Young families who want a dash of chic in their choice of cars can rejoice, for the Mini Countryman has arrived in Singapore at last.

The Countryman is the latest addition to Mini's burgeoning range of cars, and is the most practical model of all the Minis yet, which should suit couples who have just started easing into parenthood, yet want to experience the coolness of Mini ownership, for the Mini brand is now no longer restricted to the free and swinging singles.

Personally, I am all for Mini expanding their range to cater to more market groups. There is no doubt that Minis are the epitome of style, and it's refreshing to see that they are now reaching out to even more people, which can only help to boost its brand image further.

Of course, the Countryman is not the first Mini to be designed for families, for the Clubman saw to that. But the Countryman features four standard opening doors, as opposed to the Clubman's single rearward opening door on the right side of the car, and a tailgate that lifts open upwards, like a typical hatchback, against the split rear doors of the Clubman. So in that aspect, the Countryman is a more 'normal' family vehicle than the Clubman.

The Countryman also has a longer wheelbase, and a raised ride height, so this will further enhance its appeal to families, with its SUV-like stance offering an added sense of security.

As a young single myself, having space for the family might not be that much of a priority, yet I can see how the Countryman can appeal even to me. Driving around with the cachet of the Mini name, yet having the space and practicality of a family car, capable of ferrying people or things with ease. Certainly sounds good to me.