Following in the trainers-prints of the Mini Hardtop and Convertible, the Countryman crossover SUV is getting its own Britishification. The 2021 Mini Countryman has been refreshed with a new front fascia, upgraded interior, more features, and those all-important Union Jack–pattern LED taillights.
The distinctive rear lamps first appeared on the refreshed 2019 Mini Hardtop and Convertible. Apart from the taillights, the Countryman gets body-color bumpers front and rear, a subtly restyled grille, standard LED headlights, and new wheel designs.
Drivetrain options carry over, save for one sad omission. It appears the six-speed manual transmission is no longer an option on the Countryman. All front-wheel-drive models now come standard with Mini’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, and all-wheel-drive variants get a traditional eight-speed auto. A 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder making 134 horsepower continues to be the base engine. Move up to a Cooper S model to get a 2.0-liter turbo-four good for 189 horsepower, or skip straight to the John Cooper Works Countryman for a livelier 301-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter. Meanwhile, the plug-in-hybrid SE model returns with a turbo-three and electric motor combo rated at 224 horses.
Inside, the 2021 Mini Countryman offers a new 5.0-inch digital instrument display as an option. The round center stack receives a light touchup with piano black surfaces and still features a cool multifunction LED ring outlining the chrome bezel and an optional 8.8-inch touchscreen. Leather upholstery options have been expanded, along with the “Mini Yours” custom interior program, which now features even more color combinations. Of course, customization doesn’t stop there. Just as before, you’ll be able to personalize your Mini through the brand’s vast catalog of dealer-installed accessories. Are you a fan of the Union Jack motif? Then go full “God Save the Queen” with Union Jack mirror caps, Union Jack fender garnishes, and a Union Jack roof decal. The only way your Mini could be more British is if it played “Rule Britannia” each time you honked the horn.
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