The MINI Countryman, in my view, caters to two main groups: those needing more cabin space and those desiring a MINI with all-wheel drive (AWD). I definitely belong to the latter. Minnesota winters severely test any vehicle’s cold-weather capabilities. While my standard 2006 Cooper S is manageable in the slush and ice of the region, it demands very cautious driving, even with good tires. Therefore, I was eager to test MINI’s new micro-crossover and see if the All4 system could be my secret weapon for winter roads.
Thanks to Charlie at Motorwerks MINI in Minneapolis, I got a brand-new Countryman All4 for winter road testing last week. The Twin Cities had just experienced two weeks of consistent snowfall. Main roads were plowed and salted, but side streets remained quite treacherous. Even the plowed main roads had a slick glaze. The temperature hovered just below freezing, ideal conditions for assessing the R60’s full range of winter street performance. The test car also featured a good mid-range set of winter options: all-season tires instead of snow tires, and an automatic transmission. This meant I’d be relying on the All4 system to make the difference in traction. For testing purposes, this was perfect, as it implied that if the Countryman performed well in this configuration, it would only be better with snow tires and a manual gearbox.
First Impressions: The Car Itself
Setting off into the cold winter evening, the immediate standout was the Countryman All4’s comfort. It retained the classic MINI feel in cornering and road feedback, but the overall comfort was striking. It was a genuinely relaxing drive, reminiscent of a Clubman S, but even slightly improved. The suspension absorbed bumps effectively without isolating the driver from the road. The steering offered the best balance of feedback and weight I’ve experienced in any MINI, and the seats were the most comfortable MINI seats I’ve ever encountered. While perhaps not as flat as my R53 in sharp turns, it still felt composed and predictable. Like my MINI hatch, the Countryman All4 feels robust and planted. The new variable valve timing turbo engine propelled the car confidently, even with the automatic transmission. Yes, the driving position is higher than in a MINI hatch, which might seem philosophically different, but it actually enhanced the enjoyment of driving this spirited small car. In essence, the R60 embodies everything I appreciate about the R55 in terms of comfort, power, and refinement, but without the aesthetic and ergonomic quirks that I find less appealing in MINI 2.0. I quickly stopped comparing the Countryman All4 to other models and simply enjoyed it for its own merits. In short, I consider it a truly excellent vehicle.
Winter Performance on Snowy Streets
My entire experience with the Countryman All4 occurred in the precise road conditions it was designed for. While I lacked a warm summer day for comparison, I had my own R53, running the same tires, in the same winter conditions. The difference in winter road performance between the two cars was dramatic. Where my R53 often feels on the edge of grip and prone to understeer, the Countryman All4 allowed me to confidently navigate the slippery streets of Minneapolis. Let me elaborate.
MINI Countryman All4 driving in the snow
Starting, Stopping, and Accelerating in Snow
One of the biggest challenges in winter driving is simply getting the car moving from a standstill. In snow deeper than about 4 inches, a MINI hatch can easily get bogged down at traffic lights. Facing uphill on an icy road can be particularly difficult. It’s not impossible, but you won’t be moving quickly.
Once I had a basic feel for the Countryman All4, I wanted to test its ability to accelerate in snowy conditions. I deliberately ventured off the busy main streets of south Minneapolis to find some poorly plowed neighborhood side streets where I could push the car in winter conditions.
My first test was the stop sign dash. As snow accumulates, plows often create large mounds at street corners, significantly obstructing visibility of oncoming traffic, especially at side street stop signs. The approach is often to judge visibility as best as possible and accelerate across the intersection from a typically slushy cross street. The Countryman All4 executed this maneuver flawlessly. I could simply apply power without hesitation. From what I could discern, the All4 system addresses traction issues by initially redistributing power between the front and rear wheels before the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) intervenes to cut power and find grip. Whereas my R53 will slip and bog down almost immediately due to DSC power cuts, the Countryman All4 engages the rear wheels, resulting in a surge forward, almost like driving on dry pavement.
