Munich. The new, second-generation MINI Countryman
represents a more distinctive and mature proposition than its
predecessor. A striking design language envelops the exterior of the
urban all-rounder, while the interior is awash with creative details
underscoring the premium character of the new MINI Countryman
(combined fuel consumption: 7.0 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined CO2
emissions: 159 –49 g/km). The new car is clearly recognisable as a
member of the MINI family, yet has a character very much its own. “We
see the new MINI Countryman as the adventurer of the family, always up
for new experiences – either in the city or off the beaten track,”
explains Christopher Weil, Head of Exterior Design at MINI.
The silhouette – powerful and rugged.
Ever since it was launched in 2010 the MINI Countryman has been
winning over drivers with its distinctive design. The second
generation of the Sports Activity Vehicle is equally as compact as its
successful forebear and makes a convincing statement through its
authentic design. “It was clear to us that the new MINI Countryman
needed to go a step further aesthetically and yet still remain a
MINI,” says Oliver Sieghart, Head of Interior Design at MINI. “In
terms of its design, the Countryman is the most rugged and upright
model in the MINI family.” Visual anchor points shared elsewhere in
the brand family include the floating “helmet roof”, the chrome strip
on the shoulderline and the clear silhouette, which incorporates
classical MINI design features. And the new MINI Countryman extends
the theme, with headlamps fully encircled by daytime driving light
rings for the first time. Indeed, the evenly illuminated rings are a
signature element, ensuring the striking contours of the headlights
are visible during both the day and night.
The design language of the new MINI Countryman is now more pared-back
and modern. The car has sharper lines and catches the eye with its
taut surfaces and details. For example, metal edging has been added to
the distinctive black band that wraps around the car and takes in the
wheel arches. This edging is purposefully squarer in execution, rather
than rounded. The flanks, with their precise surfaces, give the car
its contours and create tautness. The edging around the wheel arches
catches the light and sharpens the focus on all four wheels. The
lights, the front grille and the hallmark side scuttles are also more
prominent in appearance. Meanwhile, the optional ALL4 package gives
the Countryman’s design a more muscular off-road character. With its
roof rails, additional black bumper accents and silver-coloured
underfloor protection, the new car cuts an even brawnier figure.
The interior – pure and practical.
Alongside the classical strengths of an SAV (think raised seating
position, all-wheel drive and a spacious interior), the new MINI
Countryman also offers customers a wealth of details and an authentic
design. Tauter surfaces enable greater clarity and inject sharper
graphic appeal into the design of the interior. Horizontal segments
lend the cockpit area a visually broader and more modern look. The use
of high-quality materials and scope for customisation – e.g. through
the addition of chrome accents or backlit trim strips – bring an
exclusive character to the new MINI Countryman. And the variety of
details available, from subtle to extravagant, is undeniably large.
“The MINI brand has a long tradition, which we are keen to express in
a modern interpretation rather than just reference,” says Sieghart.
That means seats with diagonal stitching, whose contemporary
interpretation and colour scheme lift the classical seat cover profile
to a new level thanks to a dash of creativity and a fine sense for the
aesthetic. A standout feature is the interior option MINI YOURS –
British Oak illuminated, where translucent sections in the trim strips
help to generate vivid patterns. This option provides different
expressions for daytime and night modes and infuses the interior with
a special aesthetic appeal.
The plug-in hybrid model – electrifyingly new, electric in yellow.
The new MINI Countryman sees the MINI brand add a plug-in hybrid
model to its line-up for the first time. This variant can be
identified from the outside by numerous accents in yellow, such as the
MINI E logo and the charging flap next to the side scuttle. The
interior also contains elements which single this out as the plug-in
hybrid model in the range, including accents on the steering wheel and
instrument cluster, instruments adapted to electric driving and an
extended user interface, which clearly highlights the car’s plug-in
hybrid functions. Plus, the start/stop button in the centre console is
no longer red – as in all other MINIs – but yellow instead.
For further details on official fuel consumption figures, official
specific CO2 emissions and power consumption of new cars, please refer
to the “Manual on fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and power
consumption of new cars”, available at all sales outlets, from
Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760
Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/angebote/verlagsprodukte/leitfaden-kraftstoffverbrauch.html.
In the event of enquiries please contact:
BMW Group Corporate Communications
Susanne Herrmann, Spokesperson MINI Design and Lifestyle
Phone: +49-89-382-24716; Email: susanne.herrmann@bmwgroup.com
Cypselus von Frankenberg, Head of BMW Group Innovation and Design Communications
Phone: +49-89-382-30641; Fax: +49-89-382-20626