2021 MINI Countryman Cooper SE PHEV Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market has become increasingly fierce. Consumers are seeking both brand identity and practicality in terms of fuel efficiency and features. Plug-in hybrid vehicles, which combine the refueling convenience of conventional fuel cars with the low energy consumption advantages of electric vehicles, have gradually become the new favorites in this segment. The 2021 MINI Countryman Cooper SE PHEV, as the first plug-in hybrid SUV in the MINI lineup, not only continues the brand's iconic retro design but also balances power and fuel efficiency with its 1.5T three-cylinder engine and electric motor combination. At the same time, its configuration level is quite competitive among vehicles in the same class. This test drive will focus on verifying whether its design aligns with market aesthetics, whether the plug-in hybrid system performs outstandingly, and whether its daily practicality meets family needs.

In terms of appearance, the 2021 Countryman Cooper SE PHEV retains MINI's classic boxy silhouette. The front features round LED headlights paired with a black honeycomb grille, and the charging port logo on the grille (with the fuel cap on the left and the charging port on the right) is a clear indicator of its hybrid identity. The side profile of the car is simple, with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels and 225/45 R19 tires enhancing its sporty look. The silver roof rack emphasizes its SUV characteristics. At the rear, the iconic horizontal taillight clusters use LED light sources, which are highly recognizable when illuminated. The dual exhaust layout on both sides underneath maintains the dynamic feel of a fuel car. The overall design inherits MINI's retro DNA while highlighting the unique features of a hybrid model through detailed adjustments.

Opening the door, the interior design style echoes the exterior. The dashboard incorporates circular elements paired with black piano lacquer trim, with an 8.8-inch floating touchscreen positioned at the center. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering a smooth operating experience. In terms of materials, the seats are wrapped in genuine leather, with the front seats featuring electrically adjustable seating with memory function, providing moderate support and comfort for long periods of sitting. As for configuration, a HUD head-up display, keyless entry/start, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system are all standard. The dual-zone automatic air conditioning is equipped with rear air vents to ensure comfort for rear passengers. Notably, the steering wheel is equipped with paddle shifters, paired with an electronic gear lever to enhance driving control.

Regarding space performance, the vehicle measures 4299mm×1822mm×1557mm, with a wheelbase of 2670mm, which places it at a mid-range level among C-Segment SUVs. Front row seating offers ample space, with a 175cm tall individual still having a fist's width of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear row offers moderate space, with the same individual enjoying two fists of legroom and about four fingers of headroom, which is sufficient for everyday family use. The trunk has a standard capacity of 450L, which can be expanded further by folding down the 40:20:40 split rear seats, making it quite practical. In terms of storage, the front and rear door pockets, central armrest console, and glove compartment all offer considerable space to store daily carry items.

In terms of the power system, the car is equipped with a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine combined with an electric motor to form a plug-in hybrid system. The system has a combined maximum power of 167PS and a maximum torque of 280N·m, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 6.8 seconds. During actual driving, the intervention of the electric motor in the initial stage makes the power response very quick. At low speeds, the presence of the engine is almost imperceptible, with excellent smoothness. When switching to Sport mode, both the engine and the electric motor work together, providing a strong push-back feeling during acceleration, and there is sufficient power reserve for overtaking. In Economy mode, the vehicle prioritizes electric driving, and when the battery level falls below a certain threshold, the engine will start to charge the battery. During this time, engine noise and vibration are well controlled and do not affect riding comfort.

Handling and chassis performance have always been a traditional advantage of MINI, and this Countryman Cooper SE PHEV is no exception. The steering wheel offers precise handling with minimal play and clear directionality, giving the driver great confidence in handling. The chassis uses a combination of front MacPherson strut independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, with tuning that leans toward sportiness. However, when driving over bumpy roads, the suspension effectively filters out most vibrations, keeping the body stable while also providing some road feedback. The all-wheel-drive system improves vehicle passability on slippery roads or light off-road conditions, but as a city SUV, it is primarily geared toward on-road travel.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 2.4L/100km. Actual tests show that when fully charged, the pure electric range is about 50km (official pure electric range is 55km), making it suitable for daily short commutes. In a discharged state, fuel consumption is about 6.5L/100km, which is more economical compared to similar fuel-powered SUVs. Regarding braking performance, the front ventilated disc and rear ventilated disc braking system perform steadily, the brake pedal feels linear, and the vehicle maintains stable posture during emergency braking, offering a strong sense of safety.

As for ride comfort, the sound insulation performance is commendable. Wind noise and tire noise are well controlled at high speeds, and engine noise is not obvious when it engages, providing passengers with a quiet riding environment. The seats are quite comfortable, with electrically adjustable and memory functions in the front seats that are convenient and practical. The rear seats support manual adjustment of the backrest angle and can slide forward and backward, allowing rear passengers to find a more comfortable sitting posture. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with automatic parking, front and rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree panoramic camera, which is very friendly for novice drivers.

In summary, the core advantages of the 2021 MINI Countryman Cooper SE PHEV lie in its unique design style, good power performance, low fuel consumption, and rich features. Compared to similar plug-in hybrid SUVs, it has higher brand recognition and a mid-to-high configuration level. Although space isn’t its strong suit, it is sufficient for daily family use. This car is suitable for consumers who value brand identity, seek a balance between performance and fuel economy, and also need a certain level of practicality, especially young families or urban professionals with a preference for individuality.

Overall, the 2021 MINI Countryman Cooper SE PHEV is a well-rounded plug-in hybrid SUV. It retains the driving pleasure and design features of the MINI brand while improving fuel efficiency through the plug-in hybrid system, making it a worthy choice for a city SUV.