Under BMW's stewardship, the MINI brand has enjoyed success with the modern Cooper. After expanding the lineup with the convertible and Clubman models, Mini now adds a crossover vehicle that is several inches longer, wider, and taller than the rest of the lineup. These differences aside, the Countryman is unmistakably a Mini with four full-sized doors. Inside there is seating for four and the rear seat backs can fold to expand the cargo area. The model range starts with the front-wheel-drive base Countryman powered by Mini's 1.6l four-cylinder engine. The Countryman Cooper S adds a turbocharged version of the same engine, boosting power by 60-bhp. The all-wheel-drive system (called ALL4) is only available on the top model. Although the Countryman offers the style, configurability and charm of other Mini models, the somewhat high cost of the all-wheel-drive model prices it above other strong selling crossover vehicles.

What Changed:

Minis fourth model is a larger crossover vehicle with four full-size doors and a large hatch. The same 1.6l four-cylinder engine found in the rest of the Mini line powers the Countryman Cooper and turbocharged Countryman Cooper S. The Countryman offers all-wheel-drive on the top model.