The 2019 MINI Countryman PHEV

The MINI Countryman PHEV retains the retro-inspired looks consistent throughout the MINI range but brings a new level of tech and impressive performance to the electric offering.

This is the first MINI with plug-in hybrid technology, much of which has been conveniently and cleverly transformed across from its partner brand BMW from existing models such as the i8. The Countryman PHEV has infact the same 1.5 litre pterol engine as the i8, however it allows for just over 28 miles on electric from a full charge.

Check out our 2 minute car review

Range and Charging

All you need to know:

• The 7.6kWh battery pack can provide up to 28 miles from a full charge, so this needs to be taken into consideration for those looking to commute daily. it is not a self-charging hybrid so you will need to plan ahead of time.

• An impressive 3 hour charge time from domestic wall socket is really special, you don't need to leave it on all night to be where you need it to be in the morning.

• The dedicated car charger brings charge time down to 2 hours which is phenomenal considering where other manufacturers average charge times sit!

Emissions

CO2 emissions of 55kg/km, make it attractive to those looking at this as a company car option and if you frequent central London than you will be pleased to know this car qualifies for free acess in the Congestion Charge Zone.

Space

If you have been in a previous Countryman model you will be pleaseantly surprised how much space MINI have managed to keep on this new model having to sacrfice alot to the battery and tech required to power. The car is a practical family car whilst still retaining the city run around feel thanks to the boxy go kart shape of the MINI models. The back seats are set a little higher than before and do not slide. You loose around 10% of boot space which is a shame but when compared to other models of this size is still a generous boot capacity. It's also a taller/deeper boot which helps when loading too.

Drive and Feel

0-62 in just 6.9 seconds, quite impressive for a box on wheels!

Although at times the ride can feel a little stiff and rigid, the handing, visibility and instant torque all make up for it in abundace. The car holds the glorified Cooper S badge and that is definately justified when you get behind the wheel, with 221 brake horse power available this is quite a nippy car! You should be reminded that the John Cooper Works, MINI's fastest model, has 228 brake horse #justsaying.

The All wheel drive splits the electric and petrol motors by front and rear wheels respectively giving you 4 wheel drive at all times. The six-speed automatic gear box can juggle between petrol and electric when set in the auto mode, it can also work with the sat nav charging the batteries when going down hills and power svaing when possible.

Read more: Clubman vs Countryman

Interior

The new Navigation System XL is a great improvement and the colour display screen increases to 8.8 inches from the previous 6.5. The upgraded models offer 20GB of onboard music storage and the MINI Connected XL complete with Harmon Kardon stereo system. One negative perhaps is MINI's resistance to change the dials and buttons. When you compare the usability and aesthetic to other manufacturers systems it does let itself down a little.

Specification

As with the entire Mini range, you have a choice of three trim levels: Classic, Sport and Exclusive. Standard options for each are listed below.

Pricing