The new MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model in the brand’s 57-year history.  Having been completely newly developed, the new generation of the MINI Countryman now reflects considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair, premium characteristics and the latest technology.

The new generation of MINI – the tradition-steeped British brand – continues its advance into the premium compact segment.

Biggy best

The new MINI Countryman is some 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor and approximately 3 centimetres wider.  Its wheelbase has been extended by 7.5 centimetres.  This growth results in significantly increased space on 5 fully-fledged seats, as well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility.

The rear seats can be shifted longitudinally by up to 13 centimetres, and also provides a variable tilt angle to enable either increase seating comfort or gain additional storage space at the rear.  The folding rear backrest offers a 40:20:40 split.  

The raised seating position ensures an excellent view, and retains hallmark MINI driving fun.  

The rear side doors’ openings have been enlarged as compared to the predecessor model, now enabling a more convenient entrance and exit (a criticism of the previous car has been addressed).  In addition to interior width, leg space is now significantly more generous, too.

Touchless tailgate

An electric tailgate control is available as an option, which makes touchless opening and closing of the tailgate possible, in conjunction with the Comfort Access option – this is very useful for the general application of the Countryman in its role as kids and their kit transport, and household groceries.

The tailgate presents a luggage compartment volume now a bigger 450 litres, and can be extended as required by folding the seats flat to a total of 1309 litres.  This constitutes a maximum increase of 220 litres as compared to the predecessor model.

The optional storage package comprises a variable load floor, lashing eyes and tension straps, and even a stainless steel insert on the loading sill.

Picnic Bench

One unique option is the Picnic Bench – a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and provides seating for 2 people on the rear boot sill.  

This means 2 can sit comfortably out on the rear under the raised tailgate, snacking on the picnic basket contents.

MINI Countryman: a successful model with traditional roots

Even with its model designation, the new edition of the MINI Countryman remains firmly rooted in the tradition of the British brand.  A particularly versatile variant of the classic Mini once bore the same name back in the 1960s.  Just like the identically constructed Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Seven Countryman had a highly versatile interior, and the version with wood frame panelling – popularly known as “Woody” – attained cult status that it continues to enjoy to this day. 

The MINI Countryman likewise offered additional ways of enjoying the brand’s hallmark driving fun when it was launched in 2010.  It was the first MINI with 4 doors, a large tailgate, 5 seats and optional all-wheel drive (ALL4) and the tallest biggest MINI, yet.

A total of more than 540 000 were sold worldwide.

Powerful proportions + matured character = more country

The latest generation of the MINI Countryman goes even further in terms of the model’s versatility, agility and premium character.  

Thanks to its powerful proportions, the new MINI Countryman has a particularly distinctive presence.  Its “unmistakable aura” is defined by an extended ground clearance and raised seating position, further emphasised by the MINI ALL4 exterior look and high roof rails.  The black body cladding and high roof rails lift the Countryman into the larger cross-over / compact SUV field, and looks more outdoorsy.

The new MINI Countryman features design elements that are typical of the brand, including the clear three-way structure of the side view – broken down into roof, glass section and main corpus – as well as the short overhangs, large wheel arches and downward increase in width.

Numerous model-specific design elements such as the striking helmet roof, the upright rear lights, the hexagonal radiator grille and the large headlamps have undergone evolutionary development.  

The side turn indicator surrounds (known as side scuttles) exhibit a new arrow-like shape.  The roof rails in satin-finished aluminium are combined with silver-coloured side sill tops, thereby lending greater visual emphasis to the car’s height.  Horizontal lines dominate at the rear, with the vertically arranged light units providing an appealing contrast.

Precise contours on the generous surfaces create an attractive play of light and shade that underscores the car's athletic shaping and the vertical orientation of the body.

The narrow body columns and the high seating position make for optimum visibility when manoeuvring.

“The new MINI Countryman has essentially grown in size.  But it was still possible to retain the typical MINI proportions,” says Julius Schluppkotten, MINI Countryman project manager. 

The selection of body finishes includes the variants Island Blue metallic and Chestnut (as pictured here) which are now available for a MINI for the first time.

Peripheral daytime driving light ring

The striking profile of the headlamp units deviates from the circular shape that is otherwise typical of the brand.  Their distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contour goes together with the radiator grille to produce an unmistakable front view.

The parking lights integrated in the air inlets are used for the daytime driving light as standard.  In conjunction with the optional LED headlamps, the daytime driving lights are generated, for the first time, by a band of light running entirely around each headlamp (a light ring).

Premium ambience 

In the interior of the new MINI Countryman a clear increase in space, refined premium ambience and a modern display and operating concept reflect the progress achieved through the change of generation.  Look inside the new smarter MINI Clubman, and it is clear that these are of the same new MINI generation.

Both driver and front passenger benefit from extended head and shoulder space, while the adjustment range of the seats has also been enlarged.  Electrical adjustment of the driver and front passenger seats is optionally available, including a memory function on the driver's side.

Market launch with 4 engines

The new MINI Countryman lines up for the start featuring engine technology found in the 2 petrol and 2 diesel engines of the latest generation, each with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology:  the MINI Cooper Countryman uses the 3-cylinder petrol engine which debuted in the new-generation MINI Hatch (output 100 kW and max torque  220 Nm) while the MINI Cooper S Countryman gets the 2.0 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine (141 kW / 280 Nm).  Neither of the 2 diesels, however, are likely to be sold in SA… which is a pity.  A Countryman diesel makes sense.

As an alternative to the standard 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed Steptronic transmission is also offered for the new MINI Cooper Countryman.  An 8-speed Steptronic transmission is available for the new MINI Cooper S Countryman and Cooper S ALL4 Countryman.

MINI plug-in hybrid

The range also includes the first ever MINI with plug-in hybrid drive:  the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.  It uses the 3-cylinder petrol engine with synchronous electric motor for a system output of 165 kW and combined torque of 385 Nm.

Premiere: central instrument with touchscreen display

The standard fittings of the new MINI Countryman include the Radio MINI Boost with 4-line display in the central instrument and a Bluetooth hands-free telephone facility.

Options include the Radio MINI Visual Boost with 6.5-inch colour display, the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, MINI navigation system, and the MINI navigation system Professional.  

The features of the Wired package including MINI navigation system Professional comprise not just the Touch Controller on the centre console but also an 8.8-inch colour screen in the central instrument with a new graphic design.  It is also a touchscreen, allowing functions to be selected and adjusted using the tip of the finger.

Modern driver assistance systems 

Driving fun in the new MINI Countryman is based not just on versatility but also on safety and comfort.  The standard and optional driver assistance systems are a key factor here.  

The standard collision warning with city braking function can be extended to include the Driving Assistant system with camera-based active cruise control, pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection.  

Park Distance Control, rear view camera, Parking Assistant and Head-Up-Display are also optionally available.

When will the new MINI Countryman land in South Africa?

In the 1st quarter of 2017.  Prices are not ready, though expect these to be just above those of the new Clubman.