MINI has introduced a rugged off-road version of the Countryman that is capable of considerably more than simply carrying a roof tent and camping equipment on a weekend adventure. We put the new Countryman Untamed to the test on some genuinely challenging terrain and came away more than pleasantly surprised.
The Twin Peaks Trail, south of the small airport at South Lake Tahoe and close to the popular Heavenly Mountain ski resort, has probably never seen anything quite like it. Where modified Ford Broncos, Jeep Wrangler Rubicons, ATVs and quad bikes usually pick their way across the rocky terrain towards the summit plateau at 6,900 feet (approximately 2,100 metres), a MINI Countryman is cheerfully climbing the narrow off-road trail.
The route is recommended for proper off-road vehicles with sufficient ground clearance, locking differentials and all-terrain tyres. At least the new MINI Countryman Untamed has the latter fitted as a precaution. The rest of the ascent is handled by a gentle but steady right foot and some finely calibrated electronic assistance.
Despite its surprising capabilities away from paved roads, the 4.44-metre-long MINI Countryman is unlikely to win over many members of the hardcore off-road community. Nevertheless, hikers in the car park on Sawmill Road look on in astonishment as the matt-grey Countryman turns left onto a trail normally reserved for serious off-road machinery.
A closer inspection reveals not only a warning sign about wandering bears but also the Countryman’s chunky off-road tyres mounted on specially designed wheels. Anyone attracted to this unusually named adventurer can even order an electric version. That makes it possible to control the accelerator even more precisely on steep climbs, with maximum torque available instantly. However, even this mildly hybridised Countryman S proves far more capable than expected when confronted with genuinely demanding terrain.
Where models such as the MINI Cooper Paul Smith Edition have focused on urban fashion, the Untamed is intended to demonstrate that the Countryman has considerably more to offer than simply transporting families around city centres and motorways.
For a substantial premium of €4,700, the Untamed Edition includes a redesigned front end, increased ground clearance, rugged protective graphics across the wheelarches and bonnet, underbody protection and all-terrain tyres. Alongside various distinctive design details, buyers can also specify a roof tent, allowing them to enjoy the perfect sunrise surrounded by nature.
That alone makes the climb from a national park car park worthwhile, particularly when the Countryman reaches somewhere like Twin Peaks, overlooking Lake Tahoe.
“The Untamed Edition makes visible what has always been part of the Countryman’s character: robustness, versatility and the joy of discovery,” explains MINI head of design Holger Hampf. “Our aim was to emphasise this character through the right colours, materials and details, without changing the typical MINI identity.”
The drivetrain of the 160 kW / 218 PS Countryman S is familiar. Combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, it initially carries us a few hundred metres into the forest before the sandy track becomes increasingly littered with stones and slabs of rock. Beyond 6,300 feet, the gradient begins to increase noticeably.
Using a rather cumbersome combination of commands on the circular touchscreen, the ESP and traction control systems are deactivated and the so-called Low mode is selected, preventing the transmission from unexpectedly shifting into a higher gear during the climb.
A pair of steering-wheel paddles would undoubtedly make the process considerably easier, but the urban all-wheel-drive crossover presses on enthusiastically.
The narrow trail soon becomes uncomfortable. Loose, dry sand causes the wheels to spin, while deep grooves carved into the rock must be carefully avoided to prevent further damage to the front bumper.
With a little guidance through the more difficult sections, the Untamed MINI eventually completes the climb to the sun-drenched Twin Peaks without difficulty.
The view across Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountain ranges is spectacular. Unfortunately, sunset is still some way off, so spending a cool night in the mountains will have to wait for another occasion.
Despite lacking low-range gearing or a dedicated off-road driving programme, the rugged MINI SUV makes its way back to the starting point just as confidently and efficiently.
Other hikers are equally astonished when the increasingly dusty Countryman emerges almost silently from the undergrowth, rather than the brown bear they might have expected.
Now, however, it is time to find a car wash.
Back on paved roads, the off-road Countryman feels just as comfortable as it did negotiating the challenging terrain. The pronounced road noise from the all-terrain tyres and the firm overall suspension setup take some getting used to, but they are part of the price of its adventurous character.
And the Untamed certainly knows how to make an entrance, whether at Lake Tahoe or considerably closer to home.
