Mini Cooper S Countryman

How it looks when you see on the street: The Countryman has both the circular pluck of the Mini and the contours of a small SUV. For lovers of the offbeat form language, the Countryman is very love it or hate it. For those that love it, it’s proportions work well for a balance of city and beach driving.

How it makes you feel when you get in: The interior of Countryman stays unique if not ultra comfortable. Its stiff in the tradition of the Mini brand. The screens are distinct to Mini and circles add a bit more personality than the standard infotainment experience. Harman Kardon makes for a solid audio

How it drives: The S equals extra speed and well-suited for city driving conditions — quick acceleration for lane changes and stop and go situations. Its also perfect for drives on longer, twistier road where steering is responsive to the touch. To fill up, it requires premium gasoline and earns 28 miles per gallon combined for city and highway driving.

Space for people and things: What those nimble proportions trade in is cabin room. Seating position is tight.

How much does it cost: The Cooper S starts at $32,900, while the even more peppy John Cooperworks starts at $38,000.