I recently took this 2020 All4 model with four-wheel drive on a day trip to Liberal, Kansas, and my family loved the car as much as the journey.
Thanks to Tim and Jerri's Auto Sales in Garden City for letting us drive this fun little car for a while.
Yes, it is on the small side for what some people would consider to be the "perfect" road trip vehicle, but that size is utilized cleverly. The interior is lined with cubbies and spaces for anything and everything. A large Sonic cup fits in the front door storage pocket, which tells me this Countryman was designed with long journeys in mind.
On the highway is where the Countryman is meant to be. It's smooth -- so smooth in fact, I kept thinking I was driving a larger car. Bumps and uneven surfaces are absorbed by the suspension like a fresh sponge. My partner and stepson enjoyed the ride and appreciated the Mini's spacious insides but more compact stature. I appreciated the Mini's comfortable seats and kitschy interior notes, like a toggle switch for the engine start/stop.
This Mini Countryman sports a 189-horsepower, mildly turbocharged four-cylinder engine that begs for a manual transmission, even though a stick shift isn't offered. The standard eight-speed automatic is fine and performs well on the highway, but can be awkward at low speeds in town. The gearing of the transmission, coupled with smooth suspension and a quality stereo system, make this an ideal interstate blaster.
Speaking of the stereo... The infotainment system in the Mini Countryman should only be operated when stopped, as it features many layers of settings and customizations. Everything from radio presets to custom driver settings and more are controlled through the touchscreen, or via a mouse-like button on the console below the shift knob. Additionally, the Park gear is not selected by physically shifting the car into Park. The Mini is parked by the click of a button labeled "P" on the shifter, something many car buyers may not care for.
Once you get used to its quirks, the Mini Countryman is a fun little car that feels bigger than it is. It'd be perfect for the young couple who enjoys taking day trips, or someone with a long daily commute who just wants a car that'll make them smile when they walk out to it every morning.
You can check out this 2020 Mini Cooper Countryman All4 at Tim and Jerri's Auto Sales in Garden City, Kansas.
