The Countryman is the largest model of the MINI, and the second-generation Countryman on sale is larger than the previous generation, with little change in width and height, but due to the switch to the UKL platform of the BMW X1, the wheelbase has been lengthened by 75mm (2670mm) and the length has also increased by more than 200mm (4313mm), which is well represented in the rear legroom.
 
After this generation of Countryman switched to the UKL platform, the engine layout is front transverse, and there are two versions sold in China, one is Cooper, equipped with BMW Group B38 three-cylinder engine, with Aisin 6AT automatic transmission, and the drive mode is divided into front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive; The other version is the Cooper S, which is powered by a B48 2.0T engine paired with an Aisin transverse 8AT automatic transmission, and the drive mode is unified with all-wheel drive.
 
We don't recommend the three-cylinder model of the BMW X1, because the shake is really not easy to accept, and on the Countryman, although it is still the same three-cylinder engine, it does a much better job of isolating vibration than the X1, at least the vibration will not be transmitted to the cabin through the steering wheel and gear lever, which is within the acceptable range in daily driving. The working conditions that are more prone to jitter are mainly low-speed and high-load, such as starting on slopes, accelerating floor oil, etc.
 
The four-cylinder model is relatively perfect, the engine has plenty of output power (192Ps), and the overall performance of the Aisin 8AT is also very good, but when you want to speed up and change lanes at low speeds, the gearbox will have a slight response delay, and if there is no manufacturer to focus on tuning, the Aisin 8AT problem is more common.
 
The chassis tuning of the Countryman maintains the tonality of the previous MINI models, its suspension is generally stiff, coupled with the harder sidewall of the depressurized running tires, which faithfully reflects the road information, and there will be obvious bounce when passing through some potholes, which is too bumpy for household needs, and also lacks the sense of luxury that a luxury brand should have, but the Countryman is significantly better supported than the X1 when cornering, and the roll is very small. For users who pursue driving, this kind of real and direct feedback, and the support of cornering, are all advantages of Countryman. If it is a four-wheel drive model, the traction in corners has been improved to a certain extent, and it is very fun to drive.
 
The Countryman's level of sound insulation is only average at this level, with the main sources of noise being high-speed wind noise and engine noise. The cause of wind noise is related to the exterior design, and an overly individual appearance can compromise on aerodynamics. The other sound is different, the sound from the sports exhaust, which can provide a sporty atmosphere for those who like to drive, but the domestic demand will feel that it is a source of noise.
 
The interior of the Countryman retains a lot of circular design, including the center console, instrument panel, etc., but while pursuing individuality, it arranges the functional buttons very reasonably, which is no different from an ordinary family car, and the difficulty of getting started is very low, and there is no situation like some French cars looking for a button for a long time. The workmanship materials are also in line with the consistent level of MINI, and the sense of grade is better than that of BMW X1, but the storage space in the front row is similar to that of other MINI models, except for the cup holder and the small armrest box in the center, there is nothing else.
 
The central multimedia is equipped with an 8.8-inch LCD screen as standard, which is also very sincere among luxury brands, which can be controlled by touch, or with a knob similar to BMW iDrive, and the multi-function steering wheel can also control some functions. Although there will be some learning costs at the beginning, the logic is clear after getting used to it, and it is more intuitive than BMW's latest iDrive.
 
The rear space has been increased due to the wheelbase and length, so it is already on par with the BMW X1, and there is a lot of room for movement in the head and legs. The rear seats can be adjusted forward to increase the trunk volume, the backrest angle can also be adjusted, and the seat cushion length is sufficient, which provides sufficient thigh support. The disadvantage is that the width of the car is slightly limited, and it can be a bit crowded for three adults at the same time, but it is no problem to cope with short trips.
 
The rest of the MINI models lacked good reliability performance, and the same was true of the previous generation Countryman, but in recent years, BMW has improved in terms of quality control, and the main engine transmission oil leakage problem has been improved by replacing the B series engine, and the second generation Countryman uses the Aisin transmission, and the reliability is not too much of a problem. After the application of the 2 Series, X1 and Countryman, the UKL chassis has not had a large area of common problems for the time being. The most common failures on Countryman come from the car's electronic systems, which were higher than average in a U.S. Consumer Reports survey.
 
In terms of safety, Countryman received a 5-star rating in the E-NCAP and A-NCAP crash tests, and a full distinction in the major crash category at the IIHS, but did not participate in the co-pilot small offset collision, and the headlights only won the Marginal and did not win the TSP award.
MINI Countryman review report