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2017 MINI Countryman Vs 2010 Model: Main Differences Between The Two Generations

MINI has introduced the second generation of the Countryman SUV, making the current representative of the nameplate the biggest model in the range.
Old Countryman versus New Countryman 9 photos
Photo: Photo collage made by Autoevolution with press images from MINI
Old Countryman in various versions (top) versus New Countryman (bottom)Old Countryman in various versions (top) versus New Countryman (bottom)Old Countryman in various versions (top) versus New Countryman (bottom)Old Countryman in various versions (top) versus New Countryman (bottom)Old Countryman in various versions (top) versus New Countryman (bottom)Old Countryman in various versions (top) versus New Countryman (bottom)Old Countryman in various versions (top) versus New Countryman (bottom)Old Countryman in various versions (top) versus New Countryman (bottom)
We decided to perform a parallel of the two SUVs from MINI, as they show the evolution of the brand in the last six years, as well as the modularity of the UKL platform that is used for the new Countryman.

You already know that the new Countryman is bigger and longer than the previous model, but we want to focus on the main changes applied to the interior and exterior.

You can see them, of course, but they have to be discussed. The first thing that comes to thought is the fact that the Countryman has gotten better looking as the years passed.

Old Countryman in various versions \(top\) versus New Countryman \(bottom\)
Photo: Photo collage made by Autoevolution with press images from MINI
When it was first introduced, the Countryman offended purists. It was the biggest car from MINI, and some considered it offensive. The design was not that soft to the eyes, but it was an adequate interpretation of MINI’s design language on a scale that was not applied to a car from the Oxford brand.

Over the years, the Countryman received many improvements, which culminated in a facelift introduced in 2014. Each little modification helped make the model easier on the eyes.

One might say that MINI’s design team got better at drawing bigger cars, while some believe that the shape and look grew on us. The latter might be true, especially because some people still do not like this model.

Old Countryman in various versions \(top\) versus New Countryman \(bottom\)
Photo: Photo collage made by Autoevolution with press images from MINI
While the overall silhouette of the Countryman was modified as well, the front end has managed to bring an evolution in design without losing identity. If you look at the front of the old Countryman and the new model, you can see the same basic elements, but they have been cleverly reinterpreted.

It is surprising to see just how much change can be brought by reshaping individual features and adding a few trim elements. The DRLs and fog lights have gotten bigger, while the front grille now has a different shape, which is adapted to the brand’s styling cues. The headlamps have changed thanks to new lighting solutions and a mild reshaping.

While the two models in the photo comparison do not represent the same trim level, the differences are evident and will remain apparent no matter what happens to this SUV from MINI. If you will, this car has managed to beautifully evolve into a modern design that has character and agreeable looks.

Old Countryman in various versions \(top\) versus New Countryman \(bottom\)
Photo: Photo collage made by Autoevolution with press images from MINI
Viewed from the side, the Countryman does not look dramatically changed. Evidently, you can see that the headlamps have moved and have been reshaped when seen from the side, while the tail lights kept their orientation.

The wheel arches and fender flares have been preserved, while the doors have received an infusion of personality in the form of new lines and indentations.

The profile of the roof of the new Countryman has maintained its signature look, while the windscreen seems to be more angled towards the interior. MINI has eliminated some trim elements for others, while particular components have remained unchanged. At the end of the day, this is a more than reasonable evolution of the side of a vehicle.

Old Countryman in various versions \(top\) versus New Countryman \(bottom\)
Photo: Photo collage made by Autoevolution with press images from MINI
The rear of the Countryman appears to have endured the least changes if you do not pay too much attention to it. A closer look will show that the license plate holder has moved its position on the hatch door, and this has brought a new shape for the rear bumper. The tail lights have a modified form, even though they are still placed vertically.

Just like on the facelift of the first generation Countryman, MINI has written the model’s name on the rear hatch door in full caps and with spaced lettering. The MINI logo is smaller than before, and it now sits on a wide chromed bezel above the license plate.

Old Countryman in various versions \(top\) versus New Countryman \(bottom\)
Photo: Photo collage made by Autoevolution with press images from MINI
Just like the MINI Hatchback, the interior of the Countryman was entirely revised. It does not take an expert to see the changes. We will list a few of them to show you just how much this car has been modified with the new generation.

First of all, the instrument cluster has been placed behind the steering wheel, and we mean more than just the rev counter. The dash was restyled, and the same happened to the center console.

Its look is more modern than the one of the previous Countryman, and the elements seem to be placed in a more ergonomic manner. As you can observe in the press images published by MINI, the new Countryman also has customizable interior ambient lights.

Old Countryman in various versions \(top\) versus New Countryman \(bottom\)
Photo: Photo collage made by Autoevolution with press images from MINI
We also noticed that some trim elements could be changed, like the plastic part that holds the climate controls on the 2017 Countryman. The new model is also an evolution of the old shapes and design, but the changes implemented sound more like a revolution if you ask us.
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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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