what is the entry level worth?

With the upcoming arrival of its little brother called Aceman, the new generation of Countryman has plenty of room to expand in order to better serve families. Designed on the platform of its cousin the BMW A sure value, but what about the Mini spirit?

How far away the days when Mini made Minis seem! The Countryman is certainly the best symbol of this changing era. No less than 33 cm separate the model launched in 2010 from the third generation today on test (4.44 m). The Countryman has become a true compact SUV, now playing in the ranks of the Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and BMW X1. Logical since it shares its platform and the majority of its engines with its Bavarian cousin: gasoline of 170, 218 and 300 hp (C, S and JCW), a Diesel of 163 hp (D) and even electric motors for the first time, with the E and SE versions with 204 and 313 hp respectively. Just about everyone should find something to suit them. After our test of the sulphurous JCW version, we were interested in the entry-level petrol version called Countryman C, which is expected to account for the majority of sales.

Good to know: anticipate the purchase and resale.

It is possible to know the resale or trade-in value of your vehicle using the Turbo auto rating of your Mini Countryman, the alternative to the Argus rating.

Mini Countryman – Too big?

Several observations immediately jump out when meeting the new generation of Countryman. The first obviously concerns its size which has become much more imposing. How long it seems! In fact, the proportions stretch while the curves of the body lose roundness. We thus notice that the glass surfaces become more vertical and that the wheels are no longer really at the four ends of the body with the imposing rear overhang. In short, habitability is now clearly favored over originality and sex appeal.

However, the charm continues to act through the stylistic codes of the brand. THE new look in particular (now Matrix LED) becomes more square, but still nice, combined with the imposing grille with rounded edges. We also find the contrasting roof now incorporating a floating rear pillar. While on the tailgate side, the still very vertical headlights display a customizable light signature (three types). No doubt, the Countryman has clearly become more gentrified, today it focuses on a certain elegance, but it remains clearly identifiable within the Mini range.

Mini Countryman – Still very original!

With an exterior style that has become so serious, the contrast is all the more striking once on board where we discover an environment in the style of what we expect from a modern Mini. Ultra fun and original! However, compared to previous generations, the furniture has been completely revised with a particularly refined dashboard, now devoid of instrumentation block. This is replaced by a simple retractable translucent screenon which the information necessary for driving is reflected like a heads-up display.

An excellent idea to give pride of place to a superb central screen of 24 cm in diameter, using OLED technology. The centerpiece of the passenger compartment, this round and very thin screen is as fluid as it is contrasty, but also customizable as desired (see our slideshow) for a totally exclusive à la carte atmosphere. Never seen before in the category, or anywhere else. We love it, as do some finishing details, like the small fabric strap serving as a vertical branch at the bottom of the steering wheel. The ignition, transmission and drive mode switches are also very nice. Just like the dashboard covered in fabric in harmony with the color of the bodywork and upholstery (see door panels). Even the seats feature a particularly chic design. In short, cool premium! It’s a shame that the presence of some unflattering rigid plastics in the lower part tarnishes the picture a little. As it turns out, Mini hadn’t accustomed us to that. And it’s completely different aboard a BMW X1.

That said, nothing is missing in use for traveling comfortably with the family, with numerous small storage spaces and a sliding central armrest, very practical given the relatively dominant and vertical driving position. At the rear, the increase in legroom (+4 cm) and headroom (+10 cm) makes it possible to accommodate occupants better than ever, while integrating a large panoramic sunroof. There 40/20/40 split bench, reclining 12 degrees and sliding 13 cm allows you to adjust the loading volume from 460 to 1,450 liters. So plenty to do.

Mini Countryman – Is it a BMW X1 then?

On the mechanical side, we see that our small 170 hp 1.5 turbo three-cylinder fits perfectly with the dynamic spirit of the Countryman. The 48V micro-hybridization integrated into the DKG7 box proves to be very sensitive during starts and acceleration phases. Pleasant. And with a rather generous maximum torque of 280 Nm, the revs are voluntary, the extension is astonishing, and we even find a slightly angry character. A rational choice in view of performance (0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 s) and consumption approved at 5.8 l/100 km in the WLTP combined cycle (observed at 6.8 l/100 km on average). Enough to limit the penalty (from 400 to 1,074 euros depending on the equipment). Our Countryman escapes the weight tax thanks to its hybridization.

Good news: even with the entry-level engine, the Mini philosophy is also found quite well when driving. Indeed, the fairly stiff suspension makes our 1,620 kg Countryman more agile than it seems. The lateral support is sufficient to provide the expected dynamism in town. No miracle however with such a high ride height which implies a little roll in curves during dynamic driving. At the limits of the chassis we also detect some small losses of traction. Those who still consider the Countryman as a small sporty SUV would benefit from looking at the S and JCW (4WD) versions. For others, this C version represents an excellent everyday compromise, with its damping digesting road irregularities very well. By giving up the pretty 19-inch rims, it is even possible to significantly improve comfort.

Mini Countryman – Prices

Obviously, the prices of the new Countryman rise proportionally with the increase in its size. Inflation is significant with a price starting from 40,000 euros. But its new competitors, Audi Q3, Mercedes GLA and BMW There is no chance of hesitating, as the services vary so much. The Countryman clearly remains a Mini at heart, so a very divisive model.