As the new generation of the MINI Countryman sees its premiere,
the tradition-steeped British brand continues its advance into the
premium compact segment. The new MINI Countryman is the biggest and
most versatile model in the brand’s 57-year history. Having been
completely newly developed, it now reflects considerable
advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair
and premium characteristics.
The new MINI Countryman (combined fuel consumption:
7.0 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 159 – 49 g/km) achieves
its unique standing among direct competitors due to its powerfully
expressive design, efficiently shaped bodywork and in particular its
unmatched driving agility. The latest version of the all-wheel drive
system ALL4 ensures driving fun beyond paved roads, too. What is more,
the new MINI Countryman is the first model of the brand to be
available with a plug-in hybrid drive. In the form of the
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 it has a range of up to 40 kilometres
running on electrical power alone.
The new MINI Countryman – an overview of the innovations.
– Powerful proportions, 20 centimetres longer than its
predecessor.
– Five fully-fledged seats, clear increase in space
and versatility.
– Electrical tailgate control as well as
touchless opening and closing of the tailgate.
– MINI Picnic
Bench: fold-out load loading sill cushion as a comfortable seat on the
luggage compartment lid and for general outdoor use.
–
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4: the first ever MINI with plug-in
hybrid drive.
– New generation of engines and gearboxes,
efficiency-optimised all-wheel drive system ALL4.
– Central
instrument with touchscreen function for the first time.
– MINI
Country Timer measures driving fun over demanding terrain.
–
MINI Connected App as a personal assistant on a day-to-day basis and
when travelling.
– MINI Find Mate: everything you need on board
at all times – or in view.
20 centimetres longer than the predecessor model.
The new MINI Countryman is some 20 centimetres longer
than its predecessor and approximately 3 centimetres wider. Its
wheelbase has been extended by 7.5 centimetres. This growth results in
significantly increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a
definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility.
The raised seating position ensures an excellent view and hallmark
driving fun. The rear seats can be shifted longitudinally by up to 13
centimetres. The folding rear backrest offers a
40 : 20 : 40
split. It also provides a variable tilt angle so as to be able to
either increase seating comfort or gain additional storage space at
the rear. The luggage compartment volume is 450 litres and can be
extended as required to a total of 1,309 litres. This constitutes a
maximum increase of 220 litres as compared to the predecessor model.
Five seats in the interior, two on the Picnic Bench.
An electric tailgate control is available as an option.
This makes touchless opening and closing of the tailgate possible in
conjunction with Comfort Access. The optional storage package
comprises not only a variable load floor, lashing eyes and tension
straps but also a stainless steel insert on the loading sill. One
unique option is the Picnic Bench – a flexible surface that folds out
of the luggage compartment and provides seating for two people.
World premiere in LA, market launch in February 2017.
The new MINI Countryman sees its world premiere at the
Los Angeles Auto Show on 18 November 2016. The market launch in Europe
follows in February 2017. From March 2017 onwards the new MINI
Countryman will also be taking roads and tracks by storm outside Europe.
MINI Countryman: a successful model with traditional roots.
Even with its model designation, the new edition of the
MINI Countryman remains firmly rooted in the tradition of the British
brand. A particularly versatile variant of the classic Mini once bore
the same name back in the 1960s. Just like the identically constructed
Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Seven Countryman had a highly
versatile interior, and the version with wood frame panelling –
popularly known as “Woody” – attained cult status that it continues to
enjoy to this day. The MINI Countryman likewise offered additional
ways of enjoying the brand’s hallmark driving fun when it was launched
in 2010. It was the first MINI with four doors, a large tailgate, five
seats and optional all-wheel drive and a total of more than
540 000 were sold worldwide.
Powerful proportions, matured character.
The
latest generation of the MINI Countryman goes even further in terms of
the model’s versatility, agility and premium character. Thanks to its
powerful proportions, the new MINI Countryman has a particularly
distinctive presence. Its unmistakable aura is defined by an extended
ground clearance and raised seating position, further emphasised by
the MINI ALL4 exterior look and high roof rails. The new MINI
Countryman features design elements that are typical of the brand,
including the clear three-way structure of the side view – broken down
into roof, glass section and main corpus – as well as the short
overhangs, large wheel arches and downward increase in width. Precise
contours on the generous surfaces create an attractive play of light
and shade that underscores the car’s athletic shaping and the vertical
orientation of the body. The selection of body finishes includes the
variants Island Blue metallic and Chestnut, which are now available
for a MINI for the first time. “The new MINI Countryman has
essentially grown in size. But it was still possible to retain the
typical MINI proportions,” says Julius Schluppkotten, MINI Countryman
project manager.
