Estate

Hatchback

Sports

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

CLUBMAN

CONVERTIBLE

COUNTRYMAN

Electric

HATCHBACK

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Some brands are simply synonymous with choice: taking a classic core idea and amplifying it by offering a wealth of new ways to enjoy it. Think Baskin Robbins ice cream and its original 31 flavours. Or the wealth of options available when buying your cup of ‘Morning Joe’ at a Starbucks or a Costa Coffee.Well, you can now add MINI to that list. Taking the original icon and adding more style, more performance, more premium features, more versatility and more space for passengers and luggage, MINI has built a range of models that offers something for everyone. And now every model comes with one year free car insurance* to boot.From the iconic three-door and five-door MINI Hatch and the MINI Convertible – cars that are just as fun to drive on the open road as they are to thread through the heart of the urban jungle – to the spacious, versatile and capable MINI Countryman and MINI Clubman, which let you take more people and more stuff on bigger adventures, there are now a wealth of ways to enjoy your MINI.First, MINI’s line-up gives you more, when it comes to finding the perfect car for you. Each and every model in MINI’s range boasts a wealth of premium features as standard – ranging from keyless entry and heated seats to LED headlights with high-beam assist and Driving Assistant safety tech such as collision warning that can help keep you and your family safe.Next, MINI also lets you pick from an impressive roster of efficient or punchy engines, stylish trims and simple-to-choose packs and accessories that let you add the final finishing personal touch. Finally, the MINI App lets you pre-plan journeys remotely, with real-time petrol prices to help you cut fuel costs on your mid-journey refuelling stops, before syncing directions straight from your smartphone to your MINI Clubman.So, how do you find your dream MINI? Well, we’ve put together a simple model-by-model guide that breaks down the key features on each model. And there’s no better place to start than with the original icon…<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the latest MINI models</a><hr />

<h3>MINI Hatch: the icon reimagined</h3>With an extensive heritage that offers more pedigree, iconic style that always turns more heads, and race-inspired performance and go-kart handling that makes driving even more fun, the original MINI Hatch is the car that guarantees more smiles per mile on every journey. Now it’s adding even more for good measure.Available as a three-door or a five-door (which delivers more room for passengers and 30% more luggage space), every MINI Hatch is packed with an impressive spec as standard – ranging from premium style, through clever infotainment tech that seamlessly integrates your smartphone into the heart of every trip, to an impressive roster of driving tech that makes journeys easier and safer from beginning to end. The MINI Hatch also offers a choice of Sport, Exclusive and Resolute Edition trims that offer even more features in an easy-to-pick way.You can choose the standard MINI Hatch Cooper engine with its punchy but efficient 136hp and 220Nm of torque, or the MINI Hatch Cooper S with its peppy 178hp and 280Nm and a dash of sporty external design cues. Finally, you can go the full Monte and pick the three-door John Cooper Works MINI Hatch with its rally-inspired styling and a 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder which offers a thrilling 231hp and 320Nm of torque and delivers 0-62mph in an impressive 6.5 seconds.Sometimes, though, it’s worth opening yourself up to even more possibilities. And that’s where the MINI Convertible comes in…<hr />

<h3>MINI Convertible: broaden your horizons</h3>Let’s face it, who doesn’t love a drop-top? Available exclusively as a three-door, the MINI Convertible takes all of the iconic style and driving character of the MINI Hatch and opens up even more opportunities to enjoy more of your surroundings with its fully electric retractable soft-folding roof.Like the MINI Hatch, the MINI Convertible packs in a lot of premium features as standard – ranging from the clever infotainment tech that seamlessly integrates your smartphone into the heart of every journey, to the driving tech that makes driving less stressful and safer. Like the MINI Hatch, the MINI Convertible also comes with a choice of Sport, Exclusive and Resolute Edition trims, giving you more features and more choice in a simple-to-choose way.The MINI Convertible also offers the same range of engines as the MINI Hatch: ranging from the standard MINI Cooper engine with its perfectly balanced 136hp and 220Nm of torque, to the MINI Cooper S with its punchy 178hp and 280Nm. There’s also the performance-focused John Cooper Works MINI Convertible with its 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder – delivering a thrilling 231hp and 320Nm of torque and delivers 0-62mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds.But perhaps you want to go the extra mile and thing bigger with your next MINI adventure. Meet the MINI Countryman...<hr />

<h3>MINI Countryman: for bigger adventures</h3>For families who want to take their adventures further, the MINI Countryman offers the perfect blend of more space, more style and more off-road ability to conquer even the biggest weekends away. Now, there’s even more tech to sweeten the deal.With vast amounts of luggage space, plenty of room for five, heightened ground clearance and the option of MINI’s advanced ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, the MINI Countryman can take anyone, anywhere, at any time. Throw in advanced driving assist systems to keep passengers safe, all the latest infotainment technology and seamless smartphone integration, and adventures in the MINI Countryman soon become more glamping than camping.The choice of four feature-packed trims – Classic, Sport, Exclusive and Untamed – makes choosing your perfect Countryman a breeze, while the option of a Plug-in Hybrid model combines the best of petrol power and electric efficiency for the ultimate wallet-friendly explorer.Speaking of powertrains, the MINI Countryman offers the same Cooper 1.5-litre three cylinder and Cooper S 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines found in the MINI Hatch and MINI Convertible, but this time the John Cooper Works variant is dialled up to 11 with 306hp, 450Nm of torque and a scorching 0-62mph time of just 5.1 seconds.However, perhaps you’re after more practicality and more style, without the added height of an SUV. If that’s the case, you should get to know the MINI Clubman…<hr />

<h3>MINI Clubman: open more doors</h3>For those in the know, estate cars take the best of everything the motoring world has to offers and blends them all into one sumptuously stylish, perfectly practical and enigmatically engaging family car. And now, the MINI Clubman is adding a dash of added customisation, a sprinkling of more standard tech and a dollop of racing pedigree to create the estate car to end them all.With six (yes, six) easy-access doors that make loading and unloading totally effortless, 350 litres of boot space and space for five, the MINI Clubman gets an A+ when it comes to the pragmatics. Mix that with four value-adding trims in the guise of Classic, Sport, Exclusive and Untold, a comprehensive suite of safety tech, seamless smartphone integration and plenty of premium style, and it has the competition licked there, too.Finally, add the option of three great engines in the form of the peppy Cooper 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol, the sporty 2.0-litre Cooper S and the outright outrageous John Cooper Works with 306hp and 450Nm of torque, and you’ll spend the rest of your day searching for a more well-rounded car.So, whether you’re looking for something small or something stylish, or a bigger and more capable model that lets you pack in even more people, even more luggage and even more adventure, it’s clear that the MINI line-up has something for you.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the latest MINI models</a>*Terms and conditions, exclusions and further eligibility apply. Offer valid for new MINIs ordered from 1 April to 30 June 2023 and registered by 29 December 2023. Offer excludes MINI John Cooper Works and Electric models.

Find your perfect MINI: more features; more choice

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Big family adventures are all about packing in more fun. More activities; more luggage; more friends and family. But, in order to do that, you’ll need a car that was crafted specifically to help families journey big and get more out of every single day.Introducing the MINI Countryman. Not only does it offer more premium features as standard and more style, but it also boasts (much) more versatile space and impressive off-road capability. Blend all that with the option of efficient plug-in hybrid power, four feature-packed trims, and one year free car insurance*, and no adventure is off-limits.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the MINI Countryman</a><hr />

<h3>More space. More capability. More versatile.</h3>The MINI Countryman isn’t just big compared to other MINIs. It’s big full stop. Longer and wider than its predecessor, officially making it the biggest MINI ever. The result: an even bigger interior for bigger adventures.In the back, 450 litres of luggage space is enough to swallow even the largest suitcases, while lashing eyes and elastic nets help to keep all your gear secure. If you fancy a weekend for two and need even more room, simply fold down the versatile 40/20/40 split rear seats to open up a cavernous 1390 litres of capacity, which is over 6x the boot size of a MINI Hatch (1275 litres on the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid).Filling the MINI Countryman becomes an absolute breeze when you choose the optional automatic tailgate, while the wide-opening aperture lets you load even the bulkiest items without breaking a sweat. Still want to carry more? Well, with the optional roof bar and roof box kit you can add an additional 320 litres of luggage space above your head.The MINI Countryman’s vast interior doesn’t just offer more luggage space. It sits five in total comfort, offering oodles of leg and head room for both front and rear passengers – meaning that even your tallest nephews won’t have to crook their neck.The MINI Countryman also lets you extend your journey that extra final mile. With 165mm of ground clearance (20cm more than a regular hatchback) on the petrol MINI Countryman, and 147mm ground clearance on the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, you can head further off-road, while MINI’s advanced optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive system expertly directs power to whichever wheel needs it most, offering confidence-inspiring grip both on-road and off it.<hr />

