#5 Technology that makes driving simple

When used thoughtfully, technology really can elevate the driving experience, and help make each journey easier. The all-electric Countryman is a fantastic example of that.

Firstly, there’s the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant. A proper, full-featured voice assistant. It lets you control features in the Countryman, but without needing to take your hands off the wheel, or your eyes off the road. Press the push-to-talk button, or simply say ‘Hey MINI’, and the system will eagerly await your command. That can be something as simple as changing the radio station or volume, or asking for a change in temperature. You can also ask the navigation system to set you a route, request information about the weather, or even ask the assistant to crack a joke.

Then there’s the centrepiece of the interior – the rather impressive-looking 9.4in circular OLED display. There’s a reason it looks so striking, it’s actually a world first. But more important than how it looks is what it does. With always-online 5g connectivity, it gets constant updates with real-time traffic and charging information. So while it’s not always easy to get out on time as a family, at least you know you’ll always be on the quickest route.

To really whet the techie whistle, there’s an optional augmented reality mode for the navigation system that overlays bold graphics over a forward-facing video image of the road ahead, making it even easier to get to your destination with minimal fuss. And, with the optional MINI Connected Package there’s an ever-expanding range of exciting features and entertaining apps to choose from, including music streaming. There are even games that you can play with your passengers when your MINI is stationary.

It’s not all about flashy screens and voice control, though. Hands full with shopping? Luggage? Children? The last thing you need is to try to fumble through your bag or pockets for the key. The Digital Key Plus unlocks the car automatically when you’re in close proximity, so it’s one less thing you need to juggle.