Only a few short weeks after MINI displayed the Beachcomber
concept - which was a preview of the Countryman, the company
unveiled the real deal.
The Countryman takes its place alongside the standard MINI,
the MINI Traveller, the MINI
Coupe and the MINI
Roadster.
Considerably larger than any of the previous offerings, the
Countryman really does take the MINI brand into uncharted waters.
But that's what they want, to try and tempt buyers who require
something a little more spacious and versatile than they could
get from the manufacturer before.
Stylewise the Countryman is closely related to its siblings
but with a slightly less cutesy image. The raised stance, larger
headlights and redesigned frowning grille give the car a bit
more of a grown up appearance. Although in a nod to the youthful
character of the brand MINI's designers have given the roof
the same treatment as the MINI Coupe's - which is supposedly
inspired by a back-to-front baseball cap.
The Countryman is the first production MINI to have four doors
and a full-size rear hatch. This configuration provides greater
versatility for hauling people or cargo. The MINI Countryman
comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench
is available as a no-cost option. The rear seats move forward
and backwards either individually or in a 60/40 (three-seat
bench) split, the backrests may be tilted for angle either individually
or in a 40/20/40 (three-seat bench) arrangement, increasing
capacity in the luggage compartment from 350 to 1,170 litres
(12.2–41.0 cu ft).
The interior is also styled in typical MINI fashion, with a
large central display being the most prominent feature, and
all the dials, levers and vents are perfectly round and chunky
in proportions. All MINI's make you feel like you're in a cartoon
car (in a good way!), and the Countryman's no different. In
a nod to its crossover origins and AWD platform the seating
position is slightly raised for better overall vision and more
comfort.
The MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of
three petrol and two diesel engines. The power range extends
from 90 hp (66 kW) in the MINI One D Countryman, up to 184 hp
(135 kW) in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder
petrol engine in the top model is fitted with a twin-scroll
turbocharger and direct fuel injection.
As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D
Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel
drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly
on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear
in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to
50 percent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels - under
extreme conditions up to 100 percent. The MINI Countryman also
comes as standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DTC Dynamic
Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard
feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper
D Countryman with ALL4, as well as an electronic limited-slip
function for the front axle differential.
Similar and related vehicles:
MINI Beachcomber Concept
MINI Roadster Concept
MINI Coupe Concept
MINI Crossover Concept
MINI Traveller
MINI Concept Geneva
MINI BioMoke
MINI ACV 30
MINI Spiritual
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