MINI Countryman SE All4 EV is more mature but just as exciting
When MINI introduced their new generation family of cars, it all came as a bit of a shock, pun intended. Gone were the rather cutesy curves, replaced by what MINI calls its “Charismatic Simplicity” design language: cleaner, purer, more futuristic, but without forgetting the classic MINI silhouette, a must. The vertical rear tail lights remain, along with the round headlights (in this case, hexagonal headlights but softly curved), a MINI design cue dating all the way back to 1959 during its BMC days.
For the Countryman, the two major changes are the introduction of an EV powertrain and the jump in body size category, from a subcompact crossover to a proper compact one, embracing the playful go-anywhere attitude. Despite riding higher and measuring longer than its predecessor, it still maintains the classic MINI proportions: short hood, long-wheelbase, big wheels. Almost ‘caricature-ish,’ but very much MINI.
Inside, seating position is excellent: the 12-way adjustable powered seats with memory allow a wide variety of drivers to fit comfortably. The 3-spoke steering wheel is handsome and has contoured grips to give you extra confidence during manic maneuvers, and the 9.5 inch round LCD center display (another MINI trademark) displays all your in-car information and operating parameters. The infotainment system itself is powered by the new Mini Operating System 9. Powered by the Android Open Source Project, the interface is much more intuitive and personalized than ever. The classic toggle switches are still present albeit only three instead of the old bank of switches. Blue fabric covers the dashboard and sidings but looks cool, along with the blue leather seats.
On to the electric bits, the Countryman SE ALL4 has dual electric motors providing a combined 304 horsepower (230 kW) and 494 Nm of torque. 0-100 km/h is dispatched in 5.6 seconds, while top speed is 180 km/h. Battery capacity is a somewhat modest 66.5-kWh but can still provide up to 433 kilometers on a single charge. DC can be done up to 130kw.
On the road, the Countryman has a more mature driving vibe: it still feels as responsive, as willing and as eager to play when the road and conditions beckon, but the long wheelbase gives it far better stability and serenity cruising on the highway. The electric steering is light but feel-some, and the torque-steer / kickback apparent on previous MINIs was thankfully missing. And the sudden electric torque? It almost feels similar to ICE MINIs as previous models all had that bloodhound immediacy all MINIs are very much known for. Sporty on demand, yet far more serene, comfortable and a better overall long-distance cruiser. Being an All4 variant, it has all-wheel drive for better stability. The Countryman should excel on rally-style dirt trails. Sadly, the only off-roading we got is through gravel parking lots.
On winding roads, the MINI comes alive: the suspension allows full play on the most undulating stretches of road. You can ditch hook the inner wheels to catapult the MINI out of corners, Initial-D style, but the chassis stays predictable, allowing you to guesstimate grip based on chassis roll and pitch. The MINI demands a slightly longer leash to let it fully play in its element but never betrays you and tries wrest control from you and run away.
In the city, the absence of engine noise, combined with the Harman / Kardon surround sound hi-fi makes for an excellent daily driver as it gives unprecedented levels of peace and comfort, allowing you to conserve your energy as you survive this hellish onslaught of Metro Manila traffic.
On the safety front, the MINI comes with ABS-EBD brakes with emergency brake assist, traction & stability control, 7 airbags, parking sonars, and a rear-view camera, plus, hill-start assist and hill descent control. If you are truly feeling adventurous, the Countryman All4 even has a terrain response management software. You also get 460 liters of cargo space in the trunk, expanding all the way to 1,450 liters with the rear seats folded. An underfloor storage helps stow the charging equipment.
Overall, the MINI Countryman All4 EV is an excellent proposition if you’re looking for an electric compact cross-over that’s fun to drive, looks modern, versatile and very practical with a sub P4 million price that’s number coding exempt. If you can only have one car, and you drive primarily in the city or short out-of-town journeys, the Countryman EV is perfect!