<h3>Even more premium features (as standard)</h3>Despite its sheer size, versatility and off-road capability, the MINI Countryman has a more sophisticated and cosseting side too – demonstrated by the wealth of standard technology and safety features available with the range-starting Classic trim.Up front, the intuitive and high-definition 8.8-inch touchscreen with a DAB digital radio and seamless smartphone connectivity – such as Apple Carplay for all your favourite apps, podcasts and music, along with wireless Bluetooth for hands-free voice control and calls. Furthermore, the MINI Navigation Pack comes fitted as standard on the MINI Countryman, ensuring that getting to your destination is made even easier thanks to live traffic and weather updates.Automatic air conditioning keeps you and your passengers cool on those hot summer days, while heated front seats keep you warm on those crisp winter mornings. Meanwhile, colourful ambient lighting lets you set the mood for any adventure and USB-C ports keep everyone’s devices topped up.The advanced connectivity also extends the extra mile outside your MINI Countryman, thanks to the MINI App. It lets you pre-plan journeys on your smartphone from the comfort of your home before syncing directions in your car, with real-time petrol and recharging prices to help you cut fuel costs on your mid-journey top-ups.The MINI App also lets you remotely check the location and status of your MINI Countryman – helpful when you’ve forgotten where you’ve (in the world) you’ve parked. Through the MINI App, you can also keep up to date with the long-term health of your MINI Countryman with service notifications and direct access to MINI Roadside assistance in case of an emergency.Keyless entry gives you easy access to your car. Out on the road, the MINI Countryman’s powerful LED headlights with high-beam assist carve a path through the dark, while rain sensors with automatic headlight activation give you a clear view ahead even when the weather isn’t on your side. Round the back, LED Union Jack lights turn heads in town, and give others a clear warning out on the open road.Finally, the MINI Countryman comes with a comprehensive suite of Driving Assistant safety systems, including collision warning, to help keep you and your family safe on every adventure.<hr />

<h3>More choice (made easy)</h3>The MINI Countryman’s entry-level Classic trim comes packed with so many premium features as standard that you really don’t need anything more. But, if you’re after something a bit more sporty, stylish or outright unique, then the MINI Countryman’s Sport, Exclusive and Untamed trims might just have something extra to offer you.On the outside, the MINI Countryman’s Sport trim digs deep into MINI’s rich racing heritage. Chilli Red paint is amplified by a black contrast roof and mirror caps for a truly head-turning display, while a wealth of John Cooper Works styling cues – including 18-inch alloy wheels and an aerodynamic body kit – give it that ultimate stand-out look.Inside, the John Cooper Works theme continues with sports seats, Piano Black trim, a Walknappa steering wheel, stainless steel pedals, Anthracite headlining, a leather gearshift lever and stunning John Cooper Works door sill finishers. Finally, sport suspension gives your MINI Countryman Sport the engaging handling to back up its looks.If you rank luxurious comfort above all else, the MINI Countryman’s Exclusive trim might be more to your taste. Alongside its Enigmatic Black paint with silver roof and mirror caps, you get a choice of 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside you’ll find luxurious Lounge leather sports seats and a soft Walknappa steering wheel finished with ‘MINI Yours’ badging.Finally, the MINI Countryman Untamed Edition adds head-turning Momentum Grey exterior paint, rugged ALL4 exterior styling and roof rails finished in black, along with 18-inch Untamed Spoke-alloy wheels in stunning two-tone finish and a wealth of ‘Untamed’ badging inside.<hr />

<h3>More efficiency? More performance? Your pick…</h3>Bred equally for big adventures and everyday life, the MINI Countryman offers a range of punchy yet fuel-efficient petrol engines that perfectly blend driving fun with low running costs. The Cooper offers a peppy 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mated to MINI’s smooth Steptronic seven-speed automatic transmission to deliver 136hp and 220Nm of torque, all while offering up to 44.1mpg (WLTP combined).Next, Cooper S and Cooper S ALL4 all-wheel-drive models use a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a Steptronic Sport seven-speed double-clutch transmission to offer 178hp, 280Nm and a sub eight-second 0-62mph sprint.<hr />

<h3>MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid: more of both worlds</h3>The jewel in the MINI Countryman’s range is the Plug-in Hybrid. Boasting a wealth of additional tech and styling features as standard, its advanced 8.8kWh battery and punchy 1.5-litre petrol engine combine to offer 220hp and 385Nm of torque and – crucially – up to 29.8 miles of all-electric range (perfect for the daily commute) and up to 156.9mpg (WLTP combined) to help keep those daily running costs down.Charging is easy thanks to the MINI eDrive Services that help you locate public chargers, monitor charging status and even initiate charging from your smartphone, while MINI Charging gives you access to thousands of public chargers across the country through the use of just one RFID card or via the mobile app.<hr />

<h3>John Cooper Works: the MINI Countryman with even more thrills</h3>Last (but by no means least) there’s the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works, for those who want to add a little more spice to their big adventures. With 306hp and 450Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the Countryman dispatches 0-62mph in a staggering 5.1 seconds.Under the skin, sport suspension, ALL4 all-wheel-drive and a Torsen mechanical differential all work together to deliver true performance car characteristics, while the John Cooper Works sports exhaust adds the perfect rasping symphony to accompany your journey.On the outside, the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works’ Rebel Green paint works with Piano Black and Chili Red detailing – as well as beefed-up aerodynamics, special badging, Red brake callipers and Black 18-inch John Cooper Works Grip Spoke alloy wheels – to ensure everyone knows you’re driving a true thorough-bred performance car.Inside, the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works boasts cosseting sports seats with Dinamica and leather upholstery in Carbon Black, as well as a soft and smooth Walknappa steering wheel, Piano Black detailing and a digital cockpit display and navigation system.<hr />

<h3>More ways to customise your MINI Countryman</h3>MINIs are among the most customisable cars on the road, and the MINI Countryman is no different. To make your MINI Countryman truly unique, you have the choice of 11 vibrant body paints, with a wide array of options for roof and mirror caps in white, black, silver, red and multitone contrast colours, as well as bold bonnet stripes in black, white and silver. Inside, there are a rich selection of interior trim materials and upholsteries – ranging from cloth and chequered upholsteries to Dinamica, leatherette and leather. As for tech, the Premium Plus Pack adds a rear-view camera with Parking Assistant, enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging, a panoramic sunroof, a crisp Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi system for families looking to blast their favourite tunes, and much more.Finally, you can enhance your adventures even further with an array of genuine MINI accessories: the only range of products that are actually approved by the team that build the MINI. These include customisation options such as decals, alloy wheels, mirror covers and floor mats, as well as practical options like roof racks, boot storage solutions to help pack more into your adventures, as well as and even more in-car entertainment options for the passengers in the rear.So, with more space, more off-road capability, more tech as standard and more way to customise your car – along with the added bonus of one year free car insurance* – it’s clear that the MINI Countryman is the SUV to take your family adventures further.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the MINI Countryman</a>*Terms and conditions, exclusions and further eligibility apply. Offer valid for new MINIs ordered from 1 April to 30 June 2023 and registered by 29 December 2023. Offer excludes MINI John Cooper Works and Electric models.

MINI Countryman: how this family SUV packs in even more fun

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Comfortable ride </li> <li>Feature-filled infotainment </li> <li>Space for child seats </li> <li>Robust build quality </li> <li>Practical storage spaces </li> <li>A boot fit for a family holiday </li> <li>Fuel-efficient engines</li></ul>

While we define a small SUV&nbsp;as something&nbsp;less than 4.3 metres long and a large SUV as measuring more than 4.5 metres, family SUVs tread the middle ground.

As the name suggests, the vast majority are&nbsp;designed for family duties rather than serious off-roading, so practicality is paramount. However, that&nbsp;shouldn't come at the expense of a decent drive; the best examples combine tidy handling with smooth engines&nbsp;and a ride that's comfortable&nbsp;enough to ensure the kids aren't left feeling queasy.

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Family SUV

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Estate cars really are the unsung heroes of the motoring world. They combine prodigious practicality with streamlined style and hatchback-like handling to offer the ultimate family solution. And now, the MINI Clubman is taking estates to a whole new level.Offering six easy-access doors, more premium features as standard, a red-hot performance version and even one year free car insurance* on the house, this could be the flawless family estate you’ve been looking for.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the MINI Clubman</a><hr />

<h3>More doors; more space; more fun</h3>Like those shampoo bottles that offer 33% more for free, estate cars build on everything that’s great about family hatchbacks and offer you even more for your money. In the case of the MINI Clubman, that means you get six doors and a truckload of added versatility as standard – and it all starts with the back.The MINI Clubman’s unique split-rear-door design with the hands-free Automatic Tailgate make loading and the unloading the MINI Clubman’s vast 360-litre boot an absolute breeze, while the optional 40/20/40 split rear seats can be folded flat to yield up to an enormous 1250 litres of adaptable luggage space. Once everything’s packed in, you can use the easy-access lashing eyes and elasticated netting to keep all your clobber in order.And while the MINI Clubman may be MINI by name, it certainly isn’t mini by nature. At 4250mm long, the Clubman offers ample room to carry five in total comfort, while the elongated body means that even six-footers are spoilt for legroom. Throughout the cabin, plenty of useful cubbies make storing devices and snacks easy, and the large centre console and cavernous glovebox lets you stow even more goodies.<hr />

