There mightn’t be anything particularly miniature about the Mini Countryman but it gives the small car brand an entry into the booming SUV market. Therefore, it needs to stay fresh.
For 2021, Mini has treated its SUV to some minor updates. It can be distinguished by the reworked LED headlights and Mini’s trademark Union Jack tail lights and new bumpers and wheel designs.
Inside the Countryman’s cabin, there’s a revised infotainment binnacle and a new 5.5-inch digital instrument cluster.
There are some tweaks under the skin to improve emissions, while the Hybrid Countryman now has a larger battery for improved electric range.
Diesel models are gone but the range-topping John Cooper Works has now been joined by a Pure variant, which goes without some of the full-zoot JCW’s niceties like its adaptive suspension and Harman/Kardon sound system.
The cost of entry into the Countryman range has increased by $2300, while prices are also up for the Cooper S and Hybrid (+$3700).
Pricing
- 2021 Mini Cooper Countryman: $44,500
- 2021 Mini Cooper S Countryman: $52,900
- 2021 Mini Hybrid Countryman: $60,900
- 2021 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman Pure: $61,915
- 2021 Mini John Cooper Works Countryman: $67,818
All prices exclude on-road costs.
Engines
The 2021 Mini Countryman is available with four different powertrains.
The base Cooper uses a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 100kW of power and 220Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The Cooper S uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 141kW of power and 280Nm of torque, also mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The Hybrid mates a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine with a 9.6kWh battery and an electric motor on the rear axle. Combined outputs are 162kW of power and 385Nm of torque.
Cooper and Cooper S models are front-wheel drive while Hybrid and John Cooper Works models are all-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy
The 2021 Mini Countryman consumes 6.3L/100km on the combined cycle in the Cooper, 6.7L/100km in the Cooper S, 2.4L/100km in the Hybrid and 7.6L/100km in the John Cooper Works models.
The plug-in Hybrid has an electric-only range of 61km.
All models require 95RON premium unleaded fuel except the John Cooper Works models, which require 98RON premium unleaded.
Dimensions
The 2021 Mini Countryman measures 4297mm long, 1822mm wide and 1557mm tall.
Luggage space is 450L, or 405L in the Hybrid.
Safety
The Countryman has a five-star rating from ANCAP in 2017. That rating was based on an adult occupant protection score of 90 per cent, a child occupant protection score of 80 per cent, a vulnerable road user protection score of 64 per cent and a safety assist score of 51 per cent.
All 2021 Countryman models come standard with city-speed autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision warning, as well as traffic sign recognition, anti-lock brakes and six airbags.
Standard Equipment
The base Cooper comes standard with the following equipment:
- 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay, satellite navigation and DAB+ digital radio
- Wireless phone charging
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go
- 5.5-inch digital instrument cluster
- Six-speaker sound system
- LED headlights, fog lights and tail lights
- Proximity entry with push-button start
- Power tailgate
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Leatherette front sports seats
- Reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors
- Semi-autonomous parking assist
- Automatic headlights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Dual-zone climate control
The Cooper S and Hybrid add:
- Piano Black exterior trim
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Leather sports seats
- Selectable drive modes
- Heated front seats
The John Cooper Works Pure adds:
- Sports suspension
- Rear spoiler
- Leather/Dinamic sports seats
- Dual exhaust
- Anthracite headliner
The John Cooper Works adds:
- Adaptive suspension
- 19-inch alloy wheels
- Head-up display
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
Servicing
Like the wider Mini range, the Countryman comes with a three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and three years of roadside assistance.
Mini offers a choice of two five-year, 80,000km servicing plans. The basic package costs $1495 ($1550 in JCW models) and covers oil, fluid, filter and spark plug changes.
The Plus package costs $4031 ($4154 for JCWs) and covers brake pad, brake disc, wiper blade and clutch disc and plate replacements.
