New MINI Countryman – Photos & Spec Revealed

MINI has finally released the first official photos and specification details of their new model – the MINI Countryman.

The new model is the fourth addition to the MINI range and will go on sale with the choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, ranging in power from 89bhp in the One D Countryman to 181bhp in the Cooper S Countryman.

The Countryman also marks the ‘first’ of many new changes to the MINI range. It is the first current-generation MINI to have four-wheel drive and four regular passenger doors and for the first time, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model comes with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, plus fully variable valve management.

Mini says the Countryman is a crossover vehicle with the four-wheel drive system – called Mini All4 – available as an option on the Cooper S and Cooper D models.  The All4 system works via an electrohydraulic differential. Under normal driving conditions up to 50% of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, but this can switch to up to 100% in more extreme conditions.

Under the bonnet, the Countryman offers a choice of three familiar MINI petrol and two diesel engines. The entry-level engine is a 89bhp diesel available in the One D Countryman whilst the top-of-the range Cooper S Countryman offers the 181bhp 1.6 petrol engine. MINI’s new economical MINIMALISM line is also standard on the new Countryman and features brake energy regeneration, start-stop, a gearshift point indicator and on-demand management. A six-speed manual gearbox is available as standard, but the petrol models are available with six-speed automatic with BMW's Steptronic system.

Standard kit includes electric power steering and stability control, air-con and an audio system complete with a CD player. Further additional options include sat-nav & phone system, panoramic roof, adaptive headlights, towbar, alloy wheels from 16 to 19-inches and sports suspension, which lowers the car 10mm. MINI has also promised to offer buyers its usual array of customisation options.

The new MINI Countryman will be unveiled at the 2010 Geneva motor show in March and will go on sale in the UK in September from around £17,000.

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Glenn Nutsey.

21/01/2010