2024 MINI Countryman S All4 Review

As the demand for "balanced practicality + brand individuality" among family users in Malaysia's C-segment SUV market gradually increases, the 2024 MINI Countryman S All4, as the brand's first compact SUV equipped with a mild-hybrid system, has garnered significant attention since its launch on September 6th by combining MINI's iconic design language and all-wheel-drive system. Priced at RM 348,888, its core selling points focus on the fuel efficiency of the 2.0T mild-hybrid powertrain, the off-road capability of the All4 all-wheel-drive system, and upgraded technology features. The primary goal of this test drive is to evaluate its overall performance in daily commuting and family travel scenarios to see whether it can balance MINI's driving pleasure with the practicality of an SUV.

In terms of appearance, the new car still retains MINI's family recognizability, but its dimensions have been comprehensively upgraded: a length of 4433mm, a width of 1843mm, a height of 1656mm, and a wheelbase reaching 2692mm, making it noticeably closer to mainstream C-segment SUVs compared to the old model. The front retains the classic round LED headlamp cluster, with internal black detailing adding a sporty touch. The lower trapezoidal air intake grille is adorned with chrome accents, complemented by air intake design on both sides of the front bumper, giving the overall style a nostalgic yet modern feel. The side profile of the car features clean and smooth lines, with 18-inch multi-spoke wheels (optional, standard configuration is 17 inches) that match the slightly rising waistline, while the rear door handles adopt a hidden design to reduce visual clutter. At the rear, the iconic square-shaped LED taillight cluster is complemented by a "MINI" letter badge in the center. A silver skid plate at the bottom of the rear bumper, along with a dual-side dual-exhaust layout, emphasizes the SUV's rugged attributes.

Opening the car door, the interior's technological feel sees significant improvement compared to the previous model. The center console is centered around a 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen, featuring high resolution and responsive touch. It integrates the latest MINI operating system and supports wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and voice control functions. The air conditioning control area is integrated into a physical button panel beneath the screen. The rotary gear selector retains MINI's traditional design and is paired with a leather multifunction steering wheel for a solid grip. Regarding materials, the seats are a combination of leather and fabric, with electric adjustment available for the front seats. The backrest sides provide moderate support, ensuring comfort even during extended periods. The rear seats support a 4/6 split-folding function, with boot space expandable from 450L to 1450L when folded, meeting storage needs for family trips. The rear row is equipped with independent air conditioning vents and USB-C ports, and the low middle floor hump ensures comfort for the middle passenger even when the car is fully loaded with five people.

In terms of the powertrain, the new car is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine + a rear-mounted 15kW electric motor for a mild-hybrid combination, delivering a total system power of 218PS and a peak torque of 360N·m. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and the All4 all-wheel-drive system, the electric motor primarily provides assistance during startup, offering brisk throttle response. Officially, it accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds, and during actual testing, in Sport mode with hard acceleration, the power output is smooth and consistent, while the transmission downshifts actively without noticeable lag during overtaking. In Eco mode, the combination of engine start-stop technology and motor assistance effectively reduces fuel consumption in congested routes. This test drive, which covered both urban commuting and highway sections, recorded an average fuel consumption of approximately 7.2L/100km, slightly higher than the official claimed 6.8L, but still deemed reasonable considering the load of the all-wheel-drive system.

In terms of handling, the new car's chassis is tuned to be solid, and the suspension system performs well in filtering out small road bumps. When passing over speed bumps or uneven road sections, the body movement is minimal, retaining MINI's consistent sense of tightness. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and the body roll is controlled within a reasonable range when cornering. The All4 all-wheel-drive system performs stably on slippery roads, with no obvious wheel slippage during acceleration. The braking system is responsive and linear, with evenly distributed braking force and stable body posture during emergency braking. Regarding noise control, wind and tire noise at high speeds is within an acceptable range, and the sound insulation optimizations of the Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system work well, creating a quiet cabin atmosphere for daily commuting.

In terms of configuration, the new car comes standard with safety features such as ACC adaptive cruise control, 360-degree panoramic cameras, automatic parking assist, lane change assist, and active braking, which are at the mainstream level among vehicles in the same class. It is worth noting that convenient features such as Keyless entry and an electric tailgate (optional) have been added, enhancing daily usability. However, the steering wheel only supports manual adjustment, and the rear seats lack heating functions, which are slight shortcomings compared to other vehicles in the same price range.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 MINI Countryman S All4 are the unique design of the MINI brand, the balanced performance of the 2.0T mild hybrid engine, the practicality of the All4 all-wheel-drive system, and the upgraded technological features. Compared to similar models like the BMW X1 sDrive20i or Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, its price is slightly higher, but the all-wheel-drive system and mild hybrid engine stand out as differentiating highlights; compared to Japanese SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, it offers stronger advantages in brand appeal and driving enjoyment.

This car is more suitable for users prioritizing brand personality while balancing family practicality with occasional light off-road needs—for instance, young families aged 30-40 who require fuel efficiency for daily commuting, ample space for weekend family trips, and the capability to handle simple unpaved roads for outdoor camping trips thanks to the All4 all-wheel-drive system. If you want both the driving enjoyment of a MINI and the practicality of an SUV, then this car is worth considering.

In summary, the 2024 MINI Countryman S All4 is a "balanced performer." While retaining MINI's signature attributes, it addresses the space limitations of the previous model. The addition of mild hybrid power and an all-wheel-drive system makes it better suited for Malaysia's road conditions. Although there are some minor configuration regrets, its overall performance can still meet the core needs of its target users.