WE DOUBT THAT ANYONE (other than us) is counting, but the number of Mini variants just continues to expand. We did a quick scan through the model list and quickly counted 20 different versions.
And now there’s another one: Mini has unveiled its latest Countryman, the largest and most versatile member of the range. The new car features aesthetic updates, mechanical upgrades and connectivity improvements while retaining its signature flair and hallmark British style in the premium compact SUV segment.
A redesigned radiator grille with Mini’s signature hexagonal contours joins with a new bumper design and a revised lower air intake arrangement at the front, while a new rear bumper design and lower valence complete the styling update.
All lighting functions now feature LED technology as standard, and at the front a continuous LED daytime light band doubles up as turn indicators. At the rear, new light graphics trace the outline of a Union Jack motif, forming a distinct identification unique to Mini. Adaptive LED technology is available as an option.
Mini’s distinctive range of colours is expanded with White Silver and Sage Green metallic joining the mix for the new Countryman. Roof and side mirror caps can now be finished in either body colour, white, black or silver depending on model variant, while a new Piano Black exterior option darkens selected chrome exterior pieces to high-gloss black.
Depending on the model variant, the new Mini Countryman is fitted as standard with light alloy wheels either 16-inch or 17-inch in size, with wheels up to 19 inches available as optional extras and as part of the Original Mini Accessories programme. New wheel designs include Channel Spoke Black and Turnstile Spoke 2-tone.
The new Mini Countryman is available with a choice of three TwinPower Turbo petrol engines. In addition, a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a gross energy content of 9.6kWh gives the new plug-in hybrid Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 an enhanced maximum electric range of 55 to 61 kilometres (40km in the outgoing model).
All powertrains are compliant with Euro 6d emissions standards.
| Model | Engine | Power / Torque | 0-100km/h | Fuel Use | CO2 |
| Cooper | 3-cylinder petrol | 100kW/220Nm | 9.7s | 5.9 – 5.6 L/100 km | 135 – 129g/km |
| Cooper S | 4-cylinder petrol | 131kW/280Nm | 7.5s | 6.5 – 6.3 L/100 km | 148 – 144g/km |
| Cooper SE ALL4 | 3-cylinder petrol + HV Electric | 100+65kW/
220 + 165Nm |
6.8s | 2.0 – 1.7 L/100 km | 45 – 40g/km |
Upgrades to new engines in the range include a revised exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder, ensuring highly effective cooling of the exhaust gases and the turbocharging system, as well as increased fuel pressure (in petrol variants) from 200 to 350 bar.
The interior of the new Mini Countryman gets a new refined surface around the circular control unit in the centre instrument panel. Intelligently reorganised controls, touch-sensitive bookmark buttons and high-gloss Piano Black surfaces further underscore the car’s premium character.
A new digital instrument display is also available to order, measuring 5.0 inches to display essential information concisely in front of the driver.
Mini Connected features also see an intuitive expansion, from Navigation Plus options restructured on the familiar 8.8-inch infotainment screen to enhanced Intelligent Emergency services and even Amazon Alexa integration.
The new Mini Countryman continues the pioneering and quirky spirit of the brand, building on the brand’s highly successful advance into the premium compact SUV segment. The Mini Countryman now accounts for almost 30 percent of the brand’s new registrations worldwide.
The new Mini Countryman will arrive in Australia at the end of 2020 with pricing and specification detail to be announced closer to launch.
Once we have tested and assessed the new Mini Countryman, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.