Ian Lamming lifts the gloom in Mini’s latest Countryman
DUSK began half an hour ago and only the sky clings on precariously to the last vestiges of light.
At ground level it’s dark and dank, the jagged teeth of drystone walls either side seemingly pressing upon the Mini’s lustrous bodywork. It’s only 5pm but under the canopy of raggy leaves it may as well be the middle of the night.
To those who dwell under perpetual LED lighting, in our towns and cities, the prospect of artery narrow country lanes could be daunting.
But the Countryman, as the name suggests, revels in these rural conditions and is set for a mini adventure.
This largest of the Mini family is stocky and robust, ideal for country dwellers and perfectly suited to the conditions.
The SUV is solid and comfortingly large, with high set seating position to clear the views from the tops of walls. But it is also surprisingly compact and agile, its squared off profile well suited to the tight conditions because the driver also knows where lie its extremities.
The chunkiest steering wheel I have ever used sits warmly in the palms, especially when the heating element is activated. And the rack is positive and sharp allowing for the safest of lines to be tracked through treacherous pinch-points. One wrong slip and the serrated slate would open a wing like a tin opener exposes a can of sardines.
Puddles and leafy detritus cover asphalt like the moss clinging to the soggiest of walls. Yet large wheels and extra ride height clear the debris with a squelch and a crack from the autumnal fall. And progress is quicker than you would imagine because the LED headlamps illuminate the track as if it was day, especially on full beam. A crazed rabbit owes its life to these lights as the headlamps pick out its manic run, bouncing from wall to wall like a deranged pinball, allowing me to brake in time.
With the unclassified lanes out of the way and back on A road terra firma it’s time to appreciate the Mini’s stunning interior; great by day, it is at its best at night thanks to amazing graphics and beautiful ambient lighting. The effect combines to do something special, bringing a calmness and serenity to your being.
The head-up display is projected on to a small eye-level screen, on the fascia not the windscreen, leaving the surroundings inky black so not to distract from your driving.
The rest of the action appears on a slender, diner plate-sized circular touchscreen in the centre of the dash. It’s a feast for the eyes with some of the best graphics I have ever seen. Play around with the ‘experience’ switch and the various effects are compulsive to use. The touchscreen is also welcomingly sensitive to the touch and incredibly intuitive to operate. The final touch is the soft-glow backlit trim on the dash. There’s no real practical need for it but it is just lovely to look at, as is the rest of the trim which is funky and distinctive.
Countryman is powered by a 1.5 litre three cylinder petrol motor with a mild hybrid to help the load. Performance is more than enough for most conditions with 62mph coming up in a creditable 8.6 seconds and enough mid-range for safe overtakes.
Ride is Mini firm as you might expect but this translates to accomplished handling and you will enjoy flinging it into bends knowing it has the grip and tracking ability to safely negotiate the manoeuvre. Brakes are exceptionally powerful and the automatic gearbox is responsive and smooth. Economy is decent at around the 45mpg mark.
Being the largest Mini, if that isn’t a contradiction of terms, means space is in the abundance in the cabin and in the boot. There are good size door pockets and a useful oddments box with a lid between the front seats. The central armrest slides for adjustment purposes, there are a couple of cupholders and a neat storage tray for your phone that doubles up as an induction charger.
All in all the Mini is smart, especially in smoky green with 20in alloys, and accomplished and should beat the opposition by a country mile.
Fact File
Mini Countryman
Engine: 1.5 three cylinder mild hybrid
Power: 168hp
0-62mph: 8.3secs
Top speed: 105
Transmission: automatic
MPG: 45
CO2 g/km: 145
Prices from £28,500, £40,300 as tested
