It’s an engineering makeover for the 2017 Mini Cooper Countryman. Since the Countryman’s introduction in 2010, this car has racked up stellar sales. There’s no doubt the adoration will continue with the second-generation 2017 Cooper Countryman. During a week-plus test drive of the Cooper Countryman ALL4 (designating all wheel drive), the car was a showcase of top-notch handling on both dry and wet roads. Of course, a hallmark of any Mini is its roominess. The Countryman has plenty of headroom and legroom, even for tall riders. And the 40/20/40 split rear seat slides and reclines. The 2017 Countryman gains nearly 3 inches in its wheelbase, more than 7 inches in length and an inch in width compared to the first generation model.

Mini Cooper Countryman All4 is powered by an inline 3-cylinder with TwinPower Turbo technology. Engine produces 134 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 162 pounds-feet of torque at 1250 rpm. The car is offered with an 8-speed sport automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. With rear seat upright, the cargo compartment provides 17.6 cubic feet of open space. Cargo space increases to 47.6 cubic feet with rear seat folded. (That marks a 5 cubic feet gain from the prior model.) The standard fare list for the Countryman includes a panorama sunroof, automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. The tested 105.1-inch wheelbase Mini Cooper Countryman ALL4 with 6-speed manual transmission carries a MSRP of $28,100 and collects estimated mpg of 22 city/32 highway.