[Taboleo] Mini Embracing Family, Reliable Even on Winding Mountain Roads

Complete Redesign After 7 Years, New Model Released
Widest Interior Space Among Mini Cars
Industry's First Circular Display
Tmap Interface Implemented

The MINI compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) Countryman has been released in South Korea as a completely redesigned new model after seven years. It gives the impression that it was developed with great attention to domestic consumer preferences, such as increasing the size inside and out and meticulously designing the interior.

When the first-generation model was first unveiled in 2011, it was sometimes criticized for having an exterior that was not very 'MINI-like,' which some felt blurred the brand identity. However, after two generations, it has secured a solid fan base. This is due to its suitability as a family car for the whole family and its recognized versatility for both urban and outdoor activities. The headquarters also considers Korean customers to be more loyal compared to other markets.

Mini New Countryman
Photo by BMW Group Korea

Interior and Exterior Design: Not Very MINI?

Both the exterior and interior have grown significantly compared to the previous second-generation model. The MINI Countryman has always been considered the largest car within the brand, and this time its size has been further increased. The length has grown by 150 mm, width by 25 mm, and height by 105 mm. The wheelbase, which affects interior space, has also increased by 20 mm. Among MINI-branded cars, it is said to have the largest interior space.

The front seat shoulder and elbow room have also become more spacious. Considering that the MINI brand emphasizes a 'go-kart' feeling with a firm driving experience, this size seems to deviate somewhat from the brand’s original direction. While MINI is clearly a premium 'compact' brand and the Countryman is classified as a compact SUV, its size inside and out rivals or even exceeds that of typical compact SUVs.

Mini New Countryman Interior [Photo by BMW Group Korea]

The rear seats can be adjusted forward and backward and the backrest angle can be changed to allow for more trunk space. Even without narrowing the front seats, the rear seats provide enough space for adults to sit comfortably. The trunk capacity starts at 505 liters and can be expanded up to 1530 liters. The distinctive angular headlights and rear lamps inspired by the British Union Jack continue the design tradition of past MINIs. The octagonal grille emphasizes its outline with thin lines, giving a sharp impression.

Inside, the most eye-catching feature is undoubtedly the large circular OLED display. With a diameter of 240 mm, it is said to be the first application of such a display in the automotive industry. It is clear, responsive, and the overall interface is intuitive, making it easy to use. Since most vehicle displays have traditionally been square and angular, it may feel somewhat unusual at first but quickly becomes familiar.

The company also emphasized this feature as a key selling point when introducing the new car. The previous MINI interior center display was also circular, but this one has a much thinner bezel and is arranged as if attached separately, giving a modern feel. The instrument cluster on the driver’s side has been boldly removed, and various information can be accessed through the central circular display and the head-up display. Most functions, including climate control, can also be managed via the center display.

Mini New Countryman. The circular center display was first applied in the automotive industry.
[Photo by BMW Group Korea]

A Display That Works as Hard as It Looks

The default navigation system uses T-map. MINI and BMW have applied T-map’s map information to vehicles released in Korea, but this time the T-map interface has been fully adapted to the circular display. The latest operating system, 'Operation System 9,' allows for in-car gaming and video streaming.

It is also possible to download and install third-party applications. The feature that allows using a smartphone as a car key seems particularly useful. Users can choose from eight different modes according to their preferences. These modes change the screen graphics, the projection-type interior mood lighting on the passenger side dashboard, and driving and function sounds. There are many features that give the feeling of a personalized car. The interface using characters also provides visual enjoyment.

Circular display applied to the new Mini Countryman
[Photo by BMW Group Korea]

Fun and Stability, Both Achieved

As it is aimed at being a family car, the driving feel seems to have been set to be more stable compared to the previous second-generation model. However, this is relative to the smaller 3-door model within the same brand; compared to other compact SUVs, it offers agile and lively driving. It shows its true value on moderately winding low mountain roads rather than long straight highways. The ability to turn precisely as the steering wheel is turned, quick response, and almost imperceptible turbo lag make it impossible not to give it a thumbs up for driving performance.

The test-driven model was the base Classic trim, equipped with a TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a 7-speed Steptronic Sport double-clutch transmission, producing 204 horsepower and 30.6 kg·m of torque. The next higher Favored trim has the same powertrain. The high-performance JCW Countryman delivers 317 horsepower and 40.8 kg·m of torque.

Mini New Countryman
Photo by BMW Group Korea

All trims released domestically come standard with the all-wheel-drive system ALL4. Among MINI models released in Korea, only the Countryman features all-wheel drive. Driving assistance features such as collision and crash warnings, lane departure warnings, and parking assistance with a panoramic view are included even in the base model. The Favored trim adds active cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and the JCW trim includes more advanced features such as side collision warning and lane change assist. Prices are 49.9 million KRW for the Classic trim, 57 million KRW for the Favored, and 67 million KRW for the JCW (all prices include VAT).