Mini dresses its Countryman for the wild and sends it up a real mountain trail. It does better than it has any right to. Think of a show terrier at a sheepdog trial: not here to win, but it finishes the course.
A Terrier among the Sheepdogs
Nobody expects a show terrier at a sheepdog trial. It trots in, polished and slightly proud, and everyone waits for a disaster. The Mini Countryman S Untamed did exactly that. It turned up on the Twin Peaks Trail near Lake Tahoe, where Ford Broncos and Jeep Wrangler Rubicons usually do the work.
The route climbs to a plateau at around 2,100 metres. Hikers stared. A sign warned of bears. Nobody had warned them about a matt grey Mini.
The Costume Is Real, Mostly
The Untamed Edition costs €4,700 extra. It brings a new front, more ground clearance, rugged film over the wheel arches and bonnet, an underbody guard and all-terrain tyres. A roof tent is optional. The whole car starts at €48,020.
Mini’s chief designer, Holger Hampf, says the package makes visible what the Countryman already holds: toughness, versatility and a joy of discovery. He also promises to keep the typical Mini character. That, for once, is believable.
Up the Hill, Politely
Under the bonnet sits a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo with 160 kW or 218 PS and 360 Nm. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive complete the package. The Countryman is 4.44 metres long. Mild hybrid assistance helps.
The trail begins sandy, then turns to rock. Dry sand makes the wheels spin. The driver steers around the deepest ruts to protect the front skirt. With a little guidance on tricky sections, the Mini reaches the summit. The view over Lake Tahoe is superb.
The Menu Is the Mountain
Here the terrier trips. ESP and traction control are switched off with a clumsy button combination on the round touchscreen. The same screen engages the low mode. Paddles on the wheel would make this far easier.
There is no low-range gearbox and no true off-road programme. The Mini simply keeps climbing. It is engaged, if not elegant.
Back to Tarmac
The descent is safe and quick. The Mini creeps out of the bushes almost silently, instead of a bear. Hikers at the car park stare again.
On the road, the Countryman feels comfortable. The all-terrain tyres roar, though, and the set-up is firm. Both take getting used to. In return, you get an entrance wherever you go.
Verdict: A Terrier That Finished the Course
Strengths: a capable climb for a small crossover, convincing looks, quiet running and a thoughtful set of rugged extras. Normal road manners stay intact.
Weaknesses: fiddly controls for off-road use, no paddles, loud tyres, a firm ride and a high price once the Edition is added.
So the terrier did not win the sheepdog trial. It did not disgrace itself either. It finished the course, with a wagging tail and a clean conscience.
