Mini Countryman C Exclusive - long-term review

Let’s talk specification. The Mini Countryman C Exclusive (one trim above Classic and one trim below Sport) in these photos has a level 3 pack... which, in short, means it gets many wonderful things lavished upon it.

The level 3 pack is the toppiest pack Mini offers for the Countryman, and it includes pretty much everything on the list. Deep breath... and let’s begin, using Mini's own parlance: Adaptive LED Headlights; Harman/Kardon Surround Sound Audio System; Active Seat for Driver; Front Heated Seats; Parking Assistant Plus; Driving Assistant Professional; Sun Protection Glass; Mini Head-up Display; Interior Camera; Sliding Rear Seats; Storage for wireless charging; Rear-view Mirror with Auto dimming; Folding Wing Mirrors with Auto-dimming; Mini Navigation AR; Comfort Access; High-Beam Assistant; Panoramic Glass Sunroof; Electric Memory Seats; and the all important Luggage Net.

Ooooof. A lot of stuff, but also a fair old wedge of cash – the level 3 pack comes in at a hefty £7,500. The only other extra is Smokey Green paint costing £600. This all brings the as tested price of TG’s Mini Countryman to £39,700. We can all agree this is not a small amount of money, but show me any car in this category that costs a not small amount of money. In car terms it’s actually not bad value. And as a thrifty person by nature, this pleases me. It’ll be interesting to see how useful the extras in the level 3 pack are and whether I genuinely use them – I’ll report back in due course.

But enough with the specification talk, time to report on my initial driving impressions. Some people had told me the Mini would feel “like a go-kart”. They were lying (even though there is – and I’m not even joking, we’ll talk about that in another report – a go-kart setting). What it does feel is solid and planted to drive. There’s no random drifting out of your lane on national speed limit roads, you point it ahead and that’s where it goes.

A downside is that the brakes are somewhat grabby and sudden, so you have to be circumspect about how hard you push the pedal – it’s something you get used to, but initially it is off-putting and can be vexing. Overall though, we’re getting on pretty well. A few more roadtrips should help me bond with the Mini, and as luck would have it, I do have some planned.