Mini unveils new Countryman

Biggest ever Mini takes aim at VW Golf and Audi Q3

(Mini)

The original Mini was just over ten feet long. These days we have to talk metric, so at 4.3 metres the new Countryman is coming on for half as long again.

This makes it the least mini Mini ever. It looks less Twiggy and more Chuck Norris, too, and while we’re on the subject of aggression its manufacturer says it’s now taking aim at everything from the Volkswagen Golf to the Audi Q3.

So is it a hatch or a crossover? The correct answer is that it doesn’t matter, because people don’t think like that any more. But the base model will cost £22,465 and the SD All4 range-topper, which definitely sounds like a thing with a bit of the SUV to it, will go vaulting up to £29,565.

That’s a hefty sum, and to convince you it’s worth paying the new Countryman will have more upmarket cabin materials than ever. You still get the trademark retro-ish dash, but lest you be thinking of buying something more staid instead it’s a little more sober in this family-friendly Mini. Which is ironic, as families have children in them and children like to smile and laugh, but whereas Minis used to be all about that this one seems more interested in making you nod with appreciation.

The extra space in the back will certainly make you do that. And you’ll still be able to personalise it to within an inch of its life, or yours – Mini’s marketing people think most buyers will spice it up with the Chili option pack, adding climate, LEDs, sports seats and a drive mode dial to the car. And £2980 to the bill.

Something else you’ll be able to do is drive it up a kerb. The All4 treatment will be available across the whole of the engine range, which shows a bit of intent. Said engines are 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrol units with 136 and 192bhp respectively, and a 2.0-litre diesel with a choice of 150 and 190bhp outputs.

There’ll also be a hybrid coming along next autumn. In the meantime, the new Countryman is yours to own from February.

AUTOCAR