MINI Countryman C Review: MINI State Of Mind

There was a time when owning a MINI meant squeezing into something delightfully compact, revelling in the idea that you were driving a car that thumbed its nose at excess. The new MINI Countryman C, however, has other ideas; this third-generation Countryman has grown so substantially that calling it “MINI” now feels more like a… philosophical position, than a physical truth.

Let’s talk numbers, because they tell a rather revealing story. The previous Countryman (codename F60) measured 4,299mm in length, 1,822mm in width and 1,557mm in height, riding on a 2,670mm wheelbase. The new Countryman (codename U25) stretches that to 4,444mm long, 1,843mm wide and a towering 1,661mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,692mm. In other words, it has grown in every direction that matters, and then some. Park it next to the old car and the difference is immediately obvious; this is now, firmly, midsize SUV territory.

And here’s the kicker: Mechanically, this Countryman is essentially a BMW X1. Same UKL2 platform, similar underpinnings, and broadly comparable proportions. Yet, where the X1 plays the role of the sensible German all-rounder, the Countryman dresses itself in far more playful attire - rounded edges, upright stance and distinctive MINI design cues ensure it still turns heads, even if it’s now doing so at a considerably higher eye level.

Practically Speaking

That increase in size pays real dividends inside. The cabin is properly spacious, and for small families in Singapore, this is a genuinely usable daily driver. Rear seat passengers are treated to generous headroom and legroom, helped no doubt by the longer wheelbase. Comfort levels are commendable, and thoughtful touches such as rear air-conditioning vents and phone charging points make life easier for those seated behind.

The 450-litre boot, too, deserves mention. It’s wide, deep and easily accommodates family paraphernalia, grocery runs or weekend luggage. Lift the boot floor and… tadaa… there’s an additional under-floor compartment which is ideal for hiding away dirty shoes or the assorted odds and ends that, well, tend to accumulate in family cars. Practicality is no longer a MINI compromise; it’s a MINI selling point.

Which makes one omission rather baffling though. At S$268,000, the absence of a panoramic roof or sunroof feels difficult to justify. For a family-oriented SUV, this is exactly the sort of feature children adore, especially during early morning or evening drives. It’s a missed opportunity, and one that potential buyers will certainly notice.

Powering It

Under the bonnet sits the BMW group's familiar 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine. With 121 bhp and 230 Nm of torque, it’s no fire-breather, nor does it pretend to be. What it does do, however, is move this near-1.5-tonne SUV with adequate conviction. Paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, daily driving is smooth and fuss-free, with the drivetrain making the most of what power is available rather than chasing outright performance.

Fuel efficiency is respectable too. MINI quotes a combined cycle figure of 14.7 km/L. In the real world, over almost 400 km driven across half a week, we achieved 12.9 km/L. In today’s context - and given Singapore’s traffic realities - that’s a decent showing, and a useful data point if you’re seriously considering this model.

Handling is where the Countryman quietly impresses. Realistically, most owners will never explore its limits, but should you find yourself on a winding stretch of road, the car feels more capable than expected. Yes, body roll is present - it’s a tall SUV after all - but it’s well controlled. Steering feedback is largely positive, offering enough confidence without feeling nervous. Braking performance is equally reassuring, though the brakes can feel a little bitey if you’re not accustomed to the MINI way of doing things.

In A Nutshell

So, is the new MINI Countryman C still a MINI? In spirit, perhaps. In size, certainly not.

But what it is, unquestionably, is a competent, spacious and thoughtfully packaged SUV that blends BMW engineering with MINI personality. It may have outgrown its original brief, but in doing so, it has found a new one - and it fulfils it rather well.

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

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