Numerous model-specific design elements such as the striking
helmet roof, the upright rear lights, the hexagonal radiator grille
and the large headlamps have undergone evolutionary development. The
side turn indicator surrounds known as side scuttles exhibit a new
arrow-like shape. The roof rails in satin-finished aluminium are
combined with silver-coloured side sill tops, thereby lending greater
visual emphasis to the car’s height. Horizontal lines dominate at the
rear, with the vertically arranged light units providing an appealing contrast.
LED headlamps with peripheral daytime driving light ring for
the first time.
The striking profile of the headlamp
units deviates from the circular shape that is otherwise typical of
the brand. Their distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contour
goes together with the radiator grille to produce an unmistakable
front view. The parking lights integrated in the air inlets are used
for the daytime driving light as standard. In conjunction with the
optional LED headlamps, the latter is generated for the first time by
a band of light running entirely around each headlamp.
More space for premium ambience.
In the
interior of the new MINI Countryman, a clear increase in space,
refined premium ambience and a modern display and operating concept
reflect the progress achieved through the change of generation. Both
driver and front passenger benefit from extended head and shoulder
space, while the adjustment range of the seats has also been enlarged.
Electrical adjustment of the driver and front passenger seats is
optionally available, including a memory function on the driver’s
side. The narrow body columns and the high seating position make for
optimum visibility when manoeuvring. At the rear of the new
MINI Countryman there are three fully-fledged seats. The rear door
openings have been enlarged as compared to the predecessor model, now
enabling a more convenient entrance and exit. In addition to interior
width, leg space is now significantly more generous, too.
The extensive storage facilities likewise contribute to the
car’s optimised functionality. At both front and rear there are door
pockets that hold one-litre beverage bottles. The fully-fledged centre
console extending up to the instrument panel has an integrated storage
compartment and two cup holders in front of the gear or selector
lever. The MINI Controller and the switch for the electrical parking
brake are also positioned on the centre console. “The interior of the
new MINI Countryman emphasises the car’s suitability for families and
as a primary vehicle. The sense of quality in the interior has been
significantly enhanced, too” says Julius Schluppkotten, MINI
Countryman project manager.
Distinctive cockpit design.
With a clear
horizontal structure, stretched lines and generously sized surfaces,
the distinctively designed cockpit emphasises the solid character of
the new MINI Countryman. The profile of the air vents echoes the
vertical orientation of the exterior design elements. In addition to
the high-quality materials and precise finish, the modern,
ergonomically optimised controls contribute to the car’s exclusive
ambience. The hallmark central instrument is integrated in the
instrument panel and is surrounded by an LED ring that provides a
lighting display in response to driving situations by way of control
feedback. This forms part of the MINI Excitement Package, which also
comprises the LED ambient lighting and a projection of the MINI logo
from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when opening and closing
the car.
Market launch with four engines.
The new
edition of the MINI Countryman lines up for the start featuring
entirely newly developed engine technology. For the market launch
there are two petrol and two diesel engines of the latest generation
available to choose from, each with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology:
MINI Cooper Countryman: 3-cylinder
petrol engine, capacity: 1 499 cc,
output: 100 kW/136 hp,
max. torque: 220 Nm.
MINI
Cooper S Countryman:
4-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1 998 cc,
output:
141 kW/192 hp, max. torque: 280 Nm.
MINI Cooper D
Countryman: 4-cylinder diesel engine, capacity:
1 995 cc,
output: 110 kW/150 hp, max. torque: 330 Nm.
MINI
Cooper SD Countryman:
4-cylinder diesel engine, capacity: 1 995 cc, output: 140 kW/190 hp,
max. torque: 400 Nm.
The range also includes the first ever MINI with plug-in hybrid drive:
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4: 3-cylinder petrol
engine, capacity: 1 499 cc, output: 100 kW/136 hp, synchronous
electric motor, output: 65 kW/88 hp, system output: 165 kW/224 hp,
system torque: 385 Nm.
As an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual transmission, a
6-speed Steptronic transmission is also offered for the new MINI
Cooper Countryman. An 8-speed Steptronic transmission is available for
the new MINI Cooper S Countryman and the new MINI Cooper D Countryman.
