MINIS have always had a reputation for being, well, mini, but what’s cute and retro to some is simply impractical and over-priced to others. But the new Mini Countryman aims to plug the gap between practicality and affordability, while managing to keep all the retro-chic we’ve come to expect from the brand.

On first look, it’s difficult to group with the rest of the Mini family. For starters, it’s got five doors, it’s got a decent sized boot, and there’s even legroom for rear passengers, and despite its jacked-up ride height and more beefed-up body, it remains recognisable as a Mini.

There’s no questioning the build quality. It’s all nailed together as you’d expect from any BMW product. There’s a choice of seating arrangements, with a conventional five-seater layout, or as a two plus two with a central rail that runs the length of the interior, which can house a long list of useful fittings, like iPod and cup holders.

And, although the rear seats slide independently to increase luggage space or legroom, with the seats slid all the way back the boot is surprisingly limited. The rear window is also surprisingly small, and can make reverse parking a little on the tricky side.

The Countryman is available with a choice of five engines, two diesels and three petrols, including the range topping 181hp 1.6-litre supercharged Cooper S petrol, which is equipped with a clever electronic ALL4 four-wheel drive system.

It starts at just over £14k for the two-wheel drive Mini One, rising to around £21,500 for the range-topping ALL4 Cooper S model, which looks excessive, especially when compared with the new Nissan Juke which offers exactly the same, in a package that works out considerably cheaper.

Thee Countryman is the kind of car that’s bought more with the heart than with the head.

Nigel Swan

Vital Stats
MINI Countryman Cooper S ALL4
On sale - now
Price - £22,030
Power (hp) - 184
Torque (lb ft) - 240
0-62mph (secs) – 7.8
Top speed (mph) – 130
Economy (mpg) – 42.2
CO2 (g/km)/Tax (%) – 157/26

You can directly access exciting video footage of the car featured plus lots more news and car tests on the motoring website www.smokedout.co.uk