Skip advert
Advertisement

New MINI Countryman Cooper S plug-in hybrid 2022 review

In sporty Cooper S guise, can the latest plug-in hybrid MINI Countryman offer frugality and fun?

Overall Auto Express rating

3.5

How we review cars
Find your MINI Countryman
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

Verdict

While the MINI Countryman may be showing its age in some areas, it will continue to appeal to buyers looking for a stylish, practical and fun-to-drive small SUV. This plug-in hybrid variant undercuts rivals – not least the BMW X1 xDrive25e with which it shares much of its tech – boasting a usable electric range, low company car tax rates and a typically MINI list of customisation options. Just be sure you can live with the typically MINI levels of ride comfort, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The second generation of MINI’s popular Countryman compact SUV first launched in 2017 and was promptly facelifted three years later. We drove the updated and all-important PHEV model on European roads a little while back, but aside from the fire-breathing JCW, UK-spec Cooper S E models hadn’t been available – until now.

Using the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and electric motor as before, it’s this tax-busting plug-in hybrid that forms the focus of our first drive on British roads. The changes are largely aesthetic, but the Countryman remains an interesting proposition; low running costs, decent practicality and a sense of style sometimes missing in this part of the market.

As is now the case across the MINI range, every version of the Countryman – including the plug-in – gets the brand’s Union Flag tail-lights, alongside a set of redesigned bumpers and some trim changes. LED headlights are now standard, and there are new paint and wheel choices, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Countryman

2022 Mini

Countryman

14,474 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £18,599
View Countryman
Countryman

2022 Mini

Countryman

37,031 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,897
View Countryman
Countryman

2022 Mini

Countryman

27,026 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £24,435
View Countryman
Countryman

2022 Mini

Countryman

27,209 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,403
View Countryman

Inside, the old analogue dials have been replaced by a simple-but-effective digital panel first seen in the MINI Electric; not the most configurable, it shows all the key information exactly where you want it. Most frustratingly, the instrument cluster moves with the steering wheel – while that might work for some, others will need to adjust their seat to get a good view.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The infotainment system is still housed within a large round binnacle in the middle of the dash – operated either via touch, or using the familiar wheel on the centre console. The graphics are starting to show their age a little and it doesn’t offer the breadth of functionality you might find in one of the MINI’s more modern rivals, but it’s so simple to operate. That counts for a lot when you need to change the radio station or input something into the sat-nav on the move.

Inside, MINI now offers a greater choice of colours and upholstery, with the Cooper S E featuring swathes of piano black trim as standard.  The only noticeable sign that this is the plug-in hybrid model comes courtesy of the big acid-green starter button. Push it and while you’re greeted by various illuminations, the car remains silent. Even selecting D doesn’t disrupt the serenity.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

MINI claims around 30 miles of electric running on this version – achievable in two and a half hours by plugging the car into a 3.7kW home wallbox. MINI provides two charge cables with all Cooper S E Hybrids; even topping up the Countryman’s relatively small 8.8kWh battery via a three-pin plug takes less than four hours.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Our car’s trip computer was showing 28 miles at 92 per cent state-of-charge, suggesting MINI’s numbers are achievable. Our drive confirmed this – with a light right foot and a mainly urban commute, you could feasibly go about your daily duties and not use a drop of fuel.

Lean on the throttle pedal or venture further afield and the Countryman feels much like any other MINI to drive; responsive to your every input and quick off the mark. After that initial hit – helped by the eBoost electric motor – it perhaps doesn’t feel quite as quick as its performance figures suggest. 

But while the Cooper S E is outgunned by the latest EVs in a straight line, it more than makes up for it in the corners. The steering is light, but body roll is almost undetectable – especially when you consider the tall, upright body and the weight of the battery. The ride is typically MINI in that it’s firm but controlled. Heightened road noise can upset refinement at motorway speeds.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The three-cylinder turbo engine has a pleasing thrum to it, and the constant switch between petrol and electric is smooth. The six-speed automatic gearbox isn’t as slick as the latest double-clutch units, admittedly, but it rarely feels slow or ponderous even during more spirited driving. That said, it’s a shame MINI doesn’t offer steering wheel paddles for that extra layer of driver interaction.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Space inside the Countryman is unchanged since MINI updated the car recently; the hybrid’s boot is 45 litres smaller than the petrol model’s, at 405 litres, but there’s storage under the floor to keep the charge cables. Passenger space inside is unchanged over the standard car though, so like the regular Countryman, it’s large enough and far from cramped, but there are larger options in this class.

Prices for the non-hybrid MINI Countryman start from £25,305, or £37,300 for our Cooper S E ALL4 model in Sport trim, which features LED lights, an 8.8-inch screen with sat-nav and DAB radio, as well as bigger wheels and black exterior trim. 

But of course, list price is only part of the equation and a big part of the Cooper S E’s appeal will be for company car drivers looking to lower their annual tax bill. While not on par with the latest EVs, plug-in hybrids like the MINI can offer substantial savings to those looking to switch from conventional petrol or diesel models. A 13 per cent BiK rating is competitive, if nothing else.

Model:MINI Countryman Cooper S E ALL4 Sport
Price:£37,300
Engine: 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol, 1x e-motor
Power/torque: 217bhp/385Nm
Transmission: Six-speed automatic, four-wheel drive
0-62mph: 6.8 seconds
Top speed: 122mph
MPG/CO2: 166.2mpg/40g/km
On sale: Now
Skip advert
Advertisement
Deputy editor

Richard has been part of the team for over a decade. During this time he has covered a huge amount of news and reviews for Auto Express, as well as being the face of Carbuyer and DrivingElectric on Youtube. In his current role as deputy editor, he is now responsible for keeping our content flowing and managing our team of talented writers.

New & used car deals

Mini Countryman

Mini Countryman

RRP £29,100Used from £4,695
Mini Cooper
BMW X1

BMW X1

RRP £36,430Avg. savings £3,145 off RRP*Used from £25,800
Audi A1

Audi A1

RRP £17,975Avg. savings £1,362 off RRP*Used from £9,695
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025