In normal traffic, I naturally feathered the throttle for safety. However, on side streets, I repeatedly brought the Countryman All4 to a complete stop in deeply rutted, slushy areas that plows had missed. Then, I would apply full throttle. While not producing neck-snapping acceleration, the car moved forward instantly and assertively, with virtually no side slip. Within seconds and a couple of gear changes, the car was effectively transferring significant power to the snow, converting it directly into speed. While this was enjoyable, it also highlighted the Countryman All4’s fundamental ability to move effectively in snow. This is a significant advantage in my experience. It’s also highly capable of controlled stops, even without the benefit of manual gear changes.
MINI Countryman All4 accelerating in snowy conditions
Cornering, Grip, and the Moose Test in Winter
In a front-wheel-drive car like the MINI hatch, winter driving is largely about managing grip to avoid overdriving. Following too closely risks rear-ending someone. Turning too sharply can lead to understeer and loss of control, potentially hitting a curb or obstacle. Limited-slip differentials and DSC are helpful, but once grip is lost, you’re at the mercy of physics.
Still on the slushy side streets, I began testing the Countryman All4 with gentle weaving maneuvers between the curbs. The grip was progressive and predictable, inspiring confidence. These neighborhood streets had numerous dead ends, stop signs, and very slippery intersections, requiring constant changes in direction. Cornering transitions from one street to another are typically challenging in my R53. The Countryman All4 powered through these slushy areas effortlessly, with both the AWD system and slightly increased ground clearance preventing any bogging down.
Having established a baseline feel for the vehicle’s dynamics, I started intentionally pushing its limits. I took corners faster than advisable and deliberately let momentum drop in large, deep slush patches at plow path intersections. I’d turn the wheel 90 degrees and apply hard acceleration. In these situations, where my MINI hatch would simply understeer, the Countryman All4 powered through the corners. I could feel the car’s grip dynamically and predictably changing. It was a genuinely grin-inducing experience. When pushed too hard, the car showed a slight tendency to oversteer around corners, easily corrected with a touch of opposite lock as the DSC engaged to bring the car back on course. Even at the limits of grip, the Countryman remained manageable, undramatic, and genuinely fun to drive.
It was time for the “moose test.” I found a long, snowy side street and accelerated to around 45 mph, then executed an aggressive swerve to avoid an imaginary moose. Turning the wheel sharply, I felt the front wheels lose traction momentarily. But almost instantly, torque from the rear kicked in, and the Countryman All4 eagerly responded to the initial swerve. Turning sharply back into my lane, the steering hesitation was gone, as I was now fully in AWD. I returned the car to its original course without drama or needing to counter-steer. From what I could tell, DSC didn’t even engage. Further simulated moose tests only confirmed the car’s remarkable snow capabilities. I could swerve and turn almost irrespective of street conditions or speed.
Performance on Main Roads
The Countryman All4’s performance on the slippery, slushy side streets was incredibly confidence-inspiring. As I returned to larger roads and eventually the freeway, I realized my entire approach to winter driving could change with the Countryman All4. I no longer needed to avoid the outer lanes with their constant dusting of snow from plow piles. I could navigate through traffic with the same confidence I enjoy in my R53 during warmer months. The combination of All4 grip and the new engine’s torque allowed me to dominate the streets in an almost addictive way. Out on the freeway, moving through traffic was even more effortless, making it easy to forget it was still winter and that, even with All4, caution is still necessary.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Winter MINI?
While I agree with Gabe that AWD isn’t a magical safety feature and is unnecessary in many markets and cars, I’d argue that if you experience winters similar to Minnesota’s, the Countryman All4 might be the ultimate MINI for you. It’s exceptionally comfortable, capable, powerful, and practical. While the All4 system won’t improve lap times on a racetrack, it allowed me to confidently navigate the snowy streets of Minneapolis that night, making winter driving genuinely enjoyable. In my opinion, this experience is well worth the extra cost and slight weight increase. Adding proper snow tires and a manual transmission would only enhance its brilliance. I’ve always appreciated the Countryman in theory, but now I’m definitely a believer. I want one. I really want one.
Many thanks to Charlie and Motorwerks MINI for providing the car for this test!
