When you think of Mini, the image that usually comes to mind is that of a cheeky little three-door hatchback darting through city streets like an oversized go-kart. But there’s another side to the British brand, one that focuses on practicality without losing the fun factor. That’s where the Countryman comes in.
The Mini Countryman has been around in India for quite some time now, offering buyers a more spacious and family-friendly alternative to the brand’s iconic hatchbacks. Now, Mini has taken a significant step forward by introducing the Countryman C, which also happens to be the first Countryman to be assembled in India.
The move to local assembly should help Mini make its largest model more accessible to Indian buyers, while also strengthening its presence in the premium compact crossover segment.
The Countryman itself is no stranger to our market. Mini already sells the all-electric Countryman as well as the Countryman All4 in India. With the arrival of the Countryman C, buyers now get a more affordable entry point into Mini’s five-door line-up, making the brand easier to access for those who have always wanted a Mini but needed a little more practicality.
Based on the latest-generation Countryman, the new C retains the familiar silhouette that has made the model instantly recognisable over the years. It still carries that distinctive estate-inspired crossover stance, blending Mini’s quirky design language with a more mature and rugged character.
There are, however, a few visual touches that help set it apart. The Countryman C features body-coloured door handles, whilst the mirror caps, roof and roof rails are finished in black, creating a sporty contrast. Mini has also added champagne-coloured accents across the exterior, lending the crossover a premium touch without going overboard.
Under the bonnet sits a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 154.2 BHP and 24.4 KGM of torque. Power is sent exclusively to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Mini claims a top speed of 212 km/h, whilst the sprint from 0-100 km/h takes around nine seconds.
Step inside and you’ll find a cabin that feels unmistakably Mini. The interior combines modern design with sustainable materials, creating a space that feels both premium and contemporary. Taking pride of place is the brand’s signature 240 mm circular OLED display, now running Mini’s latest operating system. It remains one of the most distinctive infotainment set-ups in the automotive world and serves as the focal point of the dashboard.
The Countryman C also gets a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and JCW sports seats, which not only look the part but also come with a massage function to make longer journeys more comfortable.
Mini hasn’t skimped on features either. Buyers get a head-up display, Level 1 ADAS, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and a panoramic glass roof. Together, these features help position the Countryman C as a premium crossover that’s equally comfortable tackling city commutes, weekend getaways and family road trips.
With local assembly, a strong features list and the unmistakable Mini charm intact, the Countryman C could prove to be an attractive option for buyers looking for something more distinctive than the usual luxury compact SUVs on sale today.
