2011 MINI Countryman public Review

As the urban SUV market gradually rises in Malaysia, compact, personalized, and practical models have started attracting the attention of young families and urban workers. The 2011 MINI Countryman public, as MINI brand's first mass-produced SUV, combines MINI's classic retro design with SUV functionality. Can it establish itself in the compact crossover market? In this test drive, we will comprehensively experience it from static design to dynamic performance, to see if it meets the Malaysian consumers' demand for "small but precise" vehicles.

In terms of appearance, the 2011 Countryman public retains MINI's iconic round headlights and vertical waterfall-style front grille, giving the front a recognizable look. The body lines are longer and wider than the traditional MINI, with silver roof racks on top and black wheel arches and side skirts on the sides, enhancing the cross-SUV feel. The rear features vertically arranged tail lights, echoing the circular elements on the front, while the silver skid plate beneath the rear bumper further adds to the off-road vibe. The overall design maintains MINI's retro tone while incorporating SUV elements to meet consumers' visual expectations of multi-functionality.

Opening the door, the interior still boasts MINI's familiar style, with a round central console paired with a piano lacquered panel and decorated with silver trims, which gives it a high-end feel in its class. The seats are made of fabric material and provide good support, with the primary driver's seat supporting manual adjustment. The center console is equipped with a 6.5-inch display screen, integrating basic functions such as Bluetooth and USB interfaces, with simple and user-friendly operational logic. Notably, the Countryman is the first MINI model with a five-door design. The rear seats support a 40/60 split-folding function, with a default trunk capacity of 350 liters that can be expanded to 1170 liters when folded down, which is more than sufficient for daily needs like carrying strollers or shopping bags.

In terms of power, the 2011 Countryman public is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power output of 90kW (122PS) and a peak torque of 160N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The power response during starting is quite brisk, making it suitable for congested urban roads; mid-to-late acceleration is decent, but overtaking on highways requires deeper throttle input. The suspension tuning leans towards stiffness, a traditional MINI setting. It controls body roll well during cornering and offers precise steering, retaining a certain level of driving pleasure. However, when passing speed bumps or uneven roads, the bumps can be quite noticeable, slightly compromising comfort.

Fuel consumption performance is as expected, with urban conditions averaging around 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers and dropping to 6.8 liters per 100 kilometers on highways. For an SUV with a 1.6L engine, this data is considered reasonable in the Malaysian market. In terms of noise control, the cabin remains relatively quiet during low-speed driving, but wind and tire noise become increasingly noticeable at speeds above 100 km/h, though they do not affect normal conversations. The seat cushioning is good, which means long drives won't cause fatigue, making it suitable for daily commutes and short family trips.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2011 MINI Countryman public lie in its unique design, agile handling brought by its compact size, and greater practicality compared to traditional MINI models. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the Honda HR-V or Toyota C-HR, the Countryman stands out with its distinctive brand identity and driving enjoyment, though it slightly falls short in terms of space and comfort. This car is suitable for young families who seek individuality and value the driving experience, or for consumers who appreciate the MINI brand but require a certain level of loading capacity. If you are looking for a "small but capable" crossover, the 2011 Countryman public is worth considering.