PUTS THE SPORT IN SUV

It’s what you get when you beef up a hot hatch

- Rivan RS

A Mini has always been a leftfield alternative to more traditional luxury carmakers’ models and the newest Countryman is no exception. The 2021 facelift doesn’t get a diesel engine option, though there’s a new John Cooper Works (JCW) Inspired variant available this time around.

It’s typically Mini to look at — the ever-present retro-cool design almost masks what’s new. The JCW Inspired variant I drove gets larger 18-inch wheels that fill out the wheel wells far better, and aggressive-looking front and rear bumpers. Overall, the impression is that of a hot hatch that’s been given a bit of extra muscle.