New for 2015

The Countryman is largely unchanged for 2015, with updates limited to minor styling tweaks and some additional new features.

Small Is the New Big

It’s hard to picture an SUV being “mini,” but MINI went for just that seemingly oxymoronic feat with the 2015 Cooper Countryman. In the vanguard of a new wave of compact crossovers, the Countryman features MINI’s signature style and nimble handling, but in a more practical package.

Powertrains and Performance

As with the rest of the MINI lineup, part of the fun of buying a 2015 Countryman is using the vast array of options to build your ideal car. That starts with the powertrain choices.

The base Cooper Countryman comes with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 121 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque. It’s available with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmissions and front-wheel drive.

Choose the automatic, and the Cooper Countryman will do 0 to 60 mph in 10.9 seconds, reach a top speed of 113 mph, and achieve EPA-rated fuel economy of 27 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 30 mpg highway).* With the manual, 60 mph is reached in 9.8 seconds, while the top speed is 116 mph and rated fuel economy is 30 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 35 mpg highway).*

The Cooper S Countryman gets a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, and is available with the same six-speed manual or automatic transmissions as the base model, but with the option of ALL4 all-wheel drive.

With the automatic and front-wheel drive, the Cooper S Countryman will do 0 to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 128 mph, and get 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 32 mpg highway).* The manual will do the 0 to 60 mph sprint in 7 seconds flat, reach the same top speed, and return 29 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway).*

The all-wheel drive Cooper S Countryman does 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds with the manual and 7.7 seconds with the automatic; the 128 mph top speed is the same for both. Fuel economy is rated at 27 mpg combined (27 mpg city, 31 mpg highway) with the manual,* and 26 mpg combined (23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway) with the automatic.*

Finally, there’s the John Cooper Works (JCW), which gets a more powerful version of the 1.6-liter turbo four good for 208 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, as well as other performance upgrades. All-wheel drive is standard and the same transmission choices from the other models are available.

The JCW does 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 with either transmission, but it has the same top speed as the Countryman S. EPA fuel-economy ratings are also identical to the less-powerful turbo Countryman.

Features and Trims

The 2015 MINI Cooper Countryman is only available as a five-door crossover, although the MINI Paceman is essentially the same vehicle with two fewer doors. Prices start at $22,750.**

Befitting a vehicle that straddles the line between economy and luxury, the base Cooper Countryman comes with a generous amount of standard equipment, including a three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with cruise and audio controls, aluminum pedals, and Bluetooth®.

The Cooper S model adds standard sports seats, a rear spoiler, and the more-powerful turbocharged engine, while the John Cooper Works gets its own exterior and interior cosmetic touches, and performance upgrades including a sport-tuned suspension.

With a MINI, though, the options don’t stop with trim levels.  Individual options include a harmon/ kardon® audio system, MINI Connected infotainment system and navigation, and a dual-pane power moonroof. There are also numerous styles of wheels, graphics including racing stripes, and color combinations to help personalize your Countryman.

Exterior/Interior

It may not be as “mini” as the original Hardtop, but the MINI Cooper Countryman is still very small for a crossover, and that’s fairly appealing in a world of ever-growing cars and trucks.

The retro styling of the other MINI models adapts well to the Countryman.  The MINI-signature grille and rounded lights are combined with a higher driving position and that ever-practical extra set of doors. There’s also a contrasting-color roof option for a truly old school touch.

On the inside, the Countryman has the same whimsical centered speedometer as the outgoing MINI Cooper Hardtop, with a display screen in the middle. There’s also a unique center-console rail with a storage pod that be shifted from the front to the back.

MINI lists “surprising cargo space” as standard equipment. That depends on whether 42.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded (16.5 with the seats up) meets your definition of surprising.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2015 MINI Cooper Countryman includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and seven airbags. Rear parking assist is optional.

Bottom Line

The 2015 MINI Cooper Countryman boasts all of the perks of the smaller Hardtop, but in a package for those seeking more room. It’s still stylish and fun, but offers the practicality of four doors and all-wheel drive.

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, contact or visit us at 3Birds Template today. While you're here, we encourage you to explore our extensive selection of new and pre-owned vehicles.

*MPG values based on preliminary EPA estimates for model year 2015. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle operation.

**Model year 2015 MSRP does not include destination and handling charge of $850 and excludes license, registration, taxes, and options and labor to install.

Image: MINI