<h3>Even more premium features as standard</h3>As the MINI Clubman demonstrates, not all estates are born equal. However, all MINI Clubmans come packed with oodles of premium standard equipment to make each and every family adventure more relaxing, safer and even more fun.The MINI Clubman’s entry-level Classic trim brings a crisp and intuitive 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen with DAB radio, smartphone integration such as Apple CarPlay for all your favourite apps, podcasts and music, along with hands-free Bluetooth connectivity for added functionality and calls. Equally, automatic air conditioning helps with those sticky summer days, while heated front seats keep you warm in the winter, and soothing ambient lighting lets you set the mood for every journey.The connectivity doesn’t end there. The MINI App lets you pre-plan journeys remotely, with real-time petrol prices to help you cut fuel costs on your mid-journey refuelling stops, before syncing directions straight from your smartphone to your MINI Clubman. It also lets you remotely check the location of your car (helpful when you’ve forgotten where you’ve parked or can’t remember if you’ve locked the doors) and even lets you keep track of the long-term health of your MINI with service notifications and direct access to MINI roadside assistance in case of an emergency.Keyless entry gives you easy access to your car, while – on the road – the MINI Clubman uses powerful rain-sensing LED headlights to carve a path through the dark and heated windscreen washer jets ensure you have a clear view ahead at all times. Round the back, the bright LED Union Jack lights warn other drivers when you’re stopping, and leave a lasting impression after you’re gone.Finally, the MINI Clubman offers a host of advanced driving assistance safety features to help keep you and your passengers even safer. Adaptive Cruise Control keeps you a safe distance from the car ahead on the open road, while collision warning comes as standard and Rear Park Distance Control lends an extra pair of eyes in those extra-tight parking spaces.<hr />

<h3>More choice (made more easy)</h3>Like all MINIs, the MINI Clubman gives you bundles of choice when it comes to optional extras, trim levels and customisation (more on that later) to make it truly your own.After the MINI Clubman’s entry-level Classic trim comes Sport. In this guise, the MINI Clubman blends head-turning Chili Red paint with 18-inch John Cooper Works alloy wheels, Piano Black exterior trimmings and an aggressive John Cooper Works aerodynamic body kit. Inside, John Cooper Works sports seats with Dinamica/cloth Carbon Black upholstery works alongside a Walknappa steering which, Piano Black interior trim, stainless steel pedals and a John Cooper Works leather gear shifter to give that ultimate sporty feel.If class, comfort and refinement are more your thing, then the MINI Clubman Exclusive trim might be for you. Evocative Enigmatic Black exterior paint sits alongside unique 18-inch Exclusive alloy wheels, silver roof and mirror caps and ‘MINI Yours’ badging to complete the ultimate elegant estate. Inside, comfortable cosseting sports seats finished in ‘MINI Yours’ Lounge leather works with Frozen Blue ambient lighting offer the perfect cosseting interior.Next, the MINI Clubman Untold Edition, a family estate with a little bit extra. First, the Sage Green metallic paint works with Refined Brass trimming, stunning two-tone 18-inch Untold Spoke alloy wheels, Piano Black exterior accents, 3D-printed side scuttles and unique bonnet and roof stripes to create an estate unlike any other. Inside, bespoke door sills, floor mats and ambient lighting remind you that you’re sitting in something inspiring, while the Leather Lounge seats in Sage Green are the cherry sat atop a truly head-turning estate car.And finally (quite literally) we have the MINI Clubman Final Edition. With just 1969 to be sold globally (a pleasing reference to the original MINI Clubman’s birth year), and just 100 destined for the UK, this bespoke trim packs the mightiest punch of all. Available in glorious Nanuq White, Enigmatic Black or Melting Silver, the Final Edition also adorns bespoke Shimmer Copper exterior detailing, 18-inch Final Edition two-tone alloy wheels finished in a tinted lacquer and bespoke ‘1 of 1969’ badging to offer the ultimate show-stopping display.Inside, the MINI Clubman Final Edition boasts ‘MINI Yours’ leather sports seats finished in irresistible Dark Maroon Leather, while the dark dashboard trim is accentuated by flairs of Sage Green and Shimmer Copper. In terms of tech, the MINI Clubman Final Edition brings a large Panoramic sunroof, Digital Dashboard, heated from seats, and the same awesome Harmon Kardon Surround Sound system found in Exclusive trim.<hr />

<h3>More efficiency? More performance? Your pick…</h3>The MINI Clubman offers a simple line-up of engines, making it ultra-easy to find the one that suits you the best. First, the peppy MINI Cooper 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with its slick seven-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox offers the perfect blend of performance and fuel economy with 136hp, 220Nm of torque and up to 47.1mpg (WLTP).Next, the MINI Cooper S engine: perfect for families looking to inject more excitement into their weekend adventures. The hot Cooper S 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and Steptronic Sport seven-speed double-clutch transmission work together to offer 178bhp, 280Nm of torque and a 0-62mph time of just 7.2 seconds – all while delivering up to 44.8mpg (WLTP). Finally, there’s the MINI Clubman John Cooper Works…<hr />

<h3>John Cooper Works: the MINI Clubman with even more performance</h3>Much like the Untold Edition, the MINI Clubman John Cooper Works is for those families who just want… well, more. Well, that’s exactly what you get. The MINI Clubman John Cooper Works’ enhanced 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine pumps out 306hp and a staggering 450Nm of torque. That’s enough for 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds!But it’s not all bark and no bite. Underneath, MINI’s advanced ALL4 all-wheel-drive system provides confidence-inspiring levels of all-weather grip, while specially tuned sport suspension works with a Torsen mechanical differentiation offers the go-kart-like handling we’ve has come to expect of MINIs. And to top it all off, the John Cooper Works sport exhaust provides the ultimate soundtrack for the ultimate hot estate.Outside, the 18-inch John Cooper Works Grip Spoke alloys, red brake callipers and full aerodynamic body kit allude to the power within, while inside the bolstered Dinamica sports seats with leather upholstery in Carbon Black keep you locked in, and a wealth of additional kit and tech – like the Panoramic Sunroof, Digital Cockpit Display and Harman Kardon Hi Fi system – give make the MINI Clubman John Cooper Works the true Jekyll and Hyde persona it rightly deserves.<hr />

<h3>More ways to customise your MINI Clubman</h3>The MINI Clubman is an estate of numbers. Six easy-access doors; five comfortable seats; four value-adding trim levels; three great engine choices. And it doesn’t stop there. When it comes to making your MINI Clubman your own, the numbers come thick and fast.First, you have a total of 11 vibrant colours to choose from, along with a plethora of roof and mirror cap options in white, black, silver, red and dazzling multitone contrast colours, as well as bonnet stripes in black, white and silver. Inside, you can choose between 11 different upholsteries (depending on trim) and six different interior designs. When it comes to tech, the Premium Plus Pack adds a rear-view camera with Parking Assistant, enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging, a large Panoramic sunroof, a high-definition Harmon Kardon sound system on MINI Clubman Cooper S, John Cooper Works and Untold models, and much, much more.Finally, you can enhance your MINI Clubman even further with a wide range of genuine MINI accessories: the only range of products actually approved by the team that build the MINI. These include customisation options such as decals, alloy wheels, mirror covers and floor mats, as well as practical options like roof racks, boot storage solutions to help pack more into your adventures, as well as and even more in-car entertainment options for the passengers in the rear.So, with six doors, space for five, vast amounts of luggage space, all the performance and style you could ever need and a seemingly endless options list, it’s clear that the MINI Clubman is the faultless family estate to take your journeys further.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the MINI Clubman</a>*Terms and conditions, exclusions and further eligibility apply. Offer valid for new MINIs ordered from 1 April to 30 June 2023 and registered by 29 December 2023. Offer excludes MINI John Cooper Works and Electric models.

MINI Clubman: meet the family estate that packs in more

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

mini-convertible-how-the-open-top-opens-up-more-features

There’s a pure and simple joy to driving a drop top. More open air; more sun; more wind through your hair. Now, the MINI Convertible lets you enjoy even more of that open-top thrill more of the time.Building on the iconic design and heritage of the classic MINI Hatch – but adding a fully electric soft-top with an integrated sunroof that opens up more opportunities for more excitement on more journeys – the MINI Convertible delivers even more MINI for your money, with more premium features as standard, and one year free car insurance* to boot.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the MINI Convertible</a><hr />

<h3>More fun (and more features) as standard</h3>From the off, the MINI Convertible lets you pack more into every journey: whether it’s taking three passengers (with comfortable seating for two in the back) or using the 160 litres to 215 litres of luggage space to carry a carousel of weekend bags. Equally, from the Classic trim up, the MINI Convertible packs in plenty more features as standard – especially when it comes to tech.It all starts with the large central 8.8-inch touchscreen display with its DAB digital radio and smartphone connectivity options – such as Apple Carplay for your favourite apps and wireless Bluetooth for hands-free voice control and calls. The MINI Convertible also boasts automatic air conditioning and heated seats for hot summers and toasty winter mornings.The advanced remote connectivity of the MINI App opens up even more options for enjoying your MINI Convertible – letting you pre-plan journeys on your smartphone from the comfort of your couch that you can later sync with your car, with real-time petrol prices to help you cut fuel costs on your mid-journey refuelling stops.Forgotten where you’ve parked your MINI Convertible, whether you’ve locked the doors or whether you’ve got enough fuel for your next drive. We’ve all done it. That’s why the MINI App lets you remotely check the location and status of your MINI Convertible as well as the long-term health of your car, with service notifications and direct access to MINI Roadside Assistance in the case of an emergency.Keyless entry gives you easy access to your car, and while the fully electric retractable soft-top lets you enjoy more of your surroundings, the MINI Convertible’s LED headlights and heated windscreen washer jets with rain sensor and automatic headlight activation give you an even clearer view of the road ahead. Equally, LED rear lights with a distinctive Union Jack design give a clear warning to cars behind (and leave a lasting impression).Last, but not least, the MINI Convertible’s standard-fit Driving Assistant safety tech includes collision warning, as well as high-beam assist so you don’t have to worry about dazzling oncoming drivers.<hr />

