New bigger 2024 Mini Countryman SUV arriving early next year with Go Kart mode and LED lightshow for "special moments" as it looks to outshine the Volvo XC40, Lexus UX and more

The new-generation version of Mini’s largest model, the Countryman SUV, will arrive in Australia early in 2024 with a new look, fresh tech and more room - yep, it’s even bigger.

Now measuring 4333mm end-to-end and 1656mm tall, the new-gen Countryman has grown by 130mm in length and is 60mm taller so there’s nothing mini any more about this SUV which goes up against the likes of the Audi Q2, Peugeot 2008 and Volvo’s XC40.

While still unmistakably a Mini, the 2024 Countryman has a new face with a redesigned octagonal grille and a different side profile with a curved roof and restyled C-pillars.

Mini’s latest safety tech is also fitted to the Countryman including AEB, blind spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.

Tech inside the cabin has also been updated with a new 9.4-inch circular media display and the 'Hey Mini' intelligent personal assistant.    

Arriving in the first quarter of next year the new Countryman will initially be available in two grades - the entry level C and sporty S, with a choice of three trim levels for each.

The Countryman C is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 115kW and 230Nm, with drive going to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The Countryman S gets a more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine making 150kW and 300Nm. The S also has seven-speed dual-clutch auto, but it’s all-wheel drive. 

Arriving in the first quarter of next year the new Countryman will initially be available in two grades - the entry level C and sporty S, with a choice of three trim levels for each.

Pricing starts at $49,990 for the Countryman C in the Core trim, and steps up to $52,990 for the Classic trim and $55,990 for the Favoured.

This represents only a slight $1140 increase in the Countryman's opening price compared to the outgoing model.

Standard features on the Countryman C Core include the 9.4-inch circular media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, sport seats, proximity unlocking and an auto tailgate.

The Countryman C Classic gains adaptive cruise control, sat nav and a panorama glass roof.

The Countryman C Favoured gains a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system and John Cooper Works Seats.

While the top-of-the-line Countryman S JCW sport adds shifting paddles, adaptive suspension, JCS sport brakes, along with JCW exterior styling.

The Countryman S kicks off at $58,990 for the Classic and comes standard with the 9.4-inch circular media display, sat nav, sports seats, wireless phone charging and panoramic glass roof.

Above this is the $61,990 Favoured which adds 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system and John Cooper Works Seats.

While the top-of-the-line Countryman S JCW sport adds shifting paddles, adaptive suspension, JCS sport brakes, along with JCW exterior styling.

Go Kart mode for example is a racing-inspired setting, according to Mini, which changes the suspension, steering  and throttle response.

All grades also come with the new Mini Experience Modes of which there are eight: Core, Green, Go Kart, Balance, Timeless, Personal, Trail, and Vivid.

Go Kart mode for example is a racing-inspired setting, according to Mini, which changes the suspension, steering  and throttle response.

New lighting technology also allows drivers to “express their mood” with three schemes in the front and rear LED lights. This can even be set up to welcome or farewell the driver through a lighting display to create a “special moment”.

One of the most welcome changes to the Countryman is a larger boot which has grown from 450 litres in the previous model to 505 litres in this new version.

One of the most welcome changes to the Countryman is a larger boot which has grown from 450 litres in the previous model to 505 litres in this new version.

Mini says the Countryman model line-up will increase to include the JCW variant, along with the fully electric S and SE.

2024 Mini Countryman C pricing before on-road costs

2024 Mini Countryman S pricing before on-road costs