Mini Countryman review

As with a lot of small SUVs, you don't feel that high off the ground in the Countryman – it's certainly no Range Rover. Still, you feel farther from the road than you do in the more hatchback-like Skoda Kamiq. All Countrymans come with a well-bolstered driver's seat that is not only comfortable to sit on for an hour or more, but offers excellent support in corners, too. The Exclusive and JCW trims come with adjustable lumbar support as standard, otherwise it's an option, but all models get driver's seat height adjustment.

Our biggest gripe is the spring-loaded backrest, which is fiddly to adjust in small increments; if you go for the optional electric seat adjustment this problem disappears. Regardless, the steering wheel has lots of reach and height adjustment so drivers of all shapes and sizes should be able to find a comfortable seating position.

Forward visibility is okay; the windscreen pillars are a little chunky but positioned in such a way that allow you to see around them easily at junctions and roundabouts. Looking over your shoulder, the view is better than it is in a lot of small SUVs, perhaps with the exception of the Skoda Kamiq, although the shallow rear screen makes it tricky to see what’s directly behind the car.

Rear parking sensors are standard, though, and you can add sensors to the front and a rear-view camera if you add the expensive Comfort Pack Plus (standard on the JCW). Night vision is advanced by the standard LED headlights, which you can upgrade to adaptive Matrix LED headlights that can stay on main beam without dazzling other road users.