Mini Countryman

Manila, Philippines - Is it a crossover? Is it a supersized MINI? Is it the biggest oxymoron to happen to a brand whose name says it all? Truth be told, we aren’t really sure either. But this much we know… The newest product to come out of the MINI stables is one that can perform! We actually broke the story of its arrival in the country a month ago. A few of us have driven it and we’re so impressed by it that we decided to make it our Pick of the Month! Here’s what we think of the MINI Countryman…

MINI tows a thin line between sacrilege and success with the Countryman – any bigger and it would have to shed its MINI tag in favor of “MID”. That being said, you get the best of both worlds in this iteration of the Cooper. Go-kart handling, robust power, and iconic design… check. Space, space, and more space… check. In these supersized days, you finally have run out of excuses not to go MINI.  – Kap MACEDA Aguila

Is a maximized MINI still a MINI? The Countryman may have four doors, be available all-wheel drive and have seating for five adults but still it keeps the historic brand’s tradition by being a perky, fun-to-drive car. Trademark touches such as the huge central speedometer and toggle-type switches manage to give you a smile on your face while configurable seats with a large luggage compartment keep the family happy. Its choice of engines, capped off by a twin-turbo satisfies your left foot’s urges. It’s all the car you’ll ever need. – Ulysses Ang

The new MINI Countryman is proof positive that even iconic MINI is not immune to the crossover fever – and the world is all the better for it. Now here’s a car that’s pure eye candy but with even more space and versatility than the already stretched MINI Clubman. Best of all, the quick and nimble turbocharged all-wheel-drive Countryman S ALL4 model lets you enjoy MINI motoring off the road. Heck it can even pack two mountain bikes (with their front wheels removed) behind the front seats. What more can you ask for? – Manny N. De Los Reyes

I’ve always said that MINI is the kind of car you would imagine Apple to think up. No other brand has been able to capture the fun of motoring and turn it into sheet metal that has been shaped by the smiles that it leaves on its owners’ faces. And now we get the SUV version of it in the Countryman, which is the automotive equivalent of super-sizing the happy meal. – James Deakin

We’ve all heard the typical complaint… MINIs are so small that they’re basically impractical toys made only for those who can indulge their sentimental passions. Well, with the arrival of the MINI Countryman, you can throw the impractical notion down the drain. Here’s a vehicle that has the appeal, spunk, character and originality of the iconic MINI but also has the space (and the two extra doors) to make it one practical vehicle. It’s a standout, no matter how you look at it.  – Dong Magsajo