Is Mini’s SUV fit enough for families? (Mini Countryman S All4 2024 Review)

Mini’s reimagined Countryman SUV has recently launched in Australia with a more futuristic design outside and complete rethink on the inside. And with 15 variants across five trims levels, there’s a lot of choice on offer.

We check out the entry all-wheel-drive choice, the S All4, that kicks off at $58,990. Our specific Flavoured version, with trick paint and 20-inch wheels, clocks on from $61,990.

Powered by a 150kW/300Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol four, the S All4 Flavoured brings sporting pretensions with the promise of a cracking drive to go along with its sharp styling.

But is it really a fun machine? And, crucially, as Mini’s staple SUV offering, is it practical enough for Aussie family duties? Chasing Cars founder Tom Baker takes it for a spin to find out.

Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
0:13 - Bus sized
0:58 - Pricing
1:26 - Interior
2:00 - Space
2:39 - Seats
3:20 - Tech
4:23 - Material and textures
5:30 - Row two
7:00 - Colour combination
7:35 - Boot space
8:31 - On road
9:30 - Powertrain
10:10 - Chassis
11:00 - Steering
11:50 - Suspension tune
12:42 - All-wheel drive
13:22 - Refinement
14:06 - Verdict

As always, we don’t accept advertising from car manufacturers, and we’re powered by Budget Direct.

Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews, car industry news, comparisons and car guides. We give you a critical look at every new car you should consider!

[sydrob]

I have taken delivery of the Countryman S JCW spec which is the next spec above the one reviewed. Loving it. Saved over $13, 000 on the equivalent spec BMW X1. ❤

[NIGEMMM]

Bought that exact car 2 weeks ago Except I changed the wheels to the stock 19inch option Game changing Love the car great ride and responsive Sound system rocks And has massage seat for driver HELLO !! Generally the car is absolutely fun

[CaiandtheMoose]

An SUV for people who enjoy to drive. Love it.

[hxxxhyyy]

picked up my JCW countryman last week. It is an amazing car with amazing value

[robertluff]

We have mini gen 2 and about to buy this gen 3 model. Many years ago, our family had a 1968 mini bought new. I think now we have to catch the idea that Mini is a brand name and not a description of the car. Brilliant and fun car.

[FunnyDuckGoneMad]

I love 2015 Mini Countryman I can wait to jump into this one too. I love it, so what if it mini-small. I is fun and doesn't look like anything like the a normal person driving around city. And yet, I also buy 1960"s Mini 1st.

[whathashappened]

My wife wanted a car that something not too big and not too small. This one did fit perfectly. We got ours S favoured all4 for 64, 500$ drive away as we used a free car negotiator website. So far loving it. The infotainment is laggy, yes, very laggy. I guess software update can fix it 😊

[noeljohns]

Great to see Tom back. I heard he had left CC? He, and the team are great reviewers.

[chrisgray]

Made on the same production line as BMW X1 in Germany…JCW model is slightly lower to the ground and had a stiffer ride so go for the ‘S’ model

[xolanindlela]

Great and fair review. Please tell me, what color is it?

[AdvExOz]

picking mine up in 2 days time!
excited

[BruceCrossan]

What is the fuel economy on it? Skimmed through this review and did not see it mentioned.

[JoshVinden]

Just ordered in BRG with silver roof and brown interior and 19s not 20s. $14k cheaper than the equivalent X1 and barely any more expensive than a high-spec Toyota/Hyundai/VW/Skoda. Would I have preferred an estate, sure, but a 330i costs over $100k, the Mazda 6 is older than I am and Octavia depreciates like a ton of bricks.

[ObiePaddles]

I wish they’d amen the same concept as the original Countryman which was essentially an estate with those great rear doors.

So basically the length is great and if it hadn’t been so tall (and the tailgate was the door style) then it would have been my ideal mini.

And if it were electric then that would be perfect.

[EzzaLeo]

How does this stack up vs an equivalent Formentor?

[rajTrondhjem]

Does it have the same DCT that the X1 has? I understand that the DCT is quite unrefined at low speeds and reluctant during take off from standstill

[Northern-San]

I like it, it actually seems worth it.

[SumoOzzie]

No spare tyre! It should be illegal in this country of crap roads to sell a car without at least a space saver.

[lucassitanggang]

Mini country Man rival Is Volkswagen T-Roc, Citroën C3 Aircross, Toyota Raize, And Seat Arona. Am I right?

[vindieter]

Stop talking about the size. MINI is a brand with different models.
If you want a small MINI buy a smaller model.