Consumer Reports New Cars – November 2019

LUXURY

ENTRY-LEVEL SUV

Mini

Countryman

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CR.ORG/CARS NEW CARS 25

THE COUNTRYMAN IS the
biggest Mini yet, but this little
SUV still retains the charm
and fun-to-drive character
the brand is known for.
The Countryman is agile
thanks to its quick steering
and taut suspension, a
combination that makes this
larger Mini fun to drive. The
ride is firm, however, and
may seem out of place when
compared to other SUVs in
the same price range.
With an optional 189-hp,
2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder
engine and eight-speed
automatic, the Countryman S
feels zippy and responsive,
too—and that pep is
punctuated by a distinct
exhaust sound. There’s also
a plug-in hybrid model and
a zippy 301-hp John Cooper
Works version.
We got 25 mpg overall on
premium fuel from our tested
car, which was also equipped
with all-wheel drive. The
infotainment system can be
controlled by a knob or an
optional touch screen. Apple
CarPlay is available, but
Android Auto is not. Although
Mini’s signature chrome-
tipped toggle switches still
control some features, most
frequently used controls use
more conventional buttons
and knobs.
Even though this is a Mini,
the driver gets a decent
amount of room. The optional
power driver seat adds a
measure of luxury, and the
seat itself is very supportive,
even for the long haul. The
rear seat has plenty of room

for two adults, although

three would feel cramped.

Cargo space is limited, but

the rear seats slide forward

and back to enable more

space for passengers, stuff,

or both.

Wind noise is pronounced

at highway speeds and the

engine makes itself known

under heavy acceleration,

but overall noise levels aren’t

bothersome.

Surprisingly, the 2019

Countryman lacks standard

advanced safety features, and

BSW isn’t even available.

At this price, those omissions

are notable.

BEST VERSION TO GET

We would go with

a Cooper S All4,

because entry-

level models with

a three-cylinder

engine may not

be as satisfying

to drive as the

Cooper S, with

its more powerful

four-cylinder

engine. Make sure

to add optional

FCW and AEB

(both will come

standard in 2020).

VITAL STATS

OVERALL

SCORE

ROAD-TEST

SCORE

Price as tested

$39,535

Trim line S All4

Drivetrain 189-hp,

2.0-liter 4-cyl.

turbo engine;

8-speed automatic

transmission; AWD

Overall fuel

economy 25 mpg

Reasons to Buy

Agile and fun to

drive

Mini looks with

maximum space

Reasons to Skip

Important safety

features either

cost extra or aren’t

available

Limited cargo

space

Harsh ride

10 02 30 04 05

WORSE BETTER

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