The 2017 Mini Countryman has been completely redesigned and now features a new look, improved engines, and an upgraded, more spacious interior. The base front-wheel-drive Cooper trim is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (134 horsepower, 162 pound-feet of torque) that is paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive Countryman All4 is fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
It is with relief that Mini has confirmed it will not be producing another Paceman, the two-door pseudo-coupe sister of the Countryman crossover, due to its lack of buyers. We suggest it be laid to rest with a garlic-filled coffin and a stake through its heart.
The 2017 Countryman is now the most expensive Mini, apart from performance specials, and its range-topping purpose is bolstered by a substantial increase in size. The original Countryman was large in comparison to the Mini Hardtop of the time, but still too small for compact-crossover standards. Customers told Mini's designers they wanted it to be bigger and more practical, which explains the new Countryman's 8.5-inch increase in length and 2.9-inch increase in wheelbase.
At first glance, the second-generation Mini Countryman appears to have been designed with little more than a scale conversion from the previous model. Its plastic wheel-arch cladding and limited ground clearance denote that it is more of a mall-grade SUV than an off-road vehicle. However, beneath its exterior lies a new front-wheel-drive architecture, the UKL2 platform, which is also found in the BMW X1.
In the US, the Countryman is equipped with two engines shared with other Mini models. The base Cooper is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine producing 134 horsepower, while the Cooper S has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 horsepower. Diesel options are not available in the US, however a more powerful 228-hp John Cooper Works version and a plug-in-hybrid Cooper S E will be released later in the year. Front-wheel-drive is standard, with part-time ALL4 all-wheel drive available as an option for both the Cooper and S trims. Buyers can choose between a six- or eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. During the launch in England, the only car available for driving was a fully-loaded Cooper S ALL4 with an eight-speed automatic.
The Countryman's cabin is more spacious and comfortable than its predecessor's, with improved craftsmanship and ergonomic design. The central binnacle houses the circular navigation screen, a styling cue intended to attract millennials. The raised driving position, typical of a crossover, provides plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. There is 18 cubic feet of luggage volume beneath the hatch when the seats are in place, and 48 cubes when they are stowed.
The new Countryman drives as expected; like a larger, heavier Mini with improved ride height. It handles better than its predecessor, with increased suppleness that helps to smooth out moderate bumps without being thrown off track. BMW's chassis engineers have seemingly implemented the "go-kart handling" formula for tuning a Mini, with immediate steering response that does not align with its crossover character. It dives for apexes with minimal steering input, but lacks the engagement and adjustability of the smaller Minis. At cruising speed, it is loud, allowing an unexpected amount of road and wind noise into the cabin.
The 2.0-liter engine in the Cooper S offers adequate power, however its 3671-pound curb weight limits its performance. The three-cylinder engine is likely to feel relatively sluggish, and the eight-speed automatic transmission helps the S feel brisk in most circumstances, but its lack of power is revealed when pushed harder. Those seeking a truly rapid Countryman will have to wait for the John Cooper Works version.
Reasonable prices and a generous list of standard features, such as a panoramic glass sunroof and leatherette upholstery, are likely to contribute to the Countryman's success. Despite its flaws, it may be more deserving of its success than its lackluster predecessor, which accounted for a quarter of Mini's U.S. sales last year. The Countryman still attempts to bridge the streams of crossover and performance hatchback, but it is likable and bigger than before, which may be enough for many potential buyers.