Mini recently unveiled the facelifted Countryman, which it says is the biggest and most versatile member of the brand’s line-up.
The car’s upright stature and increased ground clearance are suggestive of generous interior space, robust character and inspiring driving characteristics – both on-road and off-road. The optional ALL4 exterior look and the roof rails – also available as an optional extra – further underline the versatility of the new car.
The redesign of the front section adds LED headlamps to the standard trim in the new Countryman: here, the latest version of these lights features a particularly high-quality design that emphasises the technology used.
Adaptive LED headlamps with variable light distribution and matrix function for high beam are available as a newly added option. In addition to the turning light, they also provide bend lighting, automatically adapting their effect to the traffic situation and weather conditions. In urban traffic and when visibility is limited due to the weather conditions, the side area of the road is illuminated more intensely by adding the dimmed turning light. When driving on motorways it is possible to selectively increase the range of the high beam.
With its redesigned bumper trim, the rear apron also contributes to the particularly powerful and contemporary look of the new Countryman. The upright rear lights with chrome frame provide an exclusive, unmistakable accentuation that evokes the origins of the British brand. All lighting functions now feature high-quality LED technology as standard, while the graphic structure of the light source traces the pattern of the Union Jack.
The new model combines versatile driving characteristics with a versatile interior. Three fully-fledged seats are available at the rear. Alternatively, the second row of seats can also be used to expand transport capacity. By folding down the rear seat with a 40:20:40 split, storage space can be extended from 450 to up to 1 390 litres.
Selective customisation of the interior oriented towards the customer’s personal style has become even more attractive due to the addition of new options and a further developed product range. The Colour Line for the lower section of the instrument panel and door trim, previously available as a single option, is now an integral part of the leather trim designed to match the relevant colour scheme.
The Cooper S Countryman now comes as standard with Piano Black interior surfaces for the cockpit and door bezels. These are combined with accentuation strips in the variant British Oak dark.
The new MINI Countryman will be available in South Africa in two model variants:
MINI Cooper Countryman: 100 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 9.7 seconds, top speed: 205 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.3 litres/100 km, CO2 emissions (combined): 143 g/km.
MINI Cooper S Countryman: 141 kW, 0 – 100 km/h in 7,5 seconds, top speed: 225 km/h, fuel consumption (combined): 6.7 litres/100 km, CO2 emissions (combined): 153 g/km.
The interior of the new MINI Countryman also has increased appeal due to an extended range of standard equipment. It now includes a sports leather steering wheel in all model variants. In the new MINI Countryman, the front passenger can also adapt seat height as required. Electrically adjustable seats are available as an option, including a memory function on the driver’s side.
A new digital instrument display is standard for the new MINI Countryman. The display in Black Panel design behind the steering wheel has a diameter of 5.0 inches. The range of audio and navigation systems has been restructured. The standard Connected Media and optional Connected Navigation Plus, available as an alternative to the basic configuration, each include an 8.8-inch colour screen with touchscreen function located in the central instrument that is typical of the brand. The circular control unit in the new MINI Countryman exhibits a refined surface look, with the audio control panel and the buttons for hazard lights and driver assistance systems now integrated even more harmoniously. Meanwhile touch-sensitive bookmark buttons and high-gloss Piano Black surfaces underscore the premium character of the central instrument.
The Radio MINI Visual Boost and the digital instrument display form part of the standard equipment Connected Media, while the Connected Navigation option makes a range of additional infotainment functions available in the new MINI Countryman in addition to providing a convenient route guidance system. This option also comprises wireless charging for compatible mobile phones and a second USB socket.
The new MINI Countryman is equipped with a SIM card that is permanently fitted in the car. This enables use of Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity, as well as MINI TeleServices. The Connected Media option includes a wide range of MINI Connected digital services.
This provides access to the Real Time Traffic Information service as well as the internet platform MINI Online and preparation for Apple CarPlay. MINI Connected can be used to send navigation destinations from the smartphone to the vehicle.
