'I didn't expect to have big feelings about a car... Then I met this one.'

Thanks to our brand partner, Mini

I'm not really a car person.

If someone asks me what kind of car just drove past, I'll say something like, "It was red and... medium-sized?". Cars just aren't my thing — kind of like sport — so I usually zone out when people start talking engines or horsepower.

That is, until I got behind the wheel of the MINI Countryman.

Oh boy. What a car. Actually, calling it just a car feels wrong. It's more like a lifestyle upgrade, and a very iconic one at that.

I got to zip around in this SUV for a week — and by "zip", I obviously mean I drove safely, legally and at all times with two hands on the wheel. But "zip" sounds more fun, and I need you to stay with me here, because I unexpectedly fell in love with this car and I want everyone to know about it.

It's smart, stylish and it eases the mental and physical load when it comes to things like reverse parking; and for that, I will be forever grateful.

I didn't think I could care this much about a vehicle and yet... here we are. So let me tell you what I love most about it.

The space and interior

It's the most spacious and practical MINI on offer — and it's absolutely built with families in mind.

The interior is surprisingly roomy, with enough space in the back for adults to sit comfortably or for child seats to slot in without a struggle (my very tall three-year-old had plenty of legroom).

The boot is generous too, easily handling groceries, daycare bags and whatever else family life throws at you. And if you do need more space, the back seats fold down with zero fuss.

Basically, it's the perfect blend of style and everyday practicality — whether you're doing the school run or heading out of town for the weekend.

Image: Supplied.

The self-parking feature

Next, the feature I hinted at earlier: parking.

I'm not a great parker (I'll admit it), and while most cars now have sensors and cameras, the MINI Countryman goes a step further. It'll literally park itself.

Pull up near a spot, the car recognises it, asks if you'd like help and then takes over like you're in a sci-fi movie. For someone who finds parking deeply stressful, having a car that doubles as a personal valet? Game-changer.

The tech

And the fancy features don't stop there.

The OLED display — which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto — in the centre of the dash gives the car a high-tech edge, replacing traditional dials with something sleeker and smarter.

The new operating system is intuitive and responsive, with voice control and seamless hands-free connectivity — your phone appears on screen just like it does in your hand, making GPS and music a breeze.

Oh, and it has a camera that takes selfies for you. Iconic behaviour.

There's also a wireless charging station right where you'd naturally pop your phone. No cords, no fiddling — just drop it down and it starts charging.

It's the little things that make life easier that bring me disproportionate joy... and yes, I know that makes me sound like I'm of retirement age. 

OLED screen and charging pad. Image: Supplied.

The little luxuries

Both the steering wheel and seats heat up to your preferred temperature — a true luxury when you're braving a Sydney winter. And if you've ever climbed into your car at 7am with frozen fingers and a numb tooshy, you'll understand just how life-changing that is.

You can also keep your hands in your pockets, literally, because the car locks itself as soon as you walk away. And if you accidentally leave the keys inside? It'll beep at you — loudly, but with love — to let you know.

The sleek design

If you thought I wasn't going to comment on her aesthetics, you'd be wrong.

Yes, it's 2025 and we're all supposed to be above appearances — but after covering off the tech, space and smarts, it's only fair I talk about how gorgeous this car is.

The MINI Countryman is the biggest and most family-friendly member of the MINI crew, but it hasn't lost an ounce of its iconic style.

In fact, there's a huge range of colours, trims and customisation options to really make it your own — think bold pastel shades, two-tone roof combos and all the little design details that make her pop against a sea of same-same SUVs.

Image: Supplied.

The driving experience

It's also just a genuinely fun car to drive. I usually find driving a pretty average experience, but I loved driving the Countryman. She's zippy and responsive — that classic MINI feel — but still totally family-friendly.

One of the coolest features is the ability to switch up your driving experience depending on your mood or destination. There's Green Mode for a more efficient, eco-conscious drive and Go-Kart Mode, which turns things up with a sportier, more playful feel.

The interior lighting and vibe change with each mode too, which makes even the school run feel like a mini event. My son was obsessed with Go-Kart Mode (roof down, obviously) on the way to daycare — and honestly, so was I.

To summarise? She's stylish, practical and full of personality. And yes, I was very emotional handing back the keys.

If you're in the market for a car that will treat you like the queen that you are, the MINI Countryman should be first in line.

To test drive the MINI Countryman for yourself, visit their website.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Big car, big spirit. With its powerful build and bold SUV design, the spacious MINI Countryman delivers the same exhilarating go-kart feeling that MINI is known for. The MINI Countryman is available in all-electric or petrol-powered.