Driving is more fun in the Mini Countryman

I don’t get the opportunity to drive the Mini very often, so when I did recently, I jumped at it. I was not disappointed.

Recently, Mini Asia and Mini Philippines launched the new Mini Countryman, the biggest and most versatile model in the brand’s 58-year history. Having been completely newly developed, it now reflects considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and premium characteristics.

 “The second generation Mini Countryman advances the brand within the premium compact segment,” said Peter Medalla, head of Mini Asia. “Mini fans in the Philippines will be excited to know that their new daily companion is just as nimble on the streets as well as off-roads. We are confident that the new Mini Countryman will deliver fun and excitement every time you get behind the wheel.”

There is something about driving a Mini that has to be experienced — rather than reviewed — but let me try share with you what I experienced.

Space, space: The Mini Countryman has more space and makes loading goods easy as one, two, three.

Now we start

As I stepped into the new Mini Countryman in the Mini display store in BGC, I knew I was in for an adventure that being only behind the wheel of a Mini can offer. 

The first thing I noticed when I saw the Mini Countryman was that it is 20 centimeters longer than its predecessor and approximately three-centimeters wider. Its wheelbase has been extended by 7.5-centimeters.

What all these stats mean is that the Countryman delivers a more stable ride on the road. Also, there is significantly increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a definite increase in luggage transport versatility.

As I entered the cockpit, I was at once happy with the raised seating position, which I knew would give me a good look at the roads ahead — and I know just how important that is when driving through the traffic-laden streets of Metro Manila.

Let me just add that this Mini is not so mini anymore since there are five seats in the interior and two on the Picnic Bench.

And, yes, I liked the electric tailgate control, which allowed me to open and close the rear compartment with a touch of the key.

‘Nuff said. Time to drive.

I started the engine and loved what I heard. Upon further inspection I noticed that Mini Countryman features design elements that are typical of the brand, including the clear three-way structure of the side view — broken down into roof, glass section and main corpus — as well as the short overhangs, large wheel arches and downward increase in width.

Not to be missed are those contours on the surfaces that have attractive play of light and shade that underscore the car’s athletic shaping and the vertical orientation of the body.  Another new element is the LED headlamps with peripheral daytime driving light ring. The striking profile of the headlamp units deviates from the circular shape that is otherwise typical of the brand. 

Drive On

I had opted to go to Pampanga on the day I got the Mini Countryman.

Immediately I noticed the driving fun: Optional Dynamic Damper Control and Mini Driving Modes.

A rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever allowed me to select a set-up according to one of the three modes: MID, Sport and Green. This also influences the accelerator pedal and steering curve, the operating mode of electrically powered comfort features and the engine sound and shift characteristics of the Steptronic transmission, depending on engine and fittings.

I chose green.

That the Mini Cooper is quite an iconic car was proven by the fact that quite a number of people gave the Mini Countryman a staredown as I drove past them.

The new Mini Countryman doesn’t just drive; it gives the impression of sprinting from zero to 100 in a few seconds — simply amazing.  I had to slow down and keep within the speed limit of 100 kph.

I took the Mini off to NLEX, with another drive that had as its destination — unknown. But, when I do the driving, as most people who know me know, the experience is in the driving and I often could not care less about where I’m supposed to go.

Driving fun in the new Mini Countryman is based not just on versatility but also on safety and comfort. The standard and optional driver assistance systems are key. The standard collision warning with city braking function can be extended to include the Driving Assistant system with camera-based active cruise control, pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection. In addition to this, Park Distance Control (PDC rear – standard on all variants); (PDC front and rear – optional), rear view camera, Parking Assistant and Head-Up-Display are also optionally available.

Fun, Fun, Fun

I reached Pampanga with a smile on my face and joy in my heart. Yes, driving does give me much joy.

And although I did take the Mini to the limits, I shifted to back to the Green mode when I got to Pampanga.  In this mode, a more relaxed and fuel-efficient drive takes over. The energy used by electrically powered comfort functions such as air-conditioning is reduced.

I got off the Mini Countryman for a few minutes — just enough time to get a cold drink and a bite.

Break time over, it was time to start heading back to Metro Manila. I started the Mini, listened to the roar of its engine, and, with a smile, started my drive back.

Let me leave you with words from the Mini Philippines president, who described the Mini Countryman perfectly:

 “We are thrilled to offer the new Mini Countryman in the Philippines,” said Willy Q. Tee Ten, president of Mini Philippines. “It has a powerful expressive design, efficiently shaped bodywork and unmatched driving agility. Mini has a strong following in the Philippines and we believe the new Mini Countryman is the car they have longed to drive every day, everywhere, for every occasion.”