MINI Countryman arrives in Australia

MINI Australia has launched the new four-door Countryman with a total of 10 possible model variations, including Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, Cooper D and Cooper D All4; plus Chilli versions of each. Powering the Countryman is a pair of 1.6 litre petrol engines, complemented by both 1.6 and 2.0 litre diesel engines. The Countryman is also the first MINI to feature the company’s All4 all-wheel drive technology.

MINI Australia National Manager, David Woollcott expects the Countryman will attract a new customers to the brand, while maintaining the character that MINI is known for, “The Countryman is versatile enough to accommodate any lifestyle while retaining the sense of fun that makes all MINIs so good to drive and enjoyable to own.”

As well as its four-doors the Countryman has another distinctive feature, the MINI Centre Rail. The default seating configuration for the Countryman is four single seats, two each in the front and rear. When this is the case the centre rail runs through the cabin, replacing the traditional centre console, and can be used for general storage and holding electronic devices. For example, you can attach an iPod to a specially designed cradle, which will then use connections in the metal rail to source power and send data to the car’s stereo. The rail is one of those things that’s a bit naff on the one hand, while very clever on the other.

Pricing was announced last month and starts at $37,700 for the entry-level Cooper option. A full list of prices is available below, along with MINI’s official press release and pictures.

The Wait is Over: The New MINI Countryman Has Arrived

• The first MINI with four doors and optional four wheel drive
• Longer, wider, taller and more spacious; a new breed of MINI
• Four variants including ALL4 and 2-litre diesel engine
• 2 rear seat configurations available, all with unique new Centre Rail
• Unmatched design customisation choices

MINI Australia today announced pricing for the long-awaited MINI Countryman, set to arrive in Australia in late February. MINI Australia also confirmed the inclusion of diesel engine variant in the Countryman line-up, the MINI Cooper D Countryman, to be available from March production.

MINI Countryman pricing (MRLP) will start at $37,700* for the Cooper Countryman variant. The MINI Cooper S Countryman will start at $47,500* while the four-wheel drive MINI Cooper S ALL4 will start at $50,400*. The MINI Cooper D Countryman will start at $40,950

Heralding a new chapter in the evolution of MINI, the Countryman is more than four metres long with four doors, four seats (or five if required) and a four wheel drive option called “ALL4” to extend the MINI driving excitement off road.

As a genuine the MINI Countryman for the first time combines the unique handling of a MINI with the variable space and versatility of a four-door, plus the supreme traction of a Sports Activity Vehicle optimised by optional all-wheel drive.

MINI Australia National Manager, David Woollcott said the MINI Countryman will open the door to new MINI customers requiring extra space and flexibility for their family or leisure activities.

“The Countryman is versatile enough to accommodate any lifestyle while retaining the sense of fun that makes all MINIs so good to drive and enjoyable to own,” said Mr Woollcott.

The MINI Countryman comes as standard with two single seats at the rear adjustable individually for length, and is available at no extra cost with a three-seat rear bench. Luggage capacity may be increased in several steps from 350 all the way to 1,170 litres.

The MINI Countryman will be available with a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel engine, ranging in output from 82kW to 135 kW and offering exemplary efficiency in every respect and all variants of the MINI Countryman fulfill the EU5 emission standard.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are both available as an option with MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, The suspension on all models comes as standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, while passive safety of the highest calibre is ensured not only by the high-load-resistant body structure, but also by six airbags, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats and a Tyre Defect Indicator.

Variable space thanks to individual rear seats complement a larger MINI all round.

The new MINI Countryman offers space and versatility. The rear seat bench with either two, or three, seats features adjusting seat segments coming in a 60:40, or 40:20:40 split.

Even with the seats in their standard position, the MINI Countryman is able to accommodate a standard pram, for example, in its luggage compartment. And to meet additional transport requirements, the rear seat backrests may be moved to a cargo position increasing luggage space from 350 to 440 litres while still accommodating rear-seat passengers.

The rear seat backrests moving down both in part or in full also help to provide flexible space at the rear, This luggage capacity to increase all the way to 1,170 litres, enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed.

MINI Centre Rail: Unique storage concept with a wide range of customisation options.

Instead of a conventional centre console between the seats, the MINI Countryman offers an innovative rail system, the completely unique MINI Centre Rail, enabling the driver and passengers to keep their personal belongings and loose items exactly where they need them at any point in time. At the same time the MINI Centre Rail forms a visual and functional connection between the front and rear seats.

