2025 MINI Countryman Sport C Mhev Auto 1.5L Hybrid electric (clean) · ML05 JSL

The 1.5-litre mild-hybrid petrol Countryman Auto is officially rated around 45-50 mpg combined, depending on wheel size and spec; real-world figures typically fall in the high 30s to mid-40s. Annual road tax should be modest thanks to Euro 6 EC compliance, though from year two onwards VED becomes a flat £190 (with the supplementary rate for cars priced over £40,000 where applicable). Insurance is likely to fall in group 20-25 for this spec, depending on the buyer's profile, putting premiums in the £500-£800 range annually for a typical driver.

Servicing intervals are condition-based, but MINI typically bills £200-£350 for a standard service and £400-£600 for a major service including brake fluid and cabin filter. The 48V mild-hybrid system adds a small premium to certain maintenance items if work is needed later, but under warranty most repairs would be covered. Estimated annual running cost is roughly £1,500-£2,200 covering fuel, tax, insurance, and routine servicing.

On a test drive, pay particular attention to the dual-clutch automatic gearbox at low speed, as this unit has a known tendency to creep or shudder when cold; ensure smooth pull-away from junctions and gentle hill starts. Inspect the underside of the front bumper and sill for any scuffs from kerbing, which is common on urban-driven SUVs of this size. Confirm all infotainment and driver-assistance systems (parking sensors, reversing camera, cruise control) operate as expected, as software faults are more common than mechanical ones on recent MINIs.

There is no MOT history to draw failure patterns from, so focus inspection on the items that would typically appear in the car's first MOT at three years of age: tyre condition and evenness of wear across both axles (uneven wear can indicate alignment issues), brake disc lipping, and any warning lights on the dashboard. Check the charging state of the 48V mild-hybrid battery via the vehicle status menu if accessible, and confirm the 12V auxiliary battery under the bonnet is clean and securely mounted. Inspect the boot area for any water ingress staining, as the Countryman tailgate seal has occasionally been reported as a source of moisture intrusion.