<h3>More choice (made more easy)</h3>There’s no doubting the MINI Convertible is an absolute Classic as standard, but maybe you’d like to bring out more of its sporty character or stylish side. So, whether you opt for the MINI Convertible’s Sport or Exclusive trims, or the head-turning MINI Convertible Resolute Edition, there’s a MINI Convertible to match your personality.First, the MINI Convertible’s Sport trim, which takes its striking performance cues from MINI’s racing heritage. In addition to its eye-catching Chili Red paint with black detailing on the roof and mirror caps, you get John Cooper Works 17-inch Track Spoke alloy wheels and an aero kit. Inside are stylish John Cooper Works sports seats with Carbon Black Dinamica/cloth upholstery, while Intelligent Adaptive Suspension gives you an even more finely tuned connection with the road.The MINI Convertible’s Exclusive trim adds an extra dash of style. Alongside its Enigmatic Black paint with silver detailing on the roof and mirror caps, you get a choice of 17-inch or 18-inch Exclusive alloy wheels. Inside are sumptuous Lounge leather sports seats in Carbon Black, as well as a soft and smooth Walknappa steering wheel.Or, there’s the MINI Convertible Resolute Edition, with striking Rebel Green paint and a choice of Piano Black, Resolute Bronze and Pepper White exterior detailing, black 18-inch Pulse Spoke alloy wheels and a Light Chequered cloth upholstery.Finally, to mark the 30th anniversary of the MINI Convertible, MINI has just launched the MINI Convertible Seaside Edition, which includes the sporty Cooper S engine (see below) as well as Caribbean Aqua paint with unique Seaside graphics on the exterior and interior trim, and 18-inch Pulse Spoke two-tone wheels.<hr />

<h3>More efficiency? More performance? Your pick…</h3>The open-top MINI Convertible is perfect for enjoying even more of the open road. With a choice of characterful engines that blend engaging performance with wallet-friendly fuel economy it opens up even more ways for you to enjoy your drive.First, there’s the entry-level 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol Cooper engine. Its engine with a Steptronic 7-speed double-clutch transmission delivers 136hp and 220Nm of torque – giving you the perfect blend of nippy acceleration and fuel efficiency.Next, there’s the Cooper S engine. Its 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with a Steptronic Sport 7-speed double-clutch transmission delivers a peppy 178hp and 280Nm of torque. It also adds external design touches – like front bumper vents and a twin-tailpipe exhaust – that hint at the performance under your foot.<hr />

<h3>John Cooper Works: the MINI Convertible with even more thrills</h3>Last (but definitely not least) there’s the MINI Convertible John Cooper Works, which delivers 231hp and 320Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The result: 0-62mph can be dispatched in an impressive 6.5 seconds.With its bold Rebel Green paint with Piano Black and Chili Red detailing, and its John Cooper Works aerodynamics and badging, the unique style of the MINI Convertible John Cooper Works ensures that everyone knows you’re driving a MINI with true race-bred character. Under its skin there’s sport suspension and a twin sport exhaust with a chrome-finished tailpipe finisher, as well as eye-catching red brake calipers on the 17-inch sport brakes that offer even more stopping power.Inside, the MINI Convertible John Cooper Works boasts cossetting John Cooper Works sports seats with Dinamica and leather upholstery in Carbon Black, as well as a soft and smooth Walknappa steering wheel, Piano Black detailing and the addition of a digital cockpit display and navigation system.<hr />

<h3>More ways to customise your MINI</h3>Want even more choice? Well, the MINI Convertible offers a wealth of additional ways to customise your car to your taste. First, a choice of 10 vibrant body paints, with a wide array of options for mirror caps in contrast colours, as well as bold bonnet stripes in black, white and silver. The selection of interior trims is equally comprehensive, ranging from cloth and chequered upholsteries to Dinamica, leatherette and leather trims.Want more tech? Simply add the Premium Plus Pack, which includes a rear-view camera with Parking Assistant, enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging, a Navigation System with Real Time Traffic Information, and a Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi system for audiophiles looking to enjoy the latest sounds as much as the fresh air.Finally, on every MINI Convertible, you can pick from a wide array of genuine MINI accessories: the only range of products that are actually approved by the team that build the MINI. These include customisation options such as decals, alloy wheels, mirror covers and floor mats, as well as practical options like boot storage solutions and even more in-car entertainment options for the passengers in the rear.So, with more features and more tech as standard, more ways to customise your car to your taste, and the added bonus of one year free car insurance*, it’s clear that the MINI Convertible is the compact car that opens up even more opportunities.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the MINI Convertible</a>*Terms and conditions, exclusions and further eligibility apply. Offer valid for new MINIs ordered from 1 April to 30 June 2023 and registered by 29 December 2023. Offer excludes MINI John Cooper Works and Electric models.

MINI Convertible: how the open top opens up more features

What we're looking for:<ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so a roof that opens (and closes) quickly is every bit as important as good top-down cruising refinement.

There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. But there are still some fantastic options out there.

Convertible

mini-hatch-how-the-latest-spec-packs-in-even-more-features

As anyone with a passion for cars and a love of driving will know, there’s more – so much more ­– to a MINI than meets the eye. First, the extensive heritage that makes a MINI a car with more pedigree and more character than most rivals. Then, there’s the modern take on MINI’s iconic classic style that turns more heads. Finally, the race-inspired performance and go-kart handling that delivers more smiles per mile.Now, with the MINI Hatch (available as both a three-door and five-door) you can get even more MINI – with more premium features as standard, and the added bonus of one year free car insurance* to boot.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the MINI Hatch</a><hr />

<h3>More compact, or more space (for one more friend)</h3>Your first choice is just how much MINI Hatch you want. The three-door MINI Hatch offers compact city-friendly dimensions on the outside, with plenty of space for you and three passengers. In the back, you’ve got 211 litres of luggage space as standard – with up to 731 litres if you fold down the rear seats, letting you pack even more fun into a weekend away for two.If three’s company, then the larger five-door MINI Hatch lets you pack in a crowd. Although it’s only a scant 16 centimetres longer than the three-door MINI Hatch on the outside, the five-door MINI Hatch’s extra length delivers more space for you and four passengers with even more legroom, and an extras 30% luggage space – with 278 litres as standard, and a capacious 941 litres with the rear seats folded down.<hr />

<h3>More fun (and more features) as standard</h3>Whether you pick the three-door or five-door MINI Hatch, you get a lot more features fitted as standard on the entry-level Classic trim – especially when it comes to tech.The highlight: a large 8.8-inch central display with a DAB digital radio and smartphone connectivity options, such as Apple Carplay for your favourite apps and wireless Bluetooth for hands-free voice control and calls. Automatic air conditioning for hot summers and heated seats for toasty winter mornings come fitted as standard, while colourful ambient lighting sets the mood for any adventure and USB-C ports keep everyone’s devices topped up.The MINI Hatch’s advanced smartphone connectivity extends the extra mile outside your car, thanks to the MINI App. It lets you pre-plan journeys on your smartphone from the comfort of your couch, which you can later sync with your car, with real-time petrol prices to help you cut fuel costs on your mid-journey refuelling stops.It also lets you remotely check the location and status of your car. After all, at some point we’ve all forgotten where we’ve parked, whether we’ve locked the doors, or whether we’ve got enough fuel for the next leg of our journey. Well, worry no more.The MINI App also lets you keep track of the long-term health of your MINI Hatch, with service notifications and direct access to MINI Roadside Assistance in the case of an emergency.Keyless entry gives you easy access to your car. On the road, the MINI Hatch’s LED headlights with high-beam assist and automatic headlight activation, as well as heated windscreen washer jets with rain sensors, give you an even clearer view of the road ahead in all conditions, while LED rear lights with a Union Jack design give a clear warning to cars behind (and leave a lasting impression).Last, but not least, the MINI Hatch’s standard-fit Driving Assistant safety tech includes useful features like collision warning that help keep you and your family safe. And if you’re looking for an extra pair of eyes when you’re parking, simply option Rear Park Distance Control sensors and auto-dimming mirrors when configuring your perfect MINI Hatch.<hr />

<h3>More choice (made more easy)</h3>Everyone loves a Classic, but sometimes you want more, and you want it made easy. That’s why in addition to the standard MINI Hatch Classic trim, MINI also offers the choice of feature-packed Sport or Exclusive trims. Equally, you can go one step further and pick the head-turning style of the MINI Hatch Resolute Edition.First, the MINI Hatch’s Sport trim. Inspired by MINI’s racing heritage, it adds eye-catching Chili Red paint with black detailing on the roof and mirror caps, John Cooper Works 17-inch Track Spoke alloy wheels and an aero kit. Inside are John Cooper Works sports seats with Carbon Black Dinamica/cloth upholstery, while Intelligent Adaptive Suspension gives you an even more finely tuned connection with the road.If you’re more Monaco casino than Monte Carlo Rally, then the MINI Hatch Exclusive trim might be for you. In addition to its Enigmatic Black paint and a choice of 17-inch or 18-inch Exclusive alloy wheels, there’s silver exterior detailing on the roof and mirror caps that adds an extra shine to suit any after-dark rendezvous. Inside, you get sumptuous Lounge leather sports seats in Carbon Black, as well as a soft and smooth Walknappa steering wheel.Equally, there’s the MINI Resolute Edition, with its striking Rebel Green paint with a choice of Piano Black, Resolute Bronze and Pepper White exterior detailing, as well as black 18-inch Pulse Spoke alloy wheels and Light Chequered cloth upholstery.<hr />

