MINI Countryman hatchback

MINI's first four-door car, the Countryman has managed to blend all the fun and driver appeal of the smaller hatchback into a truly practical car. The Countryman's dimensions give MINI a car that can seat four in comfort and take their luggage, too, in the usefully sized (if not exactly enormous) boot. MINI's first entry into the crossover market can be chosen in either two-wheel or four-wheel drive, and the latter gives the Countryman limited off-road ability. More unusually, the Countryman can be chosen with either four or five seats. We would choose the five-seat model, but the four seater does offer individual sliding rear seats, usefully opening up more space in the boot, which will be appealing for some. It's not a cheap car, but the Countryman does offer a luxurious high-end alternative to other crossovers like the Nissan Qashqai or Skoda Yeti.