The Countryman C’s engine cannot be mistaken for anything but a three-cylinder.

It has an unusual, thumping sound that resonates into the cabin as you drive around town, but it’s more endearing than annoying. It’s a pretty willing engine too, with plenty of torque low down through the rev range to get you started and rolling in traffic.

There’s a bit of hesitation from the dual-clutch transmission, especially when you engage the auto start/stop mode. It takes a beat to start the engine and engage, which feels like a yawn if you’re trying to rush through an intersection.

When you’re rolling, the transmission is smooth and intelligent. Despite its small capacity and average output, there’s plenty of punch under your right foot for punching into gaps in traffic.

It’s confident enough to hold gear when you’re not in a hurry and intelligently step on the accelerator when you need more.

Ride quality is affordable for a small SUV that isn’t intended to put the sport in the Sport Utility Vehicle category.

It glides smoothly over pock-marked city streets and has a slightly springy feel that helps cushion big potholes or speed bumps in a way its predecessor couldn’t.

Combined with light steering, solid visibility through the upright windows and an impressive suite of cameras and sensors, the comfortable ride makes for a capable urban SUV.

At 4444mm long, the Countryman is only slightly longer Kia Seltos. That makes it easier to fit into tight parking spaces.

It’s not just a one-trick pony. Even with its small three-cylinder engine, the new Countryman is better on the highway than before thanks to its more mature platform, shared with the latest BMW X1.

The body has been stabilized well at the legal limit and you finally get the full range of active driver assistance features in the Countryman. That fixes one of the previous model’s biggest shortcomings.

With adaptive cruise control and active lane-centering borrowed from BMW, it now maintains a certain distance from the car in front and proactively works to ensure that you’re in your seat. right in the middle of the white line. It’s technology that has long been available on rivals, but has been noticeably absent from the Mini range.

The ride remains well controlled, but the three-cylinder engine needs to work hard to pass or over hills with a family on board. Road noise is reduced better than before, although there’s still a bit of wind rustling from the vertical windshield pillars and mirrors.

Tire noise is still noticeable on highways in rough-chip country, as is often the case in European cars.

What do you get?

The Countryman C Classic is a mid-spec version of the entry-level powertrain.

Core standard equipment:

• 18-inch Asteroid silver alloy wheels
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high beam
• LED tail lights
• The rear trunk supports hands-free
• The color of the body or rearview mirrors and hood is pure black
• 9.4-inch OLED touch screen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Mini smart personal assistant
• Sound system 6 speakers
• Dual-zone climate control
• Keyless entry and push-button start
• Classic Decorative Design Elements with Piano Black Accents
• Sports steering wheel
• Sports seats
• Upholstered in gray/blue or black/blue fabric

Classic adds:

• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Mini augmented reality navigation
• Front heated seats
• Adaptive cruise control
• Parking Assist Plus
• Surrounding camera
• Steering and lane control assistant
• Interior cameras

Is Mini Countryman safe?

The 2024 Mini Countryman has not been crash tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP at this stage. The BMW X1 concerned received a 5-star rating based on testing carried out in 2022.

All Countryman variants are equipped with the following safety equipment:

• Automatic emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane change warning
• Exit warning
• Rear cross-traffic warning
• Smart emergency call
• Prevent rear collisions
• Front sensor
• Reverse the camera

The higher-spec Classic variants add:

• Adaptive cruise control
• Parking assistant
• Surrounding camera
• Automatic speed limiter
• Interior cameras
• Drive burner

How much does it cost to run a Mini Countryman?

The Countryman is powered by the same 5 year warranty, unlimited km offered across the Mini range.

CarExpert takes on this role Small hometown people

The new Countryman is the Mini at its best, taking an ordinary car and turning it into something a little more special.

There’s also more value behind the style than ever, with a more spacious interior featuring the most exciting interior tech you can buy in Australia for $50,000.

You’ll still pay more for a Mini than for a more conventional, more practical mid-size SUV, but there’s enough here to justify the higher price.

The Classic tested here is considered a worthwhile upgrade over the basic Core, as it brings a healthy helping of luxury and added security to the table.

Is a three-cylinder engine enough? If you spend most of your time jogging at school, the answer is yes.

But if you want to make the most of the extra space offered here and hit the highway, the extra money for the four-cylinder is what we’d spend.

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