<h3>More efficiency? More performance? Your pick…</h3>The MINI has always been a car that punches above its size and weight. So, when it comes to picking the perfect level of power or efficiency beneath your bonnet – and your right foot – the MINI Hatch gives you a choice of characterful engines that give you even more ways to enjoy your drive.Opt for the entry-level Cooper and you get a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a Steptronic 7-speed double-clutch transmission that delivers 136hp and 220Nm of torque – giving you the perfect blend of nippy acceleration and wallet-friendly fuel efficiency that’s just as enjoyable on the open road as it is around town.Step up to the Cooper S, and you get a 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder with a Steptronic Sport 7-speed double-clutch transmission that delivers a peppy 178hp and 280Nm of torque. On the outside are external design touches such as front bumper vents and a twin-tailpipe exhaust that add a touch of visual drama to match the potent performance under your right foot.<hr />

<h3>John Cooper Works: the MINI Hatch with even more thrills</h3>Finally, the ultimate expression of MINI performance: the iconic MINI Hatch John Cooper Works. Available exclusively as a three-door, it delivers 231hp and 320Nm of torque from its 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. The result: 0-62mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds.On the outside, bold Rebel Green paint with Piano Black and Chili Red detailing, as well as John Cooper Works aerodynamics and badging that ensure everyone knows you’re driving a MINI with even more bite. Under its skin, sport suspension and a twin-exhaust with a chrome-finished tailpipe finisher, as well as eye-catching red brake calipers on the 17-inch sport brakes for even more stopping powerInside, there are cossetting John Cooper Works sports seats with Dinamica and leather upholstery in Carbon Black, a Walknappa steering wheel, Piano Black detailing and the addition of a digital cockpit display and navigation system.<hr />

<h3>More ways to customise your MINI Hatch</h3>Want more? Well, depending on which MINI Hatch you pick, there are a wealth of ways to customise your car to your taste. First, a choice of 10 vibrant body paints, with a wide array of options for roof and mirror caps in white, black, silver, red and multitone contrast colours, as well as bold bonnet stripes in black, white and silver. The choice of interior trims on the MINI Hatch is equally comprehensive, with cloth, chequered, Dinamica, leatherette and leather upholsteries to choose from.Want even more tech? Well, simply add the Premium Plus Pack, which includes a rear-view camera with Parking Assistant, a panoramic glass sunroof, enhanced Bluetooth with wireless charging, and a Navigation System with Real Time Traffic Information. Exclusively available for the five-door MINI Hatch, the Premium Plus Pack adds a Harmon Kardon Hi-Fi system for audiophiles looking for even more pep for their Puccini or their Dua Lipa.Finally, with every MINI Hatch, you can pick from a wide array of genuine MINI accessories: the only range of products actually approved by the team that build the MINI. These include stylish decals, alloy wheels, mirror covers and floor mats, as well as practical options like roof racks, boot storage solutions and even more in-car entertainment options for the passengers in the rear.So, with more features and more tech as standard, more ways to customise your car to your taste, and the added bonus of one year free car insurance*, it’s clear that the MINI Hatch is the iconic car that delivers even more.<a href="https://www.mini.co.uk/en_GB/home/book-a-test-drive.html">Take a test drive in the MINI Hatch</a>*Terms and conditions, exclusions and further eligibility apply. Offer valid for new MINIs ordered from 1 April to 30 June 2023 and registered by 29 December 2023. Offer excludes MINI John Cooper Works and Electric models.

MINI Hatch: how the latest spec packs in even more features

More style, more space and more choice

What Car? MINI content and links to reviews 

Find out how you can get more with MINI

New MINI

The starting price of the Mini Countryman C&nbsp;is slightly higher than that of entry-level versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/skoda/karoq/estate/review/n118">Skoda Karoq</a>&nbsp;but it undercuts any version of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/tiguan/estate/review/n17357">VW Tiguan</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>.

Likewise, the high-performance Countryman JCW version is cheaper than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n22293">Ford Puma ST</a>&nbsp;but undercuts the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969">Cupra Ateca</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/formentor/estate/review/n22100">Cupra Formentor</a>&nbsp;while costing&nbsp;thousands less&nbsp;than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n25006">BMW X1 M35i</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gla/hatchback/review/n17173">Mercedes-AMG GLA 35</a>.

Whichever version of the Countryman you choose, expect relatively slow depreciation. That's&nbsp;obviously a good thing if you're buying outright, but also helps if you're&nbsp;signing up to a PCP finance agreement, because it means lower monthly repayments than you might be expecting.

If you're a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-company-cars/n22605">company car</a> driver, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/countryman/hatchback/review/n26607">Mini Countryman Electric</a> is a much cheaper option tax-wise than any of the petrols. However,&nbsp;the Countryman C&nbsp;is reasonably competitive on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-guide/n9352">BIK tax</a>&nbsp;front, with CO2 emissions as low as 133g/km.

Entry-level Classic trim isn't too badly&nbsp;equipped, because&nbsp;on top of the infotainment system and parking aids, it comes with 17in alloy wheels, two-zone climate control,&nbsp;keyless start and cruise control.

Exclusive trim is worth the extra&nbsp;though, because it gets you bigger 18in alloys, some slightly more upmarket interior finishes, a heated steering wheel and a far more enticing palette of exterior paint colours to choose from.

If you're going to hand over more money, we'd advise you to spend it on one or more of the useful option packs (simply named Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3).

Level 1 comes as standard on the more powerful S and JCW versions, and we recommend adding it to the C if you get one, because it includes a 54-litre petrol&nbsp;tank (instead of a 45-litre one), keyless entry, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and&nbsp;heated front seats.

Meanwhile, Level 2 gives you adaptive cruise control, rear privacy glass, a panoramic glass sunroof and a Harman Kardon sound system upgrade.

As you'd expect, Level 3 goes further still, with&nbsp;electrically adjustable front seats (with a massaging function)&nbsp;and an augmented-reality view for the sat-nav. However, it pushes the price into the territory of bigger and better SUVs.

In terms of safety equipment, every Countryman comes with automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), lane-keeping assist, traffic-sign recognition and an emergency call function (e-Call). <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>&nbsp;awarded the model five stars out of five for safety.

The latest Countryman did not feature&nbsp;in our 2024 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/reliability-survey-most-reliable-cars/n26137">What Car?&nbsp;Reliability Survey</a> but the previous-generation model did very well, coming third out of all the cars ranked. Plus, Mini came top in the brands section of the survey, beating even Lexus, which had held the number one&nbsp;spot for several years.

Hopefully, that means you won't need to call upon the three-year, unlimited mileage warranty. Three years is nothing special, with Kia offering seven years of cover and Toyota up to 10.

<h2>“On our fuel-economy test loop, the Mini Countryman C averaged 37.2mpg, which is around 10mpg down on its official average.” – <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/dan-jones/n23433">Dan Jones, Reviewer</a></h2>

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The entry-level model, the Mini Countryman C,&nbsp;has a 168bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine that drives the front wheels, and&nbsp;delivers all the performance most buyers will&nbsp;need.

It's effortless to drive at low speeds and has plenty of mid-range muscle when you ask for a burst of acceleration. We managed a respectable 0-60mph time of 8.4 seconds, which just beat the Volvo XC40 B3 (8.7 seconds) and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/tiguan/estate/review/n17357">VW Tiguan</a> eTSI 150 (9.0 seconds) on the same day of testing.

For something nippier, there's the Countryman S, which combines a 215bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine with four-wheel drive (called ALL4 by&nbsp;Mini) and drops the 0-62mph time to 7.1 seconds.

The fastest Countryman is the JCW, which has a 296bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine and ALL4 four-wheel drive. With a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds, it's even quicker off the line than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/countryman/hatchback/review/n26607">Mini Countryman Electric</a>. The JCW never feels as rapid as the figures suggest, but has a&nbsp;healthy slug of mid-rev muscle that makes for easy overtaking.

Whichever version you choose, you get a seven-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a>. In the Countryman&nbsp;C, the gearbox is reasonably smooth most of the time, but when we pressed the accelerator when stationary or at very low speeds, there was often a lengthy delay between pressing the accelerator pedal and the car surging forwards. That's not ideal when tackling junctions and roundabouts.

Switching to the sportiest of the three driving modes –&nbsp;called Go Kart –&nbsp;sharpens up the accelerator pedal's response and the snappiness of the gearbox, but doesn't fix&nbsp;the issue entirely.

The Countryman JCW's auto gearbox is quicker to react, plus there are shift paddles mounted behind the steering wheel to let you take control of gear changes yourself. You can have these paddles in the Countryman C and S but they cost extra.

Ride comfort depends on which version you go for. Unsurprisingly, the sporty JCW has the firmest suspension. It's not jarring but it jostles you around more than a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/ateca/estate/review/n17969">Cupra Ateca</a>. We've yet to try the Countryman S, but the C offers a ride that's mostly supple yet well controlled. It doesn't isolate you from bumps as well as the best versions of the Volvo XC40,&nbsp;which provide&nbsp;a calmer and more cosseting ride.

The JCW's stiff suspension means there's not much body roll through corners, plus grip is plentiful. Sadly, the steering doesn't stream much feedback to your fingertips. So, although you can go round corners surprisingly quickly, you won't be having as much fun as in a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/formentor/estate/review/n22100">Cupra Formentor</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/puma/hatchback/review/n22293">Ford Puma ST</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/hatchback/review/n20444">VW T-Roc R</a>.

