MINI Countryman PHEV Review

Price £36,600 - £40,850

Electrifying.com score

8/10

  • Lightning
  • Lightning
  • Lightning
  • Lightning
  • Lightning

MINI’s biggest car has had a facelift, more range and some extra green credentials. That makes it great for commuting and short trips, though it's expensive.


  • Battery: 9.6 kWh
  • Company car tax: 12%
  • Emissions: 40 g/km
  • Range: 38 miles (electric)
  • Fuel economy: 62.8 MPG

Find your perfect car today through our carefully selected partners

  • Battery: 9.6 kWh
  • Company car tax: 12%
  • Emissions: 40 g/km
  • Range: 38 miles (electric)
  • Fuel economy: 62.8 MPG
  •  Mini Countryman PHEV
  • Mini Countryman PHEV exterior front driving in forest
  • Mini Countryman PHEV exterior rear parked
  • Mini Countryman PHEV exterior rear driving in forest
  • Mini Countryman PHEV connected to charger
  • Mini Countryman PHEV interior dashboard and display
  • Mini Countryman PHEV interior rear seats

Nicki Says

“The last Countryman PHEV was one of the best-driving PHEVs around but had an infuriatingly small battery which gave you no more than 15 miles of range in cold weather. The bigger battery in this one is welcome.”

Ginny Says

“I love MINIs, even though the Countryman isn't very miniature at all. The PHEV is now even more practical thanks to a bigger battery, but my heart will always say go the whole hog and get the pure electric MINI hatch.”

Electric power makes the MINI surprisingly brisk, though its not the most engaging car to drive after a tough day and is slower than the old model.

  • 0-62mph:6.8 seconds
  • Top speed:122 mph
Mini Countryman PHEV exterior rear driving in forest

Performance

The ‘S’ badge on the Countryman’s grille isn’t there purely for decoration, it signifies that this is a fast MINI. With a 125bhp petrol engine AND a 70kW electric motor on board, it’s hardly a surprise that, given the right encouragement, the MINI can feel pretty fast. Electric power adds a gentle smoothness to acceleration, while its turbocharged petrol heart helps with big dollops of torque when you need it. 

Sensible driving is rewarded with a whisper quiet electric motor doing the heavy lifting in town, and if the three-cylinder petrol does need to fire up it’s on the quieter side. Though if you do push it, the petrol motor can sound a little drone-y. Thankfully you can turn the sound system up on the motorway to drown that out… 

Its gearbox is smooth enough for most when used sensibly, though more spirited driving can overwhelm it a little. 

Drive

Much like the MINI brand image, the Countryman isn’t a scary car to get to grips with. All the control points are big, friendly, and easy to use. To get going, pop your foot on the brake, press the big ‘ol ‘START’ button on the centre stack, slot it in to ‘D’ and away you go. It’ll silently move you forward, not bothering the petrol motor unless it really needs to. 

In town it’s quiet, comfortable, and, well, easy. The high driving position means you get a decent view of what’s going on around you as well, which is confidence inspiring. It steering is light, even in sport mode, so you won’t need any gym time to get the best out of it. 

You won’t have any concerns driving it around the city. On the motorway, once again, it’s an easy car to drive – light controls and a good view are a huge bonus here. 

The only downside is that it’s not hugely entertaining on the twisty stuff. Being so high up, and the car’s comparatively high weight mean it’s not going to give you chills while driving fast. 

Latest Reviews...

“Added to your showroom”
Showroom:
Icon

You currently have no cars in your showroom. Browse our reviews here to start.

Icon

Please fill out your contact details below.