Mini Cooper Countryman

The redesigned Countryman is now based on the Clubman and offers Cooper and Cooper S versions. Engine choices are a base 1.5-liter turbo three-cylinder and a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder for the S. Front- and all-wheel drives are offered. An all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid version follows, with a promised all-electric range of 24 miles. This SUV-like Countryman has grown longer than the original, bringing in more interior space and flexibility. The optional Mini Driving Assistant system includes forward-collision warning with low-speed automatic emergency braking, pedestrian warning with brake assist, and automatic high beams.

The four-door Countryman is a bigger pseudo-SUV version of the Mini. The quirky interior has well shaped and comfortable seats, and some models had an intriguing but flimsy sliding storage rail system. Early versions only sat four, but later versions added a three-person rear seat. Sharing the quick steering and fantastic agility of other Minis, the Countryman is undeniably fun to drive. Unfortunately, the familiar Mini downsides carry over to this one, too, including frustrating controls and a choppy ride. Power comes from a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, either in standard 121-hp form or as a punchy turbocharged S model good for 184 hp.