That's less of a worry in the Countryman C. It's not sporty but it handles appropriately for a family SUV, with more grip than a Tiguan and staying a bit more upright through bends than an XC40. It's also quieter than the Countryman JCW, with less tyre noise and an engine that stays hushed, even when worked hard.

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild-hybrid electrical system</a> in the C and the JCW will switch the engine on or off quickly and smoothly in stop-start traffic. Even though the Countryman also has <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-regenerative-braking-and-how-does-it-work/n25212">regenerative braking</a> to harvest electricity when you press the brake pedal, it’s easy to come to a halt smoothly.

<h2>“The only thing that lets down the ride of the Countryman C is a bit of low-speed fidget.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/will-nightingale/n1020">Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor</a></h2>

OUR PICK

Fuel 

Gearbox

0-62 MPH

The 168bhp 1.5-litre petrol engine in this model can feel slightly hesitant when you're setting off from a standstill, but it's punchy enough on the move and impressively refined despite having only three cylinders; you just hear a distant thrummy note. It's therefore the one we'd choose.


http://example.com

We're still to try this 215bhp 2.0-litre petrol version of the Countryman, but it comes with Mini's ALL4 four-wheel drive system and can officially accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.1 seconds.

If you want the fastest version of the Countryman available, this is it. And while it never feels quite as rapid as its 5.4sec 0-62mph time suggests, its muscular enough to take the stress out of overtaking on country lanes.

2.0 JCW

This is the entry level Countryman Electric, producing 201bhp and 184lb ft of torque. Taking 8.6secs to get from 0-62mph, power is sent via the front wheels. Top speed is 105mph.

150kW

150kw

This is the quickest version of the Countryman Electric, developing 308bhp and 364lb ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels, sprinting from 0-62mph in 5.6sec and reaching a top speed of 111mph.

230kW

230kw

Mini by name – not so mini by nature. The Mini Countryman was already the brand’s largest model, and this latest version is even bigger than its predecessor.

As a result, this third-generation&nbsp;Countryman&nbsp;promises more interior space than ever for&nbsp;occupants and their luggage. That’s great news if you’ve grown out of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini hatchback</a> and want to upgrade to something more practical but similarly striking to look at.

The Countryman’s large headlights and front grille, combined with&nbsp;short overhangs, have been hallmarks since the original version was launched more than a decade ago.&nbsp;However, the rear tail lights now let you&nbsp;switch from the signature Union Jack pattern to two alternatives.

<h2 dir="ltr">Mini Countryman video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CKctYp2EHq0?si=gM2Z7llyFUCfSpTf" width="560"></iframe>

Perhaps the biggest break from tradition – other than the arrival&nbsp;of the battery-powered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/countryman/hatchback/review/n26607">Mini Countryman Electric</a>&nbsp;(which we've reviewed separately) – is the removal of any chrome exterior trim. Buyers can, though, choose between a classic&nbsp;or sporty look, and there are loads of personalisation options.

So, how well does the&nbsp;Mini Countryman stack up against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">best family SUVs</a> – including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q3/4x4/review/n43">Audi Q3</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/nissan/qashqai/hatchback/review/n7">Nissan Qashqai</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>? Read on to find out...

The driving position in the Mini Countryman is rather flawed&nbsp;because the steering wheel is offset from the seat, doesn't offer enough reach adjustment to suit everyone, and the head restraint forces your head forwards uncomfortably.

There’s also a shortage of lower back support in the front seats, and although adjustable lumbar support fixes that, it's available only with the Level 3 Pack, which pushes up the price considerably.

More positively, the raised seating position and low dashboard make it easy to see over the bonnet, while the windscreen pillars are positioned in such a way that you can see around them easily at junctions and roundabouts.

The chunky side and rear pillars can make over-the-shoulder visibility a little more tricky, but at least every Countryman has rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

All versions come with LED headlights, while the JCW and S versions have automatic high-beam assist and cornering lights that illuminate when you turn in to bends (if you want those on a Countryman C, you can add them&nbsp;as part of the Level 1 Pack).

The 9.6in <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-car-infotainment-systems-tested-and-rated/n21269">infotainment touchscreen</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;which is circular as a tribute to the speedo in the original 1950s Mini –&nbsp;has sharp graphics and several brightly coloured themes.

The operating system seems designed primarily to look snazzy rather than be simple to use, though. Iit’s extremely busy to look at with so much information on display at all times. The menus could be more logical to make it easier to find what you want, and some of the icons are small and fiddly.

The standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;smartphone mirroring let you run music and<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915"> sat-nav apps</a> on your mobile via the touchscreen. It's just annoying that the rectangular layout of the smartphone mirroring is shoehorned into the middle of the circular display.

It's also frustrating that you don't get physical controls for the air-conditioning, so you have to use the touchscreen to change the temperature. It's a criticism we've levelled at the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a> for years and is&nbsp;sadly&nbsp;common among modern cars.

As for the rest of the interior, there’s plenty of colour, and a variety of textures and materials on show, but that can’t hide the hard plastic on the dashboard. While the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/tiguan/estate/review/n17357">VW Tiguan</a> and XC40 are not as playfully designed inside, their interiors are built from classier materials.

It's also worth noting that the Countryman doesn't have conventional instrument dials behind the steering wheel. The S, the JCW and the Level 1 Pack-equipped&nbsp;C get a head-up display that projects your speed and other information on to a piece of perspex on the dashboard, but otherwise you'll need to glance across at the infotainment screen.

<h2>“The knitted interior fabric that you get with Exclusive trim transitions from blue on the dashboard to brown on the doors, but I can't help thinking that this makes it look like mud has been splattered across the latter.” –&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/steve-huntingford/n1018">Steve Huntingford, Editor</a></h2>

The latest Mini Countryman has a clever interior and should hold its value well

Mini Countryman

The Mini Countryman makes good use of its boxy dimensions: its high roof gives even tall drivers plenty of head room,&nbsp;plus there's lots of leg and elbow room.

In addition to a cupholder for each front occupant, there's a lidded cubby and a few small trays each large enough to hold a phone. The door bins are quite a good size, but the door armrests above them mean&nbsp;it can be a struggle to fit in water bottles and other taller items.

As for the rear, there's enough leg room for a six-footer to stretch out when sitting behind someone of similar height, with a bit more space than in a Volvo&nbsp;XC40. There’s plenty of foot space under the front seats, and rear head room is generous – even the optional panoramic glass sunroof doesn’t compromise on space.

Meanwhile, a middle rear passenger gets a relatively comfy seat and doesn’t have much of a floor hump to straddle.

We'd recommend adding the Level 1 Pack if you're buying the Countryman C (it comes as standard on the S and JCW). That adds a sliding function for the rear seats, allowing you to choose between more&nbsp;knee room in the back&nbsp;or more boot space. You can also recline the backrest to boost long-distance comfort and free up some extra head room when they’re tilted back.

With the rear seats fully back, the Countryman has a 460-litre boot, which is officially bigger than the Volvo XC40's. However, we squeezed in just five carry-on suitcases, whereas the XC40 took seven and the VW Tiguan managed nine.

It doesn't help that the Countryman's load bay isn’t as long as those rivals' and is also reasonably shallow. While there is some underfloor storage, you can’t lower the height of the floor as you can in many <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUVs</a>. A powered tailgate is standard, although you’ll have to heave heavy items over a high load lip.

To help you fit more in, the rear seatbacks split and fold in a 40/20/40 configuration, as they do in a Tiguan. That's more useful than the 60/40 layout in many rivals – including the XC40 –&nbsp;because it means you can carry long, narrow items between two rear passengers. You can’t fold down the rear backrest remotely with levers in the boot, unlike in a Tiguan.

<h2>“I'm&nbsp;6ft 5in&nbsp;tall and felt really cramped in the back of the old Countryman, but I'm fine in this latest model.”&nbsp;–&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/authors/chris-haining/n18574">Chris Haining, Sub-editor</a></h2>

C Classic

c-classic

C Exclusive

c-exclusive

C Sport

c-sport

S Classic

s-classic

S Exclusive

s-exclusive

S Sport

s-sport

The sporty JCW (or John Cooper Works) version of the Countryman is effectively its own trim level. However, while its stiff suspension minimises body lean in corners, plenty of rivals offer more steering feedback.

John Cooper Works

john-cooper-works

E Classic

e-classic

E Exclusive

e-exclusive

E Sport

e-sport

SE Classic

se-classic

SE Exclusive

se-exclusive

SE Sport

se-sport

With a huge dose of style and a range of strong engines, the latest Mini Countryman injects some welcome fun into family SUV life. Thankfully, it also covers the basics, with a good combination of space and versatility. It isn't perfect, though, with a flawed driving position and too many hard interior plastics. We reckon the Countryman C in Exclusive trim with the Level 1 pack makes the most sense.

The Mini 5-door is aimed at the premium end of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> market and, as such, it’s priced in line with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1 Sportback</a> rather than cheaper alternatives such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a>. Resale values are good but not great, though, falling behind the A1's, although you’ll still find competitive PCP deals (see our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>).

There's a choice of three trim levels for the regular models: Classic, Sport and Exclusive. Classic is the base trim, but still gets plenty of equipment as standard, including heated wing mirrors, ambient lighting, a multi-control steering wheel and keyless start.

Sport – which is our recommended trim – adds a racy bodykit, 17in wheels, adaptive suspension, sports seats and cruise control. Exclusive is more luxurious, with different 17in wheels, leather seats and more chrome, allowing you to really make the most of the plush interior.

