2026 Mini Countryman C Review - Can it be a serious luxury SUV?

## A New Direction for the Mini Countryman The Mini Countryman has always been a bit of an oddity in the Mini lineup, being the largest and most practical of the bunch. However, with the new Countryman C, Mini is making a concerted effort to position it as a serious luxury SUV. The locally assembled model is priced at Rs 47 lakh (ex-showroom), which puts it on par with established rivals like the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, and BMW X1. ## A More Mature Design The new Countryman C has a more grown-up design, with a boxier and more angular look that's reminiscent of the Countryman Electric and the CBU-imported Countryman JCW All4. The single, fully loaded 'Favoured' spec is available with no optional extras, save for some accessories. The car looks the business, with champagne-coloured accents all around, a contrast roof, and huge 19-inch dual-tone alloy wheels. There's a choice of five colours, but Mini has opted for more extroverted options than conventional luxury SUVs. ## A Luxury SUV with Genuinely Usable Space The Countryman C has a significantly larger interior space than its predecessors, making it a more practical choice for families or those who need a luxury SUV for everyday use. The boot volume has increased by 50 litres to 505 litres, and the rear seat can be slid forward on rails to free up more space. The car also features a space-saver spare tyre, which is a nice touch. Inside, the car is trimmed in an upmarket-feeling knitted fabric, with plenty of uniquely Mini touches, such as slim, vertical AC vents and a row of toggle switches to start the car and change modes. ## Generously Kitted Out with Standard Equipment The Countryman C is generously kitted out with standard equipment, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered front seats with memory and massage function for the driver, surround camera with auto park function, a Harman/Kardon audio system, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, 13.7-inch diameter OLED touchscreen, heads-up display, voice assistant, wireless phone charging, and a digital key system. The circular touchscreen is a work of art, but it can be tricky to perform basic functions on the move. ## Performance and Refinement The Countryman C shares its UKL1 architecture with the BMW X1, as well as its 1.5-litre three-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine. The engine produces 156hp and 240Nm, sent to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. While the engine feels merely adequate, it's still a bit of a disappointment for a Mini. The Experience Modes are mostly cosmetic, with only Green (Eco) and Go Kart (Sport) altering drive performance. ## Ride Comfort and Handling The Countryman C still drives like a Mini, but it's now a bit more grown-up and less sporty. The steering is lighter and less tightly wound, making it easier to manoeuvre, but you lose some urgency in direction changes and some agility. The suspension setup still allows it to handle corners tidily and with not too much body roll, but it's now more compliant and comfier than the previous Countryman. The overall sensation is that you're commandeering a proper SUV rather than a high-riding hatchback.