Mini Countryman is the least mini of them all

New releases

IN WHAT QUALIFIES AS SOMETHING of an oxymoron, Mini Australia has announced the largest member of the Mini range. The new Countryman starts from $44,500 (plus on road costs).

The popular urban SUV features new aesthetic updates, mechanical upgrades and connectivity improvements while retaining its signature design and hallmark British character in the premium compact segment.

A redesigned radiator grille with Mini’s signature hexagonal contours joins a new front and rear bumper design. LED lighting technology is now a standard feature across the range, and at the rear, new light graphics trace the outline of a Union Jack motif, bringing the new Countryman in line with this distinct identification unique to all Mini models.

Available at launch in four variants, the new Mini Countryman promises practicality and go-kart performance for the everyday urbanite, with up to 1275 litres of cargo space and up to 225kW of power with ALL4 intelligent all-wheel drive available on selected models.

Environmentally-conscious city dwellers are also given a highly compelling case with the Hybrid Countryman – now featuring a larger 9.6kWh high voltage battery that endows the small SUV with an electric range of 55 to 61km – more than enough for the average Australian daily commute of 36km.

The range topping John Cooper Works Countryman is also offered in a distilled Pure trim level, promising increased focus on Mini’s famed go-kart driving experience and additional value for the most dedicated Mini fans.

The interior of the new Mini Countryman increases its appeal with a new digital instrument display measuring 5.5 inches, a large 8.8-inch infotainment screen, an expanded suite of Mini Connected features in line with the app and wireless Apple Carplay integration (but again, no Android Auto).

“The arrival of the new Mini Countryman will bolster the strong momentum we’ve enjoyed in Australia thus far in 2020,” commented Brett Waudby, General Manager of Mini Australia and New Zealand. “We anticipate strong interest in the new Countryman, a clear favourite in the Mini range, and look forward to delivering signature British charm, go-kart thrills and value-added practicality for our Mini fans.”

Hardly “mini” at all

Specification and pricing details for the new MINI Countryman line-up:

Cooper Countryman – from $44,500 (plus on road costs) 

Engine Power / Torque 0-100km/h Fuel Use CO2
3-cylinder petrol 100kW/220Nm 9.7s 6.3L/100 km 143g/km
  • 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
  • LED front lights with LED fog lights
  • LED rear lights with Union Jack motif
  • 17-inch alloy wheels with mobility kit
  • Leatherette Sports seats for driver and front passenger
  • Comfort access
  • Auto tailgate
  • Digital instrument cluster (5.5-inch)
  • Mini large-screen infotainment system (8.8-inch)
  • Mini Connected
  • Wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay
  • Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go function
  • City Crash Mitigation with pedestrian detection
  • Park distance control with rear camera and reversing assistant
  • Dynamic Traction Control with Electronic Differential Lock Control
Interior toned down but still quirky

Cooper S Countryman (additional specification over Cooper) – from $52,900 (plus on road costs) 

Engine Power / Torque 0-100km/h Fuel Use CO2
4-cylinder petrol 141kW/ 280Nm 7.5s 6.7L/100 km 153g/km
  • 7-speed Steptronic sport dual-clutch transmission
  • Mini Driving Modes (Sport, Mid, Green)
  • Piano Black Line Exterior – headlights surround, bezels around rear lights, front grille frame, door handles & model designation in Piano Black
  • Radiator grille in Black surround with Black honeycomb insert and S designation
  • 18-inch light-alloy wheels with Run-flat tyres
  • John Cooper Works steering wheel
  • Leather Cross Punch Sports seats for driver and front passenger in Carbon Black
  • Interior surfaces in Piano Black
  • Forward Collision Warning with visual and audio warning signal, plus braking pre-conditioning

Hybrid Countryman (additional specification over Cooper) – from $60,900 (plus on road costs) 

Engine Power / Torque 0-100km/h Fuel Use CO2
3-cylinder petrol 100+65kW/

220+165Nm

 6.8s 2.4L/100 km 54g/km
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Electric motor
  • High-voltage battery
  • MINI Driving Modes (Sport, Mid, Green, Green+)
  • All4 intelligent all-wheel drive system
  • Piano Black Line Exterior – headlights surround, bezels around rear lights, front grille frame, door handles & model designation in Piano Black
  • Side scuttles in Chrome, MINI Electric design with integrated turn indicator
  • Radiator grille in Black surround with Black honeycomb insert and S designation
  • 18” light-alloy wheels with Run-flat tyres
  • John Cooper Works steering wheel
  • Leather Cross Punch Sports seats for driver and front passenger in Carbon Black
  • Interior surfaces in Piano Black
  • Forward Collision Warning with visual and audio warning signal, plus braking pre-conditioning
Hybrid version will appeal to urbanites

John Cooper Works Countryman Pure (additional specification over Cooper S) – from $61,915 (plus on road costs) 

Engine Power / Torque 0-100km/h Fuel Use CO2
4-cylinder petrol 225kW/ 450Nm 5.1s 7.6l /100 km 175g/km
  • 8-speed Steptronic sport automatic transmission with paddle shifts, launch control
  • MINI Driving Modes (Sport, Mid, Green)
  • All4 intelligent all-wheel drive system
  • Sport suspension
  • 18-inch light-alloy wheels with Run-flat tyres
  • High performance 17” braking system featuring fixed 4- piston front calipers
  • Side scuttles in John Cooper Works design with integrated turn indicator
  • Radiator grille with black honeycomb insert and red grille insert surround
  • JCW rear spoiler
  • Dual central exhaust tailpipes in JCW design
  • Leather/Dinamica sports seats for driver and front passenger
  • Anthracite headliner
E-drive button for the Hybrid, and a pointless start button for all

John Cooper Works Countryman (additional specification over JCW Pure) – from $67,818 (plus on road costs) 

  • Adaptive suspension
  • 19-inch light-alloy wheels with Run-flat tyres
  • Leather Cross Punch Sports seats for driver and front passenger in Carbon Black
  • MINI Head-up display
  • Harman Kardon HiFi Sound System with 12 speakers (410 Watt) and 8-ch digital amplifier

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.