The Premium Plus Pack is pricey because it includes a Harman Kardon stereo upgrade, a panoramic sunroof and both the Navigation Pack and Comfort Plus Pack (with rear-view camera, front parking sensors and park assist).

There’s lots of kit to help you avoid an accident, including stability control and tyre-pressure monitoring, but you have to go to the options list for more advanced functions such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/what-is-aeb-and-how-does-it-work/n3283">AEB</a>), lane-departure warning and a rear collision warning system.

The Mini performed slightly disappointingly in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> crash tests, scoring four stars out of five in 2014. Worse still, even that rating is no longer valid due to the age of the test, and it’s worth pointing out that the A1 and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a> both scored five stars in later, more stringent tests. Six airbags are provided, while an alarm and immobiliser are fitted to all models.

As a brand, Mini came joint third with Mitsubishi out of 32 car makers in the 2022 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-what-car-reliability-survey/n23397">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>. Only Lexus and Toyota did better.&nbsp;All 5-door Minis come with a three-year warranty and breakdown assistance, and both can be extended with a variety of cover levels and price plans.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

Mini tends to trade on the ‘go-kart feel’ of its cars, but the marketing strapline doesn’t translate into reality quite as well here as you might expect. The steering is well weighted, and quick to respond so only a tiny movement of the wheel is needed to get the car to change direction, but the 5-door's front tyres will run wide of your chosen line at lower speeds than you might imagine.

In contrast, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1 Sportback </a>feels more neutral, with consistently weighted steering and more grip. However, if you want a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> that's genuinely good fun to drive and can lives without a posh badge, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a> is top of the pile.

Our recommended engine for the 5-door is the 1.5-litre turbo petrol in the Cooper. It’s smooth and quiet, and pulls strongly from just 1500rpm, making it very easy to maintain swift, relaxed progress. The 0-62mph time is a brisk 8.3sec with the manual gearbox.

The more powerful 2.0-litre engine in the Cooper S is 1.5sec quicker from 0-62mph, but pushes up the price considerably and the car isn’t a particularly great <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatch</a> compared with the rival <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n140">Ford Fiesta ST</a>. Ultimately, the bigger and heavier engine makes the car handle less sharply than the 1.5-litre Cooper.

Whichever model you choose – but especially if you go for big alloy wheels – there's quite a lot of tyre noise at 70mph compared with rivals such as the A1 and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a>. The 5-door's standard six-speed manual gearbox is rather notchy and the clutch pedal’s rather abrupt biting point makes it tricky to drive smoothly. There’s a seven-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic&nbsp;gearbox</a> available&nbsp;in case you want a self-shifter.

The 5-door doesn't ride as smoothly as most versions of the A1 or 208, either. To ensure your fillings stay where they're supposed to be, it's best to avoid alloy wheels larger than 16in. On 17in wheels, there’s a bit of jostling around when dealing with beaten-up surfaces, and things don’t settle down completely, even on a motorway.

Adaptive suspension is standard on Sport trim and optional on Exclusive, but it doesn’t let you stiffen or soften the suspension at will.

Modern car makers love unusual and dramatic-sounding names that have next to no relevance to the model in question, but the Mini 5-door&nbsp;is an easy one to work out. Yep, you guessed it –&nbsp;it’s a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> with five doors.

Clearly, having an extra couple of doors makes the 5-door more practical than the popular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini&nbsp;3-door</a>&nbsp;because anyone sitting in the back won't have to squeeze through a tiny gap behind the front seat to get out. The five-door model is also more spacious for back-seat passengers and has a bigger boot too.

It's slightly pricier than the three-door car, mind, and you might think the additional doors and higher roofline make it look a little less sporty. Nevertheless, it's still spot-on in terms of other classic Mini strengths, which include a smart interior and a myriad of personalisation options.

Unsurprisingly, the engine line-up is much the same as the three-door, with a 1.5-litre engine and an even punchier 2.0-litre, but you won’t find a potent John Cooper Works version (that's limited to the three-door and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/convertible/sports/review/n17156">Mini Convertible</a>).

So, is the Mini 5-door a convincing alternative to other posh small cars with five doors – including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1 Sportback</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;and should you pay the extra over less luxurious rivals like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a>?

Read on over the next few pages of this review and we'll&nbsp;tell you everything you need to know. We’ll covering everything from performance and handling to running costs and rear-seat space, and also look at which engines and trims make the most sense.

Once you've decide what model to get, we can point you in the direction of the lowest prices if you search our free What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mini/hatchback/hatchback/deals">New Car Deals pages</a>. They have loads of the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/small">new small car deals</a>.

The interior of the Mini 5-door has plenty of retro charm without too much compromise in usability.&nbsp;The physical air-conditioning controls are logical, for example, and the standard 8.8in colour infotainment touchscreen&nbsp;is easy to get used to. A DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB socket are all standard, along with a multi-function steering wheel.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a> smartphone mirroring is standard, while <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-sat-nav-apps/n24915">sat-nav</a> is standard on top-spec Exclusive. It’s part of the optional Navigation pack on other trims. Wireless phone-charging is only available as part of the pricey Premium Plus Pack on models with an <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">automatic gearbox</a>.

Visibility isn't bad. The upright front windscreen pillars are a bit chunky, but you do get rear parking sensors as standard. Front sensors and a reversing camera are part of the optional Comfort Plus pack on all models, while bright LED headlights are standard.

All systems have an easy-to-use control dial between the front seats – you twist it to scroll through the menus and press it down to make a selection, and it's less distracting to use than a touchscreen when you’re driving. Even so, the screen is touch-sensitive, which makes punching an address into the sat-nav quicker and more direct when you’re stationary. With sharp graphics and responsive software, it’s the best infotainment system you’ll find in any <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a>.

There’s loads of adjustment in the seat and steering wheel, although shorter drivers might find that the seat doesn’t go quite far enough forwards to comfortably depress the clutch pedal fully. The pedals are offset slightly to the right, but not enough to be uncomfortable.

You get a small digital driver's display for the speedometer and rev counter as standard. It’s clear and easy to read, but lacks the customisation options of the Virtual Cockpit in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1 Sportback</a>.

You won’t have any complaints about interior quality because, compared with the vast majority of small cars, even the A1, the 5-door feels seriously premium inside (just like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini 3-door </a>does). There are soft-touch materials in all the important places, and the buttons, switches and dials feel well damped. It looks great, too, with a cheerful design that’s made to feel special by extensive ambient lighting and other touches.

Small car has a great interior and infotainment, but isn't as fun to drive as it looks

Mini 5 Door

As with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini 3-door </a>the 5-door has plenty of front space, but other than&nbsp;a couple more doors, what do you get for your extra outlay? Well, you also get a bit more space in the back.

The five-door model is a bit longer, adding&nbsp;an extra 3cm of leg room and 1cm of head room. That might not sound like much, but it’s enough to make six-footers in the back feel far less hemmed in. Even so, you’ll find more rear space in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">VW Polo</a>&nbsp;while the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/honda/jazz/hatchback/review/n17343">Honda Jazz</a> tops the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small car</a> class for rear space.

Getting into the back isn’t as easy as with most five-door cars, because the door openings are small and you have to step over a hefty sill. It can feasibly carry three in the back, but it's not particularly broad inside and the central passenger will have to straddle a chunky raised hump that runs down the spine of the car.

The boot isn’t as big as those of&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a1/hatchback/review/n5">Audi A1</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/208/hatchback/review/n30">Peugeot 208</a>&nbsp;or VW Polo, but it’s still large enough for a big weekly shop and we managed to fit four carry-on suitcases on board. There’s a big lip at the entrance, though.

The optional Storage compartment pack (included in the Comfort pack) gets around that by adding a height-adjustable floor that can be set to lie flush with the entrance of the boot. In its highest position, it also takes out any step in the extended load area when you fold down the rear seats.

There's lots of under-floor storage, which you can incorporate into the rest of the boot space (making it very deep) by hinging up the floor and clipping it to the back seats&nbsp;using the magnetised fasteners. For even more space, you can lock the rear seatbacks at a right angle, squaring up the boot to help accommodate boxier items, or fold them down completely in a 60/40 split.

If you're looking for even more space in a Mini, there's also the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/clubman/estate/review/n155">Mini Clubman</a> estate and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/countryman/hatchback/review/n71">Mini&nbsp;Countryman</a> SUV to consider.

Mini 5-door

The 5-door has a great interior and infotainment system, but some rivals are more practical and safer. If you want a premium-badged small car, we’d point you towards the Audi A1. Or if you can do without a posh badge and want a plush interior, consider the Peugeot 208.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Spacious enough for four adults to sit comfortably</li> <li>Logically laid-out interior that doesn’t</li> <li>feel too cheap</li> <li>Mature driving manners </li> <li>Decent-sized boot</li> <li>Competitive buying and running costs</li></ul>

Small cars, or superminis as they’re also known, used to be bought almost exclusively as first cars or by people with no children – but the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/ford/fiesta/hatchback/review/n106">Ford Fiesta</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/seat/ibiza/hatchback/review/n17359">Seat Ibiza</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/polo/hatchback/review/n83">Volkswagen Polo</a> have grown to the point where they can be considered all-round family transport, albeit with the odd compromise.

Small

The Mini Convertible is one of the cheapest four-seat drop-tops available, with only the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500c/sports/review/n22462">Fiat 500C Hybrid</a>&nbsp;undercutting it. Better still, the Mini is predicted to depreciate more slowly&nbsp;than the 500C and that means PCP finance monthly payments should be competitive, with discounts often available (you can find them using our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals service</a>).

