MINI Countryman, The First Crossover Of The Brand
THE MINI Countryman is an SUV, belonging to the B segment, produced by the German manufacturer BMW. Its commercialization began in 2010 and it is the first crossover of a MINI that does not follow the guidelines of the BMW philosophy, but it generated incredible sales. It has rivals ranging from the Ford EcoSport, the Jeep Renegade, Renault Captur or Kia Soul.
The first generation of the Countryman was manufactured by the Austrian company Magna Steyr. It had 1.6-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline engines in powers of 98, 122 or 184 hp, the first two naturally aspirated and the third turbocharged. For its part, the diesel is a 1.6-liter 90 or 112 hp in-line four-cylinder with turbocharger and common-rail direct injection.
This second generation was presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2016. Its commercialization began in January 2017, and together with the improvements introduced, it brings with it a renewal of the car, which makes it the largest MINI of the history. It includes a plug-in hybrid version that was named the MINI Cooper SE Countryman All4.
Your appearance
This new five-seater, five-door MINI measures 4,297 mm long and 1,819 mm wide, which makes it 20 centimeters longer than the previous version and three centimeters wider, giving the Countryman a very spacious interior.
On the outside in its front part, the headlights change, ceasing to be rounded, taking a more contoured appearance with LED technology. The front adds the classic stripes on the hood and the MINI shield in the middle.
The roof color matches the color of the hood stripes as well as the side mirrors. On the sides of the car, its most outstanding aspect are the protectors on the apron and the wheel arch; a key feature of crossover cars.
The design of the rear part gives a better integration to the gate and the more square optics making it more similar to the models in this range and depending on the version it can include double exhaust outlet.
Interior design
The new Mini Countryman has a much roomy interior than the previous generation. This is noted in the rear seats, which have the option of being adjusted at different levels of inclination, as well as being moved longitudinally.
The occupants of these seats have storage in the doors and a 12-volt socket and two ventilation outlets between the front seats, as an option, the MINI offers the addition of an armrest in the central seat with several storage compartments.
Its design board similar to the models in this range, comes with a touch screen that can be from 6.5 to 8.8 inches, depending on the version taken. Whose systems are controlled by a BMW iDrive, adapted to MINI, which works with good fluidity.
In addition, the visibility of the touch screen is optimal at all times regardless of the sunlight being directly on it. Its trunk has a capacity of 450 liters, which can increase to 1,309 liters, leaving a single row of seats, these being foldable.
Motorization
The MINI Countryman is available with a range of 6 engines, the novelty being the hybrid that is the most powerful in the range, accelerating from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.9 seconds. The gasoline editions are equipped with a 1.6-liter atmospheric block with powers of 136 and 192 hp.
The MINI John Cooper Works Countryman mounts a 4-cylinder, 2-liter and 231 hp engine, being the most powerful of gasoline cars, with the exception of the MINI Cooper SE All4 Countryman 3-cylinder plug-in hybrid, 1.5 liters and 224 hp and 40 kilometers of autonomy in electric mode. Diesel engines, currently equipped with a 2.0 engine with maximum powers of 150 and 190 HP
All models can be equipped with All4 all – wheel drive – the JCW and Cooper SE are only available with this traction – and there is no lack of the possibility of equipping the 8-speed Steptronic automatic gearbox, with exemplary and fast behavior.
MINI Countryman prices
In the gasoline versions, the MINI Countryman Cooper of 136 hp has an approximate price of 27,800 euros and its variants change the price according to power and finish until reaching 38,700 euros, a price belonging to the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works of 231 hp
Diesel models on the other hand start at a cost of 30,000 euros with the MINI Countryman Cooper D of 150 hp. Up to 37,600 euros for the 190 hp MINI Countryman Cooper SD ALL4 and the 224 hp MINI Countryman Cooper SE ALL4 plug-in hybrid comes at a price of 37,600 euros.
BMW’s MINIs are famous for being quality and luxury cars and since the introduction of the MINI Countryman they have literally been looking to break new ground. It has a varied motorization and, although they are not economical, they stand out both in their mechanics and in their luxury. If you are a MINI lover, getting a Countryman may change your outlook as a compact car a bit.
