2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 Review

In recent years, the selection in the C-Segment SUV market in Malaysia has become increasingly diverse. Consumers not only value space and practicality but also have rising demands for fuel efficiency and brand individuality — which is precisely the niche that the 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 aims to target. As one of the rare 5-door, 5-seater plug-in hybrid SUVs under the MINI brand, it retains the brand's iconic design language while achieving reduced fuel consumption through its hybrid system. Additionally, the standard all-wheel-drive system allows it to handle more varied road conditions. This time, through static inspection and dynamic test driving, let’s see if it can win over family users who prioritize both individuality and practicality.

From a distance, this Countryman still maintains the familiar MINI style: a rounded front end paired with round headlights, with LED daytime running lights outlining the iconic "Union Jack" details, giving it high recognition. The front grille is not large, but it is adorned with chrome trims inside for decoration. The trapezoidal air intake at the bottom adds a touch of ruggedness to its SUV character. The side profile of the car is simple; scratch-resistant strips at the bottom of the doors and 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (tire specification 225/45 R19) enhance its crossover appeal, while the silver-colored roof rails add practicality. The design of the rear is relatively full; the LED taillights also adopt the Union Jack pattern, creating a visual echo with the front. The hidden exhaust layout at the bottom appears understated due to its hybrid identity. The overall exterior maintains MINI's cute vibe while incorporating SUV elements to meet family users' expectations for practicality.

Opening the door, the interior design style continues the brand's retro aesthetic: the rounded center console, oval-shaped air vents, and toggle-style gear selector all quickly remind one of classic MINI design elements. The top of the center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, providing a nice tactile experience, while the inner side of the doors incorporates leather materials and chrome trims to enhance the sense of detail. The 6.5-inch touchscreen is located at the center of the console, supporting basic multimedia and navigation functions. Its operation is clear in terms of logic, though the interface's smoothness is merely average. In terms of configuration, the front seats are electric with memory functionality, offering good support and wrapping. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split and can be manually reclined; passengers on long journeys can adjust their seating positions to alleviate fatigue. Regarding space performance, the advantage of a 2670mm wheelbase is evident. A passenger standing 175cm tall can sit in the rear, leaving an extra fist-and-a-half of legroom and enough headroom without feeling cramped. The trunk has a standard capacity of 405L, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, allowing enough space for a baby stroller or luggage. Storage details are well-executed: both the front and rear doors have storage compartments, the central armrest box is of moderate depth, and a 220V power outlet is standard in the front row, making it convenient for external devices.

In terms of power, this plug-in hybrid model is equipped with a 1.5L three-cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total system output of 165kW (224PS) and a maximum torque of 385Nm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 6.7 seconds. During actual driving, the EV mode provides very smooth starts, with direct torque output from the electric motor, making it nearly silent when following traffic or driving at low speeds in the city. When switched to Hybrid mode, the vibration when the engine kicks in is well-controlled, and the acceleration process is smooth. When pressing the throttle harder during overtaking, the power response is rather swift. Even at 120km/h on the highway, it still feels confident when accelerating further. The steering wheel exhibits high precision with minimal dead zones, making daily driving agile. However, the resistance is relatively heavy, which could cause fatigue during long drives. The suspension system adopts a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent layout, tuned toward firmness. It controls body roll well during cornering, instilling a good sense of confidence. However, when traversing speed bumps or bumpy roads, the vibration damping is not entirely thorough, which might cause rear passengers to feel slightly stiff.

Fuel consumption is one of the core advantages of plug-in hybrid vehicles. This time, our test drive was conducted on a 50-50 mix of urban and highway conditions, using Hybrid mode throughout the journey. The indicated combined fuel consumption was 2.3L/100km, which is quite close to the official figure of 2.1L/100km, showcasing impressive fuel efficiency. The all-wheel-drive system performed well on wet and slippery roads during rainy conditions, ensuring excellent vehicle stability while taking corners, with no signs of skidding. However, as a city SUV, its ground clearance is not particularly high and is not suitable for heavy off-road use. In terms of ride comfort, the noise insulation is average. During low speeds in urban areas, noise is almost negligible, but at higher speeds on the highway, tire and wind noise become more noticeable, though still within an acceptable range. The seat padding is thick and provides good support, making long-distance trips relatively comfortable.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 are quite clear: it combines MINI's unique design style with a plug-in hybrid system for low fuel consumption, while also offering 5-seat space and all-wheel-drive to meet the practical needs of families. Compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid or Honda CR-V Hybrid in the same class, it has a more distinctive brand character and comes with relatively comprehensive features (e.g., standard automatic parking and electric seat memory), but its price (RM 250,888) is somewhat higher, and its space performance is slightly inferior to its Japanese rivals.

This model is most suitable for family users who value individual expression — those who want a highly recognizable car that also meets the needs of daily commuting and weekend family outings, while being sensitive to fuel consumption. If you love MINI's design and want a practical vehicle, this would be a good choice. However, if you prioritize maximum space and cost-effectiveness, Japanese hybrid SUVs might be a better fit.

The 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 is not a perfect car, but it strikes a good balance between individuality, practicality, and fuel efficiency. It is a city hybrid SUV that offers both 'style' and 'substance'.