Let's dive into the details of the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S, focusing on what makes it a fun and practical choice. We will explore its horsepower, performance, features, and overall driving experience. Whether you're a Mini enthusiast or just looking for a versatile small SUV, this review will give you a comprehensive overview.

Engine and Horsepower

Okay, let's get straight to the point: horsepower! The 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This little beast cranks out a respectable 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. Now, you might be thinking, "Is that enough for a small SUV?" And the answer is a resounding yes! The Countryman S feels peppy and responsive, making it a blast to drive around town and on the open road. The turbocharger kicks in early, providing plenty of low-end grunt for quick acceleration. Whether you're merging onto the highway or zipping through city streets, the Countryman S has enough power to keep you entertained. Plus, the engine is surprisingly refined, with minimal turbo lag and a smooth power delivery. Mini has done a great job of tuning this engine to deliver a fun and engaging driving experience. Furthermore, the availability of different driving modes, such as Sport, further enhances the car's responsiveness. In Sport mode, the throttle becomes more sensitive, the steering feels heavier, and the exhaust note becomes a bit more aggressive. It's like turning up the volume on the fun factor! Overall, the engine and horsepower of the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S are perfectly suited to its character and mission. It's not the most powerful SUV on the market, but it offers a great balance of performance, efficiency, and driving enjoyment. It’s also worth noting that the Countryman S is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (known as ALL4). The ALL4 system provides added traction and stability in slippery conditions, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain. The all-wheel-drive system also enhances the car's handling, giving it a more planted and confident feel on winding roads. So, whether you opt for the front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive version, you're sure to be impressed with the performance of the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S.

Performance and Handling

Beyond just the horsepower, the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S shines in its overall performance and handling. The car's compact size and nimble chassis make it a joy to drive in various conditions. The steering is precise and responsive, providing excellent feedback from the road. You'll feel confident and connected behind the wheel, whether you're navigating tight city streets or carving through winding mountain roads. The suspension is also well-tuned, striking a good balance between comfort and control. It absorbs bumps and road imperfections without feeling floaty or disconnected. The Countryman S handles corners with minimal body roll, and it feels planted and stable even at higher speeds. The car's brakes are also strong and confidence-inspiring, providing plenty of stopping power when you need it. Mini has a knack for making cars that are fun to drive, and the Countryman S is no exception. It's a car that encourages you to take the long way home, just for the sheer enjoyment of driving. The car's sporty character is further enhanced by its available features, such as paddle shifters and a sport-tuned suspension. The paddle shifters allow you to manually control the gears, giving you a more engaging driving experience. The sport-tuned suspension firms up the ride and reduces body roll, making the car feel even more agile and responsive. The 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S is also surprisingly capable off-road, thanks to its available ALL4 all-wheel-drive system and increased ground clearance. While it's not a hardcore off-roader, it can handle light trails and unpaved roads with ease. The ALL4 system provides added traction and stability in slippery conditions, making it a great choice for those who live in areas with snow or rain. The increased ground clearance also helps to protect the car's underbody from damage. Overall, the performance and handling of the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S are among its strongest attributes. It's a car that's fun to drive, capable in various conditions, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you're a city dweller or an outdoor enthusiast, the Countryman S has something to offer.

Interior and Features

Step inside the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S, and you'll find a stylish and well-appointed interior. The design is classic Mini, with a large circular infotainment display in the center of the dashboard and toggle switches for various functions. The materials are of high quality, and the fit and finish are excellent. The seats are comfortable and supportive, providing plenty of room for both front and rear passengers. The Countryman S also offers a generous amount of cargo space, making it a practical choice for families and those who need to haul gear. The rear seats can be folded down to create even more space, and there's also a hidden storage compartment under the cargo floor. The infotainment system is easy to use and features a variety of functions, including navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity. The system can be controlled using the touchscreen display or the rotary dial on the center console. The Countryman S also comes standard with a variety of safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and a head-up display. One of the standout features of the Countryman S is its panoramic sunroof, which provides a wide-open view of the sky. The sunroof can be opened or closed with the touch of a button, and it helps to create a bright and airy atmosphere inside the cabin. Another cool feature is the Mini Connected app, which allows you to remotely lock or unlock the doors, start the engine, and check the car's status. The app also provides access to a variety of other features, such as navigation and music streaming. The interior of the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S is not only stylish and comfortable but also practical and well-equipped. It's a great place to spend time, whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a long road trip. The available features and technologies make the driving experience even more enjoyable and convenient.

Fuel Economy

Now, let's talk about fuel economy. The 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S offers reasonable gas mileage for a small SUV. It's EPA-rated at 26 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. These figures are for the front-wheel-drive model; the all-wheel-drive model gets slightly lower ratings. Of course, your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving style and conditions. If you have a lead foot or spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic, you can expect to see lower numbers. However, if you drive conservatively and stick to the highway, you should be able to achieve the EPA estimates. The Countryman S also comes with a few features that can help you save fuel, such as an automatic start/stop system and a fuel-efficient driving mode. The automatic start/stop system shuts off the engine when you come to a complete stop, and it restarts it automatically when you release the brake pedal. This can save you a significant amount of fuel in city driving. The fuel-efficient driving mode optimizes the engine and transmission settings for maximum fuel economy. It also reduces the sensitivity of the throttle pedal, which can help you avoid unnecessary acceleration. Compared to other small SUVs, the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S offers competitive fuel economy. It's not the most fuel-efficient vehicle in its class, but it's also not the worst. It strikes a good balance between performance and efficiency, making it a practical choice for those who want a fun-to-drive SUV that won't break the bank at the gas pump. Furthermore, maintaining your car properly, such as ensuring tires are correctly inflated and regularly changing the oil, will help you to reach better gas mileage, which will improve its performance and save you money.

Overall Impression

In conclusion, the 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S is a fun, stylish, and practical small SUV that offers a unique driving experience. Its turbocharged engine provides plenty of power, and its nimble handling makes it a joy to drive. The interior is well-appointed and features a variety of useful technologies. The fuel economy is reasonable, and the overall value is excellent. If you're in the market for a small SUV that stands out from the crowd, the Countryman S is definitely worth a look. It's a car that's sure to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. The 2019 Mini Cooper Countryman S has a lot to offer, from its sporty performance to its practical interior. It's a car that's equally at home in the city or on the open road. Whether you're a Mini enthusiast or just looking for a versatile and fun-to-drive SUV, the Countryman S is a great choice.