2017 Mini Countryman makes its maiden web appearance

The all-new generation of the Mini Countryman has made its first web appearance before its world premiere at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, this November. The new 2017 Countryman is a bigger, more versatile and even has a plug-in hybrid model in the range – the first for the brand.

Besides the aesthetic unexpectedness like extended ground clearance, raised seating position and more model-specific design elements such as the helmet roof, the upright rear lights, hexagonal radiator grille, the new Countryman also gets headlamps with a revised asymmetrically rounded contour replacing the circular ones typical to the brand. And there is a band of light running entirely around each headlamp and new side mirrors with arrow-like shape side turn indicators and it allows for projection of the Mini logo from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when the front doors are being opened or closed. 16-inch light alloy wheels come as standard but they can be upsized to 19 inches. On the insides, the profile of the air vents echoes the vertical orientation of the exterior design elements and the signature dinner-plate sized central instrument with its LED ring surrounds remains.

The new premium compact is some 20 cm longer, 3 cm wider and has a extended wheelbase by 7.5 cm – contributing greater interior space and storage volume. The split folding rear seats can be shifted 13 cm longitudinally and have a variable tilt angle. The luggage compartment volume is now a largish 450 litres, extendeble to 1,309 litres – an increase of 220 litres over its predecessor.

From launch, two petrol and two diesel engines all with Mini TwinPower Turbo Technology, will be available. The base Countryman is powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine, that puts out 134 hp and 220 Nm of torque. The Cooper S Countryman uses the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine as before. It makes 189 hp and and 280 Nm of torque. The Cooper D Countryman engages a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine to make 148 hp and a peak torque of 330 Nm and remains the efficient one achieving upto 4.3 l/100 km while emiting only 113 grams of CO2 per kilometre. The performance-oriented Cooper SD Countryman uses the similar engine displacement but has uprated outputs of 188 hp and a top torque of 400 Nm.

The new plug-in hybrid drive model – the Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 – enables purely electric driving upto a top speed of 125 kph and distances of 40 km. It also allows spontaneous start-up and noiseless power delivery. It is powered by an 87 hp electric motor that directs power via a single-speed transmission to the rear axle while a 3-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 134 hp connected to a 6-speed Steptronic transmission drives the front wheels. Total system output is rated at 221 hp and 385 Nm. The estimated fuel consumption of 2.1 l/100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 49 grams per kilometre makes it the range-leader at the environmental front.

The latest version of the ALL4 all-wheel drive system is optional across the range and as for transmissions, a 6-speed manual transmission comes standard, while 6-speed Steptronic transmissions and an 8-speed Steptronic transmissions are also available, depending on the model.

In terms of performance, the Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with 8-speed Steptronic transmission sprints in 7.2 seconds from 0-100 kph – 0.9 seconds faster than its predecessor. The suspension bits comprise of the tried-and-tested single-joint spring strut axle at the front and multilink rear axle; and there is an electromechanical steering with Servotronic function.

The standard head unit called MINI Boost uses four-line display in the central instrument and a Bluetooth hands-free telephone facility. Add-ons include Radio MINI Visual Boost with 6.5-inch colour display, a Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and a MINI navigation system. The optional Wired package also adds a Touch Controller on the centre console and an touch screen 8.8-inch colour screen with new graphics.

On road safety is assured by the standard collision warning with city braking function, camera-based active cruise control, pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection. Park Distance Control, rear view camera, Parking Assistant and Head-Up-Display are also optionally available.

The available Mini Connected feature acts as an assistant that enables mobility planning by informing the driver of the optimum departure time based on calendar entries and current traffic data. Also available is Mini Find Mate feature, which is a wireless tracking function that can be attached to frequently used objects and travel items such as bags, cases, key rings and rucksacks. Tracking can be done via the on-board computer or smartphone.

The first generation was launched in 2010, of which 540 000 units were sold worldwide. This one looks to make a similar impact. The market launch in Europe is expected in February 2017, while global customers will be able to fetch one March 2017 onward. Pricing and trim level have not been announced for the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar or other GCC countries.

Keep track of the latest prices and updates in the Mini Countryman buyer guide.