- NEW CAR NEWS – MINI COUNTRYMAN
A SPORTY face and extra power will be hallmarks of a refreshed MINI Countryman when it hits UK streets this summer.
The BMW-owned brand has unveiled the new model of what was the first MINI to feature four doors, five seats and optional all-wheel-drive at the New York International Auto Show.
Prices will be from £16,990 and the line-up will feature new colours including Jungle Green, Midnight Grey and Starlight Blue.
MINI says all Countryman model variants will boast lower fuel consumption and emission figures from the 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine, the output of the Cooper S being increased to 190bhp.
Upshot is a reduction in the 0-62mph time of 0.1 sec to 7.5 seconds, while the in-gear sprint from 50 to 75mph in fifth gear now takes 8.4 seconds – down 0.2 seconds.
And fuel consumption in the new MINI Cooper S Countryman is improved to 47.1mpg while CO2 emissions drop by three per cent to 139g/km.
MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system continues to be available on Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D and Cooper SD Countryman while the ALL4 system comes as standard with the John Cooper Works version.
Style wise, a horizontal radiator grille rib finished in chrome on the new MINI Cooper S and Cooper SD Countryman – along with a curved S in red – now give the front a sportier edge while the face of the new John Cooper Works version features a red radiator grille rib with the JCW logo.
In all other models the radiator grille is divided by two ribs – in MINI One and One D Countryman variants finished in high-gloss black, and in MINI Cooper and Cooper D with matt silver.
With the current Countryman having sold 350,000 worldwide, hopes are high that the revamped model will further boost the brand’s advance into the premium compact section of the car market.