This comes as standard in the MINI Cooper SD Countryman.
The latest generation of engines and transmissions gives the new
MINI Countryman a perceptible increase in temperament as well as
measurable improvements in terms of driving performance figures. For
example, the new MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with 8-speed Steptronic
transmission sprints in 7.2 seconds from zero to 100 km/h – making it
0.9 seconds faster than its predecessor model. In spite of a
significant increase not just in sporty flair but also in space,
comfort and fittings, virtually all the engine variants demonstrate
further optimised fuel efficiency as compared to their respective
predecessor. Depending on the engine, the reduction in fuel
consumption amounts to as much as 1.4 litres per 100 kilometres. The
front-runner in terms of efficiency among those model variants powered
solely by a combustion engine is the new MINI Cooper D Countryman,
with a fuel consumption of 4.5 to 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres and a
CO2 emissions figure of 118 to 113 grams per kilometre (EU test cycle
figures, dependent on tyre format selected). The figures for the new
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 with plug-in hybrid drive are even lower.
The new all-wheel drive system ALL4: fast and precise, compact
and efficient.
The new MINI Countryman also achieves
outstanding efficiency figures in conjunction with the all-wheel drive
system ALL4, which is optionally available for all engine variants.
The new version of the all-wheel drive system not only reacts quickly
and precisely to changing situations, it is also compact and offers a
high level of internal efficiency. It consists of a power take-off
unit integrated in the front axle differential, a propeller shaft
leading to the rear axle and a hang-on clutch that ensures precisely
measured transmission of the drive torque to the rear wheels. The
system’s electronic control is interconnected with the Dynamic
Stability Control DSC, so it detects any need to adapt power
distribution early on. In this way, ALL4 optimises both traction and
stability in adverse weather and road surface conditions, as well as
ensuring improved agility when taking bends in dynamic style.
Electric and electrifying: the MINI Cooper S
E Countryman ALL4.
In addition to this, the new
generation of the MINI Countryman also paves the way to driving fun
that is locally emissions-free. The plug-in hybrid drive of the
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 enables purely electric driving at a
top speed of 125 km/h. The spontaneously initiating, long-lasting and
virtually noiseless power delivery of the electric motor provides an
entirely new, ground-breaking perspective on the hallmark MINI go-kart
feeling. No less fascinating is the precisely controlled interaction
between the electric motor and the combustion engine of the
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4. The 65 kW/88 hp electric motor
directs its power via a single-speed transmission to the rear axle
while a 3-cylinder petrol engine with an output of 100 kW/136 hp
connected to a 6-speed Steptronic transmission drives the front
wheels. This combination produces an electrified all-wheel drive that
ensures an optimum balance between driving fun and efficiency at all
times. The fuel consumption of the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 as
calculated according to the EU test cycle is 2.1 litres per 100
kilometres, while its CO2 emissions figure 49 grams per kilometre.
Driving fun made to measure: Dynamic Damper Control and MINI
Driving Modes.
The high-quality suspension of the new
MINI Countryman combines the tried-and-tested principle of a
single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multilink rear axle
with a design that is optimised for weight and rigidity as well as a
model-specific set up. This lays the foundation for precise handling
properties and maximum agility. In addition to this there is an
electromechanical steering with Servotronic function, powerful brakes
and Dynamic Stability Control DSC. 16-inch light alloy wheels come as
standard with the new MINI Cooper Countryman and the new
MINI Cooper D Countryman, while the other model variants are fitted
with 17-inch light alloy wheels. The program of optional extras
includes other light alloy wheels in sizes of up to 19 inches.
Dynamic Damper Control is optionally available for the new MINI
Countryman. Two program maps can be activated for the electronically
controlled dampers via the likewise optional MINI Driving Modes. A
rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever enables the
driver to select a set-up according to one of the three modes MID,
SPORT and GREEN. This also influences the accelerator pedal and
steering curve, the operating mode of electrically powered comfort
features and the engine sound and shift characteristics of the
Steptronic transmission, depending on engine and fittings.
MINI Driving Modes in detail.
Modes
Drive
Transmission
Steering
Dampers
Sound
Electric
comfort function
Mid
normal
normal
normal
normal
normal
normal
Sport
sporty
sporty
sporty
sporty
sporty
normal
Green
eco
eco
normal
normal
normal
eco
Premiere: central instrument with touchscreen display.
