THE Mini has come a long way in the more than 50 years since it first made an appearance.

Then it was mini, tiny in fact. These days it is far from mini, in terms of size or price, with some models now into the territory of small crossover vehicles and a range topper which will set you back more than £30,000.

Like its predecessor, the BMW MINI has oodles of charm and funkiness in its various three, four and five door variants. It is pretty well equipped as well with a good range of standard kit.

That attractiveness also feeds into the business sector where many models are making a strong pitch for sales with low running costs, benefit in kind taxation and road tax.

The latest Countryman features its unmistakeable interior but has more rugged exterior styling and new, low CO2 emitting EU6 compliant engines with better soundproofing. It also features a new range of colours and enhanced handling characteristics.

If the excellent handling is not enough, then on-demand four-wheel drive fitted to this model comes into its own, either on or off road.

This four-door-with-a-boot model certainly stands out in its new livery with a contrasting roof (at no extra cost) and attractive alloys.

Funky, but also chunky, it has a high ground clearance, with underside guard elements front and rear hinting at off-road capability, smart grille with neat headlights, plus for the first time, LED fog lights with LED daytime driving lights.

The rear end is a simpler affair where the large tailgate dominates with access the large 350-litres boot. Fold the rear seats for a pretty impressive 1,170 litres of space. Other cubbyholes and stowage slots are dotted around the cabin.

Inside, the fixtures and fittings and finish are not exactly you would expect from a BMW-produced car. The classy soft-touch finish, and neat chrome finishes for the ventilation controls is offset by some cheaper plastic finish.

However well-upholstered and comfortable seats, decent carpets and the clever, subtle ambient lighting gives the car an expensive feel.

The large glass area mean all round vision is good and headroom is more than decent. Four adults are accommodated in comfort.

The displays and controls have been redesigned, but the large central dial remains where major functions like infotainment, navigation where fitted, and connectivity are controlled. There are also sporty anthracite-coloured dials for the tachometer and speedometer, while the familiar toggle-switch arrangement remains.

The 122bhp 1.6-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed gearbox is refined and revs sweetly. Performance is lively. Acceleration from 0-60mph takes nearly 12 seconds, while claimed economy is 42.2mpg.

In addition, it has last none of its handling capabilities, sitting limpet like on corners, good for such a tall car, with good feedback from the steering. The ride is firm, but just the right side of uncomfortable.

Standard kit includes electric windows and door mirrors, air con, parking sensors and a high-end radio system comprising CD player with MP3 capability, AUX-in socket, DAB radio, Bluetooth, five speakers and rear park distance control.

The car scores five stars for on the Euro NCAP crash test with tyre pressure control as standard, plus stability and traction control, front and side airbags, plus front and rear curtain airbags.

All seats are fitted with three-point seat belts and there are belt tensioners and belt force limiters in the front. ISOFIX child seat mountings are provided at the rear.

For those who want more bells and whistles, options include bi-xenon headlamps and adaptive turning light, comfort access, panoramic glass roof, automatic air conditioning, removable tow bar on some models capable of towing loads of up to 1,200kg, MINI Navigation System, multifunction steering wheel with cruise control, Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and model-specific John Cooper Works accessories.

If state-of-the-art communication is required, MINI Connected is also available in conjunction with the MINI Visual Boost Radio or as part of the Media Pack. It offers extensive smartphone integration inside the car, allowing the use of internet-based services.