The 1.5L turbo triple has become more refined over the years and is now acceptably smooth as well as sufficiently quick. In MINI tradition, handling is crisp. The ride is reasonably supple considering the crisp handling. The cabin of the Countryman retains a very MINI look, but what was once a scattergun approach to ergonomics has been replaced by straightforward controls. The Countryman cabin is very stylish, with attractive cabin fittings and lots of soft-touch surfaces. Chic two-tone cabin trim options combines with abundant attractive faux alloy trim to form a fashionable cabin. Cargo space is reasonable with the rear seat in place and versatile with it folded.

Though the Countryman is an XXL size it still looks like a MINI. Very elegant interior and reasonable cargo space. The Clubman and Countryman are similar in size and concept that overlap one another.

The base engine is a 134 horsepower 1.5L three-cylinder but it could not be built on MINI’s website in early 2023. Moving up to the 2L turbo four, with 189 horsepower, found under the hood of the Cooper S, costs $5200. The 301 horsepower John Cooper Works version of the 2L turbo four commands an $8000 supplement over the Cooper S. The PHEV model, marketed confusingly as the Cooper SE, is priced nearly $17,000 higher than the 1.5 T but can trigger rebates $2500 from both Quebec and the federal government. The 2L Cooper S Premier trim features a panoramic sunroof, auto climate control, navigation, heated seats and deep-tint glass. The Premier+ package adds a head-up display system, wireless cellphone charging, power-fold door mirrors, a garage door opener, auto-dim rearview mirror and a memory system, and is priced to reflect its additional content. The Untamed Edition is spectacularly overpriced.

Below average. Servicing costs are similar to those for a German luxury car. Short powertrain warranty with no coverage past four years/80,000 km. Leasing for no longer than the warranty is recommended.

Though the Countryman is an XXL size it still looks like a MINI. Very elegant interior and reasonable cargo space. The Clubman and Countryman are similar in size and concept that, to outsiders, overlap one another. The PHEV version of the Countryman is powered by a 1.5L turbo triple hooked up to an electric motor. Total horsepower is 221 horsepower, with a stout 284 lb-ft of torque. Electric range is limited to 29 kilometres. Rebates of $2500 from the federal government, $4000 from Quebec and $1500 from B.C., are available.

Below average. Servicing costs are similar to those for a German luxury car. Short powertrain warranty with no coverage past four years/80,000 km. The battery pack for the Countryman PHEV is covered for eight years/128,000 kilometres.