Mini is packing more for less in its second-generation Countryman SUV. The German automaker has confirmed the local details of new larger, bolder roader ahead of its official arrival in mid-year.
MINI AUSTRALIA has released pricing and key features for its all-new Countryman range which is due to launch here in late March. Bigger inside and out than the old model, the new Countryman will be available in both 2WD and all-wheel drive variants and with petrol and diesel engines.
2017 Mini Countryman Specs
Speaking at last week’s BMW Range Day, MINI Australia boss Tony Sesto said “The new MINI Countryman introduces the excitement of the MINI range to the Premium Compact segment.
Initially available as a range of four models, the Countryman will incorporate the petrol versions of Cooper and Cooper S, in addition to the Cooper D and Cooper SD, the latter of which is the only variant offered with the All-wheel drive All4 Mini.
The new model has grown in size with an extra 20 cm total length and 18 cm more wheelbase, resulting in an additional 5 cm from the rear of the knee and an over 450 liters boot .
And standard features in the MINI Countryman Cooper include:
- Reverse Camera
- Front parking sensors
- Park assist
- Active Cruise Control with ‘Stop & Go’ function
- Driver Assistant Package (includes Forward Collision Warning, City Collision Mitigation, High Beam Assistant and Speed Limit Info)
- Digital radio
- 18” alloys
- Electric tailgate
But the big news is the extra space and the more SUV-like look and feel.
Standard features for the Cooper Twins include 18-inch alloy wheels, partial cloth and interior leather, dual zone climate control, power-operated tailgate, sliding rear seat with 40:20:40 folding, 6.5-inch entertainment screen Inch, digital radio, 6 Speaker audio, halogen headlamps with highbeam support, plus automatic lights and windshield wipers.
Cooper S and Cooper SD include Mini (Normal, Sport or Green) driving modes, a sporty interior with a John Cooper Works steering wheel, rear seat armrests, adaptive LED headlights, plus unique front and side grilles, Escape Of output.
The Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 141kW of power and 280Nm of torque, combined with an eight-speed automatic with front-wheel drive. The Cooper SD runs an upgraded version of the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel with 140kW and 400Nm, with an automatic eight-speed and all-wheel drive.
Both Cooper S and Cooper SD can complete the sprint from 0-100 km / h in 7.4 seconds with fuel consumption for the Cooper S of 6.5 l / 100km and the Cooper SD of 5.2 l / 100km.
Although I could not drive the Countryman in the previous event last week … the launch is next month, I was able to sit in the back and there was plenty of room for me in all three seats, although the middle seat is really More Of a perch than a seat for an adult. When traveling with only two people in the back, a panel unfolds into an elbow rest and revealing two smart cup holders (Cooper S variant and up).
The boot is 100 liters larger at 450 liters with the rear seats in place. The trunk has a false floor and there is an optional rear bumper protector / picnic bench that folds to prevent the bumper from being scratched when loading and unloading the equipment. The back door feeds as standard throughout the range.
2017 Mini Countryman Price
Mini Countryman Cooper – $39,900 ORC;
Mini Countryman Cooper D – $43,900 ORC;
Mini Countryman Cooper S – $46,500 ORC; and
Mini Countryman Cooper SD ALL4 – $51,500 ORC.