PROS Sharp handling High-quality cabin Rapid JCW model Overview The modern Countryman was first launched in 2010 as MINI's first foray into the SUV market and it sold rather well, so the brand decided to keep it around for a second generation. It takes the cutesy design language of the MINI Hatch and drapes it over the blueprint of a tall-riding, practical off-roader in an effort to broaden the brand's appeal to family car buyers. The Countryman is a far cry from the original Mini's compact design ethos, but we understand why MINI has kept it in its line-up. The small SUV market is booming and it would have been foolish for the firm to sit on the side lines and sacrifice that much potential business for the sake of its heritage. Money talks and there's a lot of it at stake here.