Leasing rates and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/company-car-tax-calculator">company car tax bills</a> for the Convertible are very competitive too, and there are some very attractive finance packages to be had. We’d recommend paying a nominal one-off fee for Mini’s TLC package, which covers routine servicing costs for three years or 36,000 miles.

The Convertible falls in line with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini 3-door Hatch</a>&nbsp;when it comes to trim levels, with a choice of Classic, Sport, Exclusive and Resolute Edition. Classic gives you LED headlights, a powered hood, rear parking sensors and an 8.8in colour infotainment system.&nbsp;

Sport adds styling features and adaptive suspension&nbsp;(although the Mini is firm with or without it). Exclusive trim costs the same as Sport, but instead of sporty looks, you get leather seats and chrome highlights for a more luxurious feel. The hot John Cooper Works version has sports suspension and cosmetic enhancements.

Mini finished an impressive third out of the 32 manufacturers in the 2022 <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2022-what-car-reliability-survey/n23397">What Car? Reliability Survey</a> and&nbsp;while the Convertible model wasn't assessed specifically, the hatchback version (both three-door and five-door) was within the top 10 most dependable <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/small-cars/n16997">small cars</a> in the survey.

The Mini Convertible hasn't been appraised for safety by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a>. The Mini Hatch scored four stars out of five in 2014, but testing standards have improved so dramatically since then that the rating is no longer considered valid.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

The Mini Convertible offers a choice of three petrol engines, and our pick is the cheapest: the Cooper's 1.5-litre, which is&nbsp;one of the finest three-cylinder engines on the market. It’s very smooth, and its turbocharger helps it to pull with gusto from low revs.

For those who want more oomph, there are a couple of 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines. The 176bhp Cooper S can do 0-62mph in a fraction under seven seconds, while the John Cooper Works (JCW) version delivers proper <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/hot-hatches/n17005">hot hatch</a> performance with 228bhp and a 0-62mph time of 6.5sec.

The JCW makes a pretty invigorating sound, especially if you flick the car into Sport mode to unleash a few bangs and pops from the exhaust. Both engines are very flexible, so you can be fairly lazy with your gearchanges and still make rapid progress.

You do need to be quite precise with the manual gearbox, though – it can be a bit obstructive if you try to rush your shifts. If you fancy a more of a laid-back approach, the optional seven-speed <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/automatic-gearboxes-everything-you-need-to-know/n17022">dual-clutch automatic gearbox</a> is generally smooth in auto mode and reacts quickly to manually induced changes when you pull paddles behind the steering wheel.

The Mini Convertible weighs around 90kg more than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini 3-door Hatch</a> and has no solid roof to help keep its structure rigid. That has a noticeable impact on ride quality: although things are reasonably settled on smoother roads, broken surfaces give rise to seat tremors, steering wheel wobble and pronounced levels of body shudder that can become uncouth. The electric <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/sports/review/n17176">Fiat 500 Cabrio</a> is more comfortable, as is the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/sports/review/n21188">VW T-Roc Cabriolet</a>.

At slow speeds, the Mini’s steering is very heavy, and while it does lighten slightly once you’re on the move and does give you a good idea of what the front wheels are up to, we’d have preferred it to be better weighted and a little lighter. If you push hard through a corner, the front tyres will begin to relinquish their grip on the road earlier than you might expect.&nbsp;

Indeed, if you’re an enthusiastic driver, want&nbsp;a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-convertibles/n17007">convertible car</a> and can do without the Mini’s tiny rear seats, you’d be better served by the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-5/sports/review/n17349">Mazda MX-5</a>. The MX-5 has better judged steering, a better ride and a sweeter manual gearbox.&nbsp;

With the roof down&nbsp;but the windows and optional wind deflector up, the Mini does a surprisingly good job of isolating occupants from wind bluster. There's some road noise with the hood up, but overall it's quieter than in the&nbsp;500 Cabrio or T-Roc Convertible.

How’s the weather looking where you are? If you’re in the UK, the chances are it’s a bit overcast and maybe even raining, but if the sun is shining you've struck it lucky – and it's on sunny days that this&nbsp;Mini Convertible really comes to life.

Despite the climate, our collective yearning for sunshine makes Britain one of the biggest markets in the world for <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-convertibles/n17007">convertible cars</a>. In fact, you’ll find small offerings like the Mini being enjoyed all year round – often roof-down in even the chilliest conditions, their well wrapped up occupants keen to capitalise on whatever rays they can catch.

The Mini Convertible isn’t simply a car for fun days out and holidays, though. It's based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/hatchback/hatchback/review/n17350">Mini 3-door Hatch</a> and can function just fine as an everyday car.

You can keep things relatively cheap by going for the entry-level Cooper version, or splash out on the seriously nippy 230bhp John Cooper Works model. And there are various trim levels and options to tailor the level of luxury your Mini Convertible offers.

There are, of course, a few rivals to consider before you splash out. For a start there's the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/sports/review/n17176">Fiat 500 Cabrio</a>&nbsp;electric car and&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500c/sports/review/n22462">Fiat 500C Hybrid</a>. You might also be considering the slightly larger <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/sports/review/n21188">VW T-Roc Cabriolet</a> or the sportier two-seat <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-5/sports/review/n17349">Mazda MX-5</a>.

Over the next few pages, this Mini Convertible review will tell you everything you need to know before you decide which is best for you – including how they compare for performance and handling, what running costs are like and more.&nbsp;

Once you've chosen the model for you, make sure you get it for the lowest price by searching our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>. They have plenty of excellent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/convertible">new convertible car deals</a>.

The driver's seat in the Mini Convertible is comfortable and there's a reasonably wide range of adjustment, but some of the controls can be hard to reach, including&nbsp;the lever that alters the angle of the backrest. Adjustable lumbar support comes as standard on Exclusive trim and above and can be added to Sport trim as a cost-free option.

Another issue is the offset pedals. Shorter drivers will find their legs skewed over to the right, and the seat might not slide far enough forward for some. A comfortable front armrest between the seats is standard on all trims.&nbsp;

Although the layout of the retro-themed dashboard looks rather higgledy piggledy, the important controls are logically positioned and easy to use. The toggle switches in front of the gearlever look and feel great, although it can be tricky to find the one you want on the move.

Forward visibility is fantastic, thanks to the snub-nosed bonnet and slim, upright windscreen pillars, but it’s a different story when you're looking back over your shoulder. With the roof up, the large, fabric rear pillars block your view of what’s behind. When folded down, the roof languishes on the rear deck, filling most of what you see in the rear-view mirror.

Given those rear blind-spots, it’s just as well that rear parking sensors are standard. Front parking sensors, a rear-view camera and an automatic parking system&nbsp;that will steer the car into a space for you&nbsp;are all optional through the Premium Plus Pack.&nbsp;

As standard, the Mini Convertible gets an 8.8in colour infotainment screen with Bluetooth, a DAB radio, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-android-auto/n1194">Android Auto</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/owning/what-is-apple-carplay/n1193">Apple CarPlay</a>&nbsp;smartphone mirroring, and a USB socket. The infotainment is operated using a rotary controller behind the gearlever, with shortcut buttons to help make frequently used functions less of a faff to jump to. It’s easy to use and very responsive.

Upgrading to the JCW or speccing the optional Premium Plus Pack will add wireless phone-charging, built-in sat-nav with live traffic, a head-up display and an upgraded Harman Kardon stereo system. It’s a pretty pricey upgrade, but it does give you one of the best infotainment systems in the class.

It’s no sports car, but this&nbsp;drop-top&nbsp;Mini still puts fun before function

Mini Convertible

There's a generous amount of space up front for two tall adults in the Mini Convertible. However, getting your two rear passengers in and out with the roof in place is a bit of a palaver. It involves them ducking beneath the low roof and squeezing in through a very narrow gap created by the tilted-forward front seats. It's&nbsp;much easier with the roof down.

Once the rear passengers are seated, they’ll have more knee room and space under the front seats to place their feet than in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500/sports/review/n17176">Fiat 500 Cabrio</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/fiat/500c/sports/review/n22462">Fiat 500C Hybrid</a>. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/t-roc/sports/review/n21188">VW T-Roc Cabriolet</a> is a much roomier alternative if you regularly need to put people in the back.

Useful cubbies are dotted around the interior, and there's a neat space for your phone to sit beneath the USB and charging sockets, so it shouldn’t slide about on the move. You also get two sizeable cupholders in front of the gearlever.

The boot is rather small, especially with the roof folded down. For reference, it's larger than the 500 Cabrio's but smaller than the T-Roc Convertible's. Access can also be&nbsp;tricky because the bottom-hinged bootlid opens towards you like a drop-down tailgate.&nbsp;

If you have big items to load, you’ll need to pull a couple of levers to lift the rear section of the roof and give yourself more room for&nbsp;manoeuvre. You’ll also need to make sure you leave enough space to allow the levers to return to their locking position – and, yes, it's as fiddly as it sounds.

At least&nbsp;when you do need some more boot space&nbsp;you can split the rear seatbacks 50/50 then fold them down. When you do, there’s a fairly large step-up from the boot floor to the seatbacks, making it a little harder to load long items.

The Mini Convertible isn’t as rewarding to drive as its hatchback sibling, but its open-air exuberance makes up for that. You also get a terrific interior and sensible running costs, while strong residuals mean you can buy with your head as well as your heart.


<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

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