Yes, it’s bigger! The unfunny ironic dad jokes about the MINI no longer being mini can now cease.

The MINI Countryman hasn’t been mini for years now, but that hasn’t stopped it from being a great SUV, as the brand was able to transfer its core fundamentals to a larger vehicle. With this new generation it’s tasked with replicating that transition again.

Can lightning strike twice? Let the record show, yes!

EXTERIOR

The exterior of the 2024 MINI Countryman sets the theme for the rest of the vehicle. The best way to describe the new looks is if someone from the future came back in time, looked at the original, went back to their time and built it.

Retro-future sums the whole thing up. The overall shape has been simplified and sharpened for an angular look that still contains enough of a link to past design cues. For example, the roofline, front and rear lights: These three elements have been reinterpreted from the past to the future. The roofline, available with contrast colours, continues its swoopy curve to the rear with a new c-pillar design. The LED headlights are no longer round, now more square, yet keeps the outer light ring signature. Both front and rear lights can be changed to one of several patterns with a few presses inside the infotainment system.

Of course many MINIs can be customised, and the as-tested Countryman S ALL4 with the John Cooper Works package, futurised logo and all, packs a visual punch sitting on the new 20-inch wheels.

INTERIOR

The inside is even more dramatic in every way possible. Those steeped in MINI lore will instantly recognise what has been done beyond the increase in occupant space afforded by the new platform. In the iconic original MINI Cooper the instrumentation was central. For 2024, they have returned to their roots. All driver instrumentation has been moved to a round OLED infotainment screen, 240mm in diameter. Due to its size and clarity drivers will have no problem getting used to the new orientation.

What is next shows the boldness and quirkiness of the brand. The dashboard and cabin are covered in a soft fabric that pleasantly contrasts the other materials, such as the copper accents. It all comes to life at night when the Experiences, the replacement for modes, are engaged turning MINI’s fun ambient lighting up a notch. Otherwise the seats are comfortable, especially for the driver who gets a massage function. Those in the back can recline a bit while jamming out to the great stereo system. It can easily seat five, while containing the modern accoutrements in the trunk or the multitude of storage solutions, including a quirky non-traditional take on a centre console.

MINI’s whimsical nature is easily found in the infotainment. It’s fast, logically laid out to be used on the go, and ensures that the driver sees the important information. It’s also funky as switching modes — excuse me, experiences — generates an unavoidable audio and visual response, plus it can digitally replicate the original MINI central speedometer.

ON THE ROAD

Behind the wheel, the Countryman S hasn’t lost any of his driving charm. The John Cooper Works trim is usually reserved for those wanting something a bit sportier, so the slight compromise on the larger tyre package is acceptable. The suspension still copes well with Jamaica’s moon crater roads, but the 20-inch wheels do occasionally send audio of the surface to tyre transgression into what is a quiet cabin. Switch to the Go-kart Experience, accompanied by a very video game-like yell with red colour transition and the Countryman is ready to go. The new power figures means it’s no slouch on the straights, and the grip of the ALL4 system and the new tyre package makes the corners disappear just as fast.

The 2024 MINI Countryman leans heavily into fun of its past and never lets go, keeping all the serious stuff like its improved performance, and SUV practicality just under the surface for that unique ownership experience.