The standard fittings of the new MINI Countryman
include the Radio MINI Boost with four-line display in the central
instrument and a Bluetooth hands-free telephone facility. Options
include the Radio MINI Visual Boost with 6.5-inch colour display, the
Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, the MINI navigation system and the
MINI navigation system Professional. The features of the Wired package
including MINI navigation system Professional comprise not just the
Touch Controller on the centre console but also an 8.8-inch colour
screen in the central instrument with a new graphic design. It is also
a touchscreen, allowing functions to be selected and adjusted at the
tip of the finger.
Registers driving fun over demanding terrain: the MINI Country
Timer.
In conjunction with the Wired package and the
MINI navigation system Professional it is possible to use another
function developed exclusively for the MINI Countryman that taps into
the new model’s all-round talent in a way that is both innovative and
entertaining. The MINI Country Timer registers all travel over
sloping, uneven, unsurfaced and snow-covered roads and tracks. As soon
as the new MINI Countryman moves on demanding terrain, the type and
extent of the challenge are detected and shown on the display in the
central instrument by means of graphics. “The driver can then read off
on the on-board computer how long and how intensively they have driven
over this type of surface,” explains Julius Schluppkotten, MINI
Countryman project manager. The driving situation is analysed based on
data supplied by the control unit of the Dynamic Stability Control
function. In this way it is possible to observe how fast and how
persistent the new MINI Countryman is surpassing the status of “Street
Cruiser” and striving to achieve the “Cliff Champ” category.
Modern driver assistance systems, high-quality options for
increased comfort.
Driving fun in the new MINI
Countryman is based not just on versatility but also on safety and
comfort. The standard and optional driver assistance systems are a key
factor here. The standard collision warning with city braking function
can be extended to include the Driving Assistant system with
camera-based active cruise control, pedestrian warning with initial
brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection. In
addition to this, Park Distance Control, rear view camera, Parking
Assistant and Head-Up-Display are also optionally available.
The program of optional equipment items further includes a
2-zone automatic air conditioning, a panorama glass roof and an alarm
system including red LED status indicator in the fin antenna. A tow
hitch with removable ball head is likewise available. Depending on the
engine type, the permitted trailer load is between 1 500
and 1 800 kilograms. The broad range of exterior paint
finishes, seat upholstery types and interior surfaces enables
individualisation of the new MINI Countryman in a way that reflects
personal style. With the MINI Yours Interior Styles option available
in three variants, the striking interior surface design in the cockpit
is highlighted by means of backlit decorative strips. An atmospheric
mood is also created by the optional lighting package comprising LED
interior lighting and LED ambient lighting; the latter forms part of
the optional MINI Excitement Package and offers continuously variable
colour adjustment.
New from MINI Connected: personal mobility assistant and
MINI Find Mate.
Connectivity also moves into a new
dimension with the launch of the new MINI Countryman. MINI Connected
now goes beyond the familiar in-car infotainment functions to become a
personal mobility assistant as part of a holistic concept that
provides support for individual mobility planning outside the vehicle,
too. Based on a flexible platform, the Open Mobility Cloud, MINI
Connected integrates the vehicle seamlessly into the MINI driver’s
digital life via touchpoints such as the Apple iPhone and Apple Watch.
At the heart of this connectivity in the new MINI Countryman
lies MINI Connected, the personal mobility assistant available to MINI
drivers with new innovative services as of October 2016. Here,
individual mobility planning enables punctual, stress-free arrival at
appointments. And mobility doesn’t start in the car: MINI Connected
informs the driver of the optimum departure time based on calendar
entries and current traffic data. Address data and appointments saved
by the driver previously on a smartphone via MINI Connected are
automatically transferred to the car and do not have to be entered in
the navigation system again. MINI Connected can also save regularly
visited places as favourite destinations and it detects frequently
covered routes such as the daily run between home and work so as to be
able to inform the driver in the event of unexpected traffic delays.
Another new feature in the area of connectivity is MINI Find
Mate. This forms part of the Wired package and consists of so-called
tags with a wireless tracking function that can be attached to
frequently used objects and travel items such as bags, cases, key
rings and rucksacks. MINI Find Mate is able to track the location of
any such objects connected to the system that the driver wants to be
sure not to forget: tracking is done not only on the on-board computer
of the MINI Countryman but also on a smartphone. Providing there is a
Bluetooth connection with the tag, an acoustic signal can be activated
in the car or on the smartphone to help locate the object. If the tag
is outside the Bluetooth range, the driver can be guided to the place
at which a connection was last detected.