By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Mini Media Information
For 2017 a new generation of the MINI Countryman sees its tradition steeped British brand continues its advance into the premium compact segment. The new MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model in the brand’s 57-year history. Having been completely newly developed, it now reflects considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and premium characteristics.
Exterior
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 the roof, glass section and main corpus as well as the short overhangs, large wheel arches and downward increase in width. 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.
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 aluminum are combined with silver-colored 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.
A unique 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. In conjunction with the standard LED headlamps, daytime driving lights are generated for the first time by a band of light running entirely around each headlamp.
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 emphasized by the MINI ALL4 exterior look.
Interior
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. Both driver and front passenger benefit from extended head and shoulder space, while the adjustment range of the seats has also been enlarged. Power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats are available as an option, and include power-adjustable lumbar support and a memory function on the driver’s side. The narrow body columns and the high seating position make for optimum visibility when maneuvering. At the rear, there are three fully-fledged seats. The rear door openings have been enlarged as compared to the predecessor model, now enabling a more convenient entrance and exit. In addition to interior width, leg space is now significantly more generous, too.
The extensive storage facilities likewise contribute to the car’s optimized functionality. At both front and rear, there are door pockets that hold one-liter beverage bottles. The fully-fledged center console extending up to the instrument panel has an integrated storage compartment and two cup holders in front of the transmission lever. The MINI Connected controller and the switch for the electrical parking brake are also positioned on the center console.
With a clear horizontal structure, stretched lines and generously sized surfaces, the distinctively designed cockpit emphasizes the solid character of the new MINI Countryman. The profile of the air vents echoes the vertical orientation of the exterior design elements. In addition to the high-quality materials and precise finish, the modern, ergonomically optimized controls contribute to the car’s exclusive ambience. The hallmark central instrument is integrated in the instrument panel and can, if equipped, incorporate an interactive and custom configurable LED ring that provides illumination in response to driving situations by way of control feedback. This optional feature also comes with LED ambient lighting and a projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when opening and closing the car.
Performance
The new edition of the MINI Countryman lines up for the start featuring entirely newly developed engine technology. There are two engines of the latest generation available to choose from, each with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology.
Both engines, whether configured for front-wheel drive or ALL4 all-wheel drive, come standard with 6-speed manual transmissions. The Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, and Cooper Countryman ALL4 are available with an optional 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, and the front-wheel-drive Cooper Countryman is offered with a 6-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.
The latest generation of engines and transmissions gives the new MINI Countryman a perceptible increase in temperament as well as measurable improvements in terms of driving performance figures. For example, the new MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with 8-speed Steptronic transmission sprints in 7.0 seconds from zero to 60 mph making it 0.7 seconds faster than its predecessor model.
The new all-wheel drive system ALL4 is fast, precise, compact and efficient. The new MINI Countryman also achieves outstanding efficiency figures in conjunction with the all-wheel drive system ALL4, which is optionally available for all engine variants. The new version of the all-wheel drive system not only reacts quickly and precisely to changing situations, it is also compact and offers a high level of internal efficiency. It consists of a power take-off unit integrated in the front axle differential, a propeller shaft leading to the rear axle and a hang-on clutch that ensures precisely measured transmission of the drive torque to the rear wheels. The system’s electronic control is interconnected with the Dynamic Stability Control DSC, so it detects any need to adapt power distribution early on. In this way, ALL4 optimizes both traction and stability in adverse weather and road surface conditions, as well as ensuring improved agility when taking bends in dynamic style.
Summary
Even with its model designation, the new edition of the MINI Countryman remains firmly rooted in the tradition of the British brand. The new MINI Countryman achieves its unique standing among direct competitor’s due to its powerfully expressive design, efficiently shaped bodywork and its unmatched driving agility. The latest version of the ALL4 all-wheel drive system ensures driving fun beyond paved roads, too.
Estimated fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the Steptronic Automatic Transmission and the 1.5 liter MINI TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder engine, the manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $28,100.00, the one I drove included: Chestnut Exterior Paint ($500.00), Leather Satellite Grey Interior ($1,750.00), Technology Package ($2,250.00), 18 Inch Spoke Wheels ($750.00), Steptronic Automatic Transmission ($1,500.00), Mini Excitement Package ($250.00), Sport Seats ($300.00), SiriusXM Radio with One Year Subscription ($300.00), and it came in at $36,550.00 including destination charges ($850.00).
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
