We just bought one several weeks ago, and so far it's been very enjoyable to drive! It has quite a bit of giddyup and is extremely roomy inside compared to how compact it looks from the outside. The heads-up display is a nice touch, the sound system is really solid, and the pricing was quite competitive. The overall fun factor definitely makes the Mini Countryman S ALL4 a vehicle worth checking out. 🤙🏼
Mini has used that style of heads up display for years. So, it’s probably not an afterthought, though it may look like one. Also, due to the angle of Mini windshields, projecting a heads up display is challenging.
Every auto manufacturer (and electronics manufacturer) thinks they’re entitled to all your personal information. Now they want to monitor where you go, what you do and use audio and video to monitor drivers. It is illegal and unconstitutional. And Congress must put a stop to it with strong laws that include civil and CRIMINAL penalties.
25 years ago, a large Florida dealer told me to call the added fees anything I wanted to because at that very moment, the total of all of it is what they will accept for the car. If market adjusted value sounds better than vin etching, rust coating, clear coat protection, etc, just call it that.
Exterior reminds me of a...googles...2009 Kia Sportage. Modern minis are actually quite large on the outside. The previous generation's design disguised their actual dimensions with cute styling cues. This one doesn't have that trick to play. Weird, I've never heard anyone complain about massage seats. I'd love if Talking Cars talked about cars later on in their testing cycle.
Just listened to the podcast version. You guys are spot on with a few comments and way out to lunch on most of your review. Agree that it has lost some of it’s Mini DNA. I’m actually not a fan of the exterior looks and do miss all the toggle switches on the interior. And can’t believe they got rid of the BMW shortcut numbered buttons to anything you want (Navi, Sat, FM, Phone call, etc…). That said, they did a great job, IMO with the car. First, the HUD is a carry over from the last generation, so it wasn’t something they decided to add last minute when they moved everything to the center screen as you suggested. And, having had both types of HUDs (built in to the windshield and the pop up on my 2023 Mini Cooper Countryman S All4), I prefer the pop up…had the built in version on my Q7 and when you need a windshield replacement on those, it’s $$$$$$. And I love the comment from one of you sarcastically saying that you had to use it a bunch because the center screen is in the center…no kidding…that’s why it’s there! Second, you guys need to learn to drive a DCT. This tranny is right up there in my books with my BMW ZF tranny. Not as good as my previous Porsche PDK (but what is?). You just need to know how to use the throttle to find the right points for each mode. I can’t recall when I’ve thought (why is it in that gear?). I find mine works very well in the Sport Mode and the Economy mode (surprisingly)…doesn’t work well in the regular mode. Agreed with the stop/start, but once you get used to the car and drive it every day, it’s pretty easy to get used to. Interior center storage/stack is much more useful now which his a nice upgrade. Seats are excellent. Sound system is outstanding! It’s just a Harmon Kardon, but it’s the best iteration of an HK that I’ve listened to. In the end, if you want a mini cooper driving experience, you need to buy the smaller versions (there are plenty to choose from)…I look at this new mini as more of a luxury CRV (though smaller than the current CRV, it’s akin to the size from a couple of gens ago when it was a “right-sized” car). So, you get a BMW for 12K less. LOL…you guys were funny about the cameras…definitely sound like an “older” generation…sorry to let you know, but there are cameras covering pretty much every mile of anywhere you spend time in public…All in all, if you don’t need something as big as a CRV, don’t care for the HRV, or the Toyota equivalent, and want that size with more luxury, this is the car for you. If you drive it some more and get used to how to use the DCT, you’ll find yourself using it more…I drive mine daily in DC and it’s awesome. Test drove the 2025 and was pleasantly impressed.
Kelly is the only one who dressed like they seemed to know that they would be on camera today. Keith is channeling David Foster Wallace, and Joe just finished up some landscaping. Great review of a vehicle no one will buy.
Love my 2023 mini countryman All4 S with 15K on it , runs flawless! New model has different engine so you can run it on 89 instead of 81 or higher❤, but no screen in front of you now moved over, shifter a little weird with that new type of toggle switch, and fabric material on doors & dash, good luck trying to clean it when it’s dirty! I meant 89 octane instead of 91! I run mine on 93 shell runs like a top, I live right by the nj birder and the shell is the cheaper fuel at 3.95 a gallon as we speak!
Beauty. Beholder. It’s just different from MINi Coopers - the 2nd Gen Countryman was different also. I think,they have done a great job with the body styling, but that’s personal taste.
The front of this car looks like a very early Rav4, which wasn't attractive. Those round headlights are the classic and identifying feature of a Mini and they took that away.
Per Doug deMuro, Mini is a dying brand. We've got one, but won't get another countryman. Too big, too expensive, not enough physical controls. Closing of a local dealership was the final nail in the coffin -- we won't drive 2-2.5 hours for service.
This is rather disappointing. I had wanted a MINI for decades but read how unreliable they are. Reading Consumer Reports I saw for the past decade their reliability ratings got a lot higher. You even named MINI the 3rd most reliable brand. I took a chance and bought a 24 2-door hardtop. 6k miles and nearly a year later and I've not had one single problem. It's the most fun car I have ever owned. I hope the new 25 Cooper won't lose it's go-kart performance.
yaaah, it's fine to have peeps like these as analysts or writing reports, but for presentation please get someone (or 2 people, 3 is always odd) with a bit more pizzazz and entertainment value. Decent info, but very yaaawwn.
Republicans lower taxes but replace the taxes with fees. Taxes are put in by gobrrments and that irritatesviters, fees are just created and the consumer has no say but to pay.
