MINI Countryman 2018 Review

Now the C-Segment SUV market offers a lot of choices. Consumers either choose those with high configurations or those with spacious interiors. But MINI's style has always been very special—making more practical cars with classic designs. The 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper, as the entry-level model in the series, is priced at RM 226,325, just hitting the sweet spot for users who value individuality and need daily practicality. During this test drive, I mainly wanted to see whether it balances MINI's driving fun with an SUV's practical features well. After all, many people buy this type of car wanting it to be both enjoyable to drive and capable of carrying the family's belongings.

In terms of appearance, it retains the typical MINI feel. The body lines are more rounded and robust compared to traditional MINI models, but iconic features such as the round headlights and the MINI badge on the grille are still intact. The front end features black plastic cladding, giving it a bit of SUV ruggedness compared to the regular hatchback version. LED headlights come as standard, and the daytime running lights make the car highly recognizable during the day. Viewed from the side, the length of 4299mm and a wheelbase of 2670mm make it significantly longer than the previous Countryman model. Black trim on the door handles and side skirts, along with the 18-inch 225/50 R18 tires, give it a composed yet understated stance. The round taillights at the rear and the silver skid plate on the rear bumper echo the front design. Overall, the design maintains MINI's classic elements without sacrificing the SUV's practicality.

Sitting inside the car, the circular area on the center console remains the focal point, though it now features a touch screen embedded in the middle, making it more convenient to use compared to the more retro feel of the old model. The interior materials are mainly hard plastic, but areas you frequently touch, like the steering wheel and seats, are made of soft materials with a nice touch, avoiding feeling cheap. A multifunction steering wheel is standard, with buttons for volume and phone controls that are handy to use. The instrument panel combines traditional mechanical dials with an electronic display, offering clear information without a lot of unnecessary design clutter. The dual-zone automatic climate control in the front is easy to adjust, and the rear seats have independent air vents, so it won’t feel hot sitting in the back during summer. The seats are manually adjustable but provide good support, making long drives less tiring. The rear seats can be folded down in a 40:20:40 split, and they can also slide forward and backward or adjust the recline angle, making it quite flexible for carrying large items.

In terms of space, it is indeed much more practical than other MINI models. When a 175cm tall person sits in the front row, there’s more than a fist's worth of headroom, and legroom is adequate and not cramped. The rear can comfortably seat two adults, with two fists' worth of legroom and one fist of headroom. While the middle seat is a bit firm, it can still accommodate a passenger for short trips. The trunk has a standard 450L capacity, which is just enough to fit two 28-inch suitcases plus a few backpacks. Folding down the rear seats creates even more space, enough to fit small furniture or a baby stroller. Storage spaces are also thoughtfully designed—the front door panels can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest can fit a phone and wallet, and the rear also has cup holders, making it very convenient for daily use.

In terms of power, it uses a 1.5T three-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum of 138PS of horsepower and reaching peak torque at 1400rpm. When driving, the acceleration isn’t particularly aggressive, but the turbo engages quickly, making it smooth for low-speed following or overtaking in the city. The transmission is an automatic (AT) with clear shifting logic and almost no noticeable jerkiness. In normal mode, the power delivery is smooth and suitable for daily commuting. Switching to sport mode makes the throttle more responsive, with the engine maintaining higher RPMs, allowing for a bit of excitement when desired. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.5 seconds, which, although not fast, is sufficient for this segment of SUVs.

Handling is MINI's strong suit, and this car does not disappoint. The steering is precise, with minimal play, and you can clearly feel the direction of the wheels when cornering, giving you a lot of confidence while driving. The chassis uses a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension, which is tuned on the firm side but not uncomfortably so. When going over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension quickly absorbs the bumps, and the body doesn't wobble excessively. On highways, the vehicle maintains great stability, cruising at 120 km/h without feeling floaty. In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 6L/100km. During this test drive with mostly city drives, it was around 7.2L/100km, while on highways, it dropped to 5.8L, which is quite good for a 1,465kg vehicle.

As for comfort, the performance is decent. The seats provide enough support, but you'll still need a lumbar cushion for longer drives. Noise control is quite well done; at low speeds in the city, the engine is almost inaudible. At highway speeds of 120 km/h, wind and tire noise become somewhat noticeable but do not interfere with normal conversations. There's no regenerative braking system, so it drives just like a traditional fuel-powered car without any dragging sensation, making it easy for beginners to adapt quickly.

Overall, the biggest advantage of the 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper is its balance—it combines MINI's iconic design and driving pleasure with the space and practicality of an SUV. Compared to other C-segment SUVs in its class, its configuration isn't the most comprehensive, but it stands out for its unique character, enjoyable driving experience, and more affordable price compared to the Cooper S series. If you're not chasing extreme performance or luxurious features and just want a car that's fun to drive and comfortable for the family, it's an excellent choice. It's especially suitable for users who love the MINI style and need a car for daily commutes and weekend family trips. This model is likely to meet your needs.

To sum up, the 2018 MINI Countryman Cooper does not disappoint. It seamlessly combines MINI's essence with the practicality of an SUV. It's not just a pretty face nor is it a dull utility vehicle. If you're looking for a stylish, fun-to-drive, yet practical C-segment SUV, it's definitely worth considering.