The 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 captures the spirit of the original 1959 icon while adding modern flair. Compact yet bold, it delivers spirited performance with unmistakable style and character.
True to MINI’s playful DNA, it blends engineering ingenuity with charm, making it a car that feels as exciting as it looks. Hitting the start button, it hummed to life as we headed for the Pacific Highway on our way to northern NSW.
As we drove through Kew and into Port Macquarie, we discovered just how versatile this small SUV really is. MINI didn’t just tune the Countryman S ALL4’s suspension – they refined it like a maestro conducting a symphony.
This all-wheel drive dynamo grips with surprising balance, where the ride stays composed, with rebound and damping dialed in so you feel firmly in the driver’s seat. Rough roads throw in a bit more bump and buzz.
Think of it as the car whispering “Hey, I’m paying attention!” – but on smooth twisty roads, it’s downright playful, carving corners with a grin. Fun and control? This MINI’s got it in spades. If that isn’t enough, there are eight different experience modes.
On winding seaside roads, we couldn’t resist flicking into “Go-Kart Mode”, and letting the steering tighten, throttle response sharpen, and the car grab each curve with playful precision.
It was impossible not to smile as the Countryman danced through bends, with the sportier handling, stiffer steering and quicker pedal response. It’s MINI at its most mischievous. But our little journey wasn’t done yet.
We headed further north, where Byron Bay welcomed us with golden beaches, and laid-back charm, visiting Cape Byron Lighthouse along the way. The Countryman’s larger proportions and sunroof making driving this car feel expansive and bright.
The ALL4 system showed its worth too, enabling some mild off road adventures that saw us take on some basic fire trails to access a couple of secluded lookouts, and Killen Falls at Tintenbar (near Ballina).
The setup is nimble, responsive, and fun when navigating slippery surfaces. From there it was off to Rainbow Bay in Coolangatta. It’s here where our Countryman uniquely stood out, with it’s Union Jack tail lights, bold octagonal grille and vibrant Blaze Blue colour.
LED headlights come with adaptive cornering, automatic high-beam dipping, and a “see-me-home” feature. Puddle lamps project the MINI logo when you open the doors, and there’s rain-sensing wipers, heated washer jets, privacy glass, and an electric sunroof.
Roof rails and a rear spoiler add functionality with flair, while contrasting roof colours let you inject a personal stamp. For those who want more visual punch, 20-inch wheels are available. Two-tone 19-inch alloys complete the look.
Every glance reminded us that although this Countryman isn’t quite as “mini” anymore [sharing BMW’s platform], it still carries that unmistakable DNA: cheeky, unique, and undeniably fun.
Inside, the digital cockpit and ambient lighting add a futuristic touch as does the 9.4-inch circular infotainment system. Its SUV proportions offer versatility and a host of clever tricks. You’ll find toggle switches, retro knitted dashboard fabric and AirConsole gaming.
Then there’s Spike – the digital dog assistant who lives in the infotainment system. Cheerful, clever, and a little cheeky, Spike responds to “Hey MINI” commands, helping with navigation, calls, or just cracking a joke.
It’s functionality with a twist of fun, exactly what you’d expect from MINI. Tech lovers will find plenty to keep them happy, including wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built-in navigation, and a premium 12-speaker stereo with DAB+.
Wireless charging is included, as are multiple USB ports, Bluetooth streaming, and a slick MINI app that lets you check lock status or beam destinations straight to the car. A 360-degree camera system takes the stress out of parking.
It’s a surprisingly roomy space, with dual-zone climate control with an odour-reducing charcoal filter, heated sports seats up front (with massage, memory and electric lumbar support for the driver).
Rear passengers aren’t forgotten either, with split-folding, sliding seats. Storage includes a sliding centre console, large door pockets, bottle holders in both rows, and a cargo area ranging from 505-litres to a cavernous 1,530-litres with the seats folded.
A power tailgate with hands-free operation seals the deal. At its heart sits a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a slick 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
With the ALL4 all-wheel drive system, it sprints from 0–100km/h in 7.4 seconds and cruises to a top speed of 228km/h. That makes it brisk, if not outrageously quick. Fuel use is respectable too, with a 45-litre tank offering an estimated 592km range.
Those aforementioned “experience” drive modes include Core, Go-Kart, Green, Vivid, Timeless, Balance, Personal and Trail. Each mode tweaks the lighting, soundscape, and graphics on the round OLED display to match your mood or road conditions.
Behind all the flair is a solid safety backbone. With a 5-star ANCAP rating, the Countryman includes forward-collision warning, autonomous emergency braking (front and rear), pedestrian avoidance and lane departure warning.
Blind-spot monitoring with active assist, cross-traffic alerts, fatigue detection, and exit warnings are all included, as are ABS, traction control, stability control, adaptive cruise with lead-vehicle start assist and road-sign recognition.
MINI hasn’t forgotten the future either, with much of the interior made from recycled or sustainable materials. Customisation is another strong suit: a wide palette of exterior paints, interior trims, and lighting options means no two Countryman need look alike.
All that aside, driving the Countryman isn’t just about getting from A to B – it’s about enjoying the ride along the way. The 2025 MINI Countryman S ALL4 is more than just another compact SUV, it’s a personality-packed machine that blends practicality with fun.
It looks good, drives with spirit, and is brimming with clever details that make everyday motoring just a bit brighter. It’s backed by a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assist for the same period.
Priced at $69,699 drive away, depending on location, you can find out more from the MINI Australia website, or by talking to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One.
To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by MINI Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia was not paid to review this vehicle.
