The largest and most versatile member of the MINI model family generates fresh stimuli for driving pleasure and individual flair in the hallmark style of the British premium brand.
The attractive additions to the equipment range and innovative technology in the areas of operation and networking underpin the status of the new MINI Countryman in the premium compact segment. Its robust vehicle concept, an ample, versatile interior with five fully-fledged seats, makes it an unmistakable all-round talent that inspires typical MINI enthusiasm not just in day-to-day traffic, but also on long-distance trips and when venturing onto unsurfaced terrain. The progressive character of the new MINI Countryman is reflected in new digital MINI Connected services and what is more, the desire for individualisation is catered to more radically than ever before with the range of additional optional extras and original MINI accessories.
The launch of the current model generation once again sees a significant optimisation in terms of space, versatility, functionality and ride comfort. The new MINI Countryman is available with two petrol engines featuring the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology.
Distinctive proportions, powerful charisma
Thanks to its unmistakable proportions, the new MINI Countryman is instantly recognisable as the brand’s largest model. The three-part structure of the vehicle body that is typical of MINI is interpreted in a particularly striking way by the model-specific roofline. The car’s upright stature and increased ground clearance are suggestive of generous interior space. The redesigned radiator grille has the hexagonal contours that are typical of MINI and is surrounded by a slim, one-piece chrome frame. Its air intake is subdivided by three horizontal struts in the MINI Cooper Countryman. The radiator grille of the new MINI Cooper S Countryman is characterised by a hexagonal grid pattern with a red ‘S’ and a single chrome strut.
LED headlamps now standard
The redesign of the front section adds LED headlamps to the standard trim in the new MINI Countryman: here, the latest version of these lights features a particularly high-quality design that emphasises the technology used. The distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contours of the headlamps are accentuated by a continuous band of light that takes on the function of both daytime driving light and turn indicator. The standard trim of the new MINI Countryman also includes LED fog lights, with a light band in the upper semicircle of each fog light serving as a parking light.
What is more, the adaptive LED headlamps in the new MINI Countryman now feature an automatic selective dip function for the high beam. For this purpose, the high beam is subdivided into four segments that can be activated and deactivated independently of each other and adapted to the situation on the road at speeds of over 70 km/h. As soon as the front camera of the new MINI Countryman detects an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead, the space that vehicle occupies is only illuminated at low beam brightness, while the other high beam segments continue to illuminate the rest of the road in the normal way. As such, the matrix high beam is able to increase the range of vision while at the same time avoiding any dazzle effect on other road users.
Redesigned rear apron and LED lights
With its redesigned bumper trim, the rear apron also contributes to the particularly powerful and contemporary look of the new MINI 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. With its striking lines, the flag motif provides a distinctive form of identification – both during the day and in terms of night design.
Ample space and individual style
The new MINI Countryman 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.
The MINI 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.
MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology
MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology is used in the three-cylinder petrol engine of the new MINI Cooper Countryman and in the four-cylinder petrol engine of the new MINI Cooper S Countryman, and now includes an exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head along with turbocharging. Among other things, this ensures highly effective cooling of the exhaust gases and the turbocharging system. At the same time, crankcase cooling can be reduced when demand is low in the partial load range by means of a new split cooling valve. In addition, petrol engine direct injection operates at a maximum pressure that has been increased from 200 to 350 bar.
New equipment features
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.
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 circular control unit in 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. Touch-sensitive bookmark buttons and high-gloss Piano Black surfaces underscore the premium character of the central instrument.
AUTHOR | Torque Talk is a member of SAGMJ
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