Whenever the MINI Countryman is fitted with single seats at the rear, the Centre Rail configured as a U-profile extends through the entire passenger compartment all the way to the rear seat backrests. On models fitted with a three-seat rear bench, in turn, the MINI Centre Rail ends at the backrests of the front seats.

Specially developed and easy-to-use clip-in fixtures allow the driver and passengers to use the MINI Centre Rail individually as required, hanging on various bins and storage units. As an example, the MINI Centre Rail may be fitted with holders for entertainment and telecommunication devices, cupholders, a case for glasses, as well as centre armrests held safely and comfortably in position. The holders and storage bins placed on the Centre Rail may then be moved forwards and backwards to any desired position. And whenever the users place electronic devices such as a mobile phone or an MP3 player on the Centre Rail, the integrated cable system automatically connects the respective device to the car’s on-board network and ensures full and convenient integration into the MINI Countryman’s entertainment system.

Profile characterised by growth in stature and greater ground clearance.

Despite the height of the MINI Countryman and its ground clearance, the proportions characteristic of classic MINIs are still retained in full, such as short overhangs front and rear accentuating the typical concept and philosophy of offering maximum space on a minimum footprint. Through its unique graphics, the roof and functional roof railing further underlining the silhouette of the MINI Countryman and accentuates the four-door configuration of the body.

The black frame around the bottom of the body stands out even more on the MINI Countryman than on the other models of the MINI brand, accentuating the car’s greater ground clearance and highlighting the position of the wheels. A further feature clearly borne out in this way is the particularly long spring travel of the wheels, confirming that the MINI Countryman is suitable for a wide range of different purposes.

Design: MINI all the way with a high standard of individual style.

The MINI Countryman stands out clearly from all former models of the MINI brand, expressing its unique style through the design and looks of the body. Measuring 4,097 millimetres, the four-door body of the car combines the proportions typical of the brand with extra ground clearance and an elevated seating position, the MINI Countryman thus bridging the gap between the classic Mini and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle.

The proportions and horizontal subdivision of the rear end again underline the sporting character of the MINI Countryman, ensuring powerful presence also from this perspective. Broadening out in steps from top to bottom, the body structure emphasises the stable stance of the car, the muscular shoulder line additionally highlighting the masculine character of the new MINI.

For the first time the MINI logo at the rear has a specific function: Pressing the inner circle on the logo, the driver releases the rear lid swinging up to the top.

The rear air dam on the MINI Cooper S Countryman comes as a diffuser guiding the flow of air beneath the rear end of the car to optimise the aerodynamic qualities of this special model. The most powerful model in the range also stands out through its special roof spoiler, a twin-chamber exhaust system, as well as striking openings in the rear wheel arches.

The MINI Countryman is available with a choice of eleven body colours, five non-metallic, six metallic. The MINI Cooper S Countryman, the MINI Cooper Countryman, and the MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with the roof finished either in Black or Light White as an alternative to the colour of the body.

The interior of the MINI Countryman offers a new dimension of space and function. The elevated seating position provides comfortable access to the car, optimising the driver’s all-round visibility and intensifying the driving experience in the style of a Sports Activity Vehicle. All surfaces come in new, striking grain harmonising perfectly with the powerful look of the car.

The instrument panel in the MINI Countryman is characterised by powerful, concave shapes and a sporting, functional impression. Extra-large air vents at the side emphasise the particular style of the interior in its modern class and function. Like the centre air vents, the Centre Speedo and the gearshift lever, the air vents are highlighted by white surrounds in a contrasting colour.

A further colour highlight is provided by the side surrounds on the centre console appearing to actually support and hold up the dashboard. The centre console itself, through its matt-black colour in conjunction with a chrome ring for the climate controls, is particularly stylish and sophisticated in its looks. Apart from the control units for the air conditioning featured as standard and a CD player, the toggle switches for various car functions typical of MINI are also housed within the centre console.

Newly designed door panels underline the specific shape of the body and the extra space the MINI Countryman has to offer. The ellipsoid frame around the armrests and door closing handles again so typical of the brand is for the first time positioned in the middle, encompassing in its design also the B-pillars and emphasising the length of the interior through its stretched contours.

Ambient Illumination and Colour Line for individual highlights.

Ambient Illumination included in the standard Lights Package sets a particular highlight within the interior of the MINI Countryman. Providing an indirect lighting effect, Ambient Illumination creates special colour highlights throughout the entire door panel in night design, thus giving the interior a truly unique atmosphere. Using a toggle switch, the driver and passengers may vary the colour of the light generated infinitely all the way from warm orange to sporting blue, light rods also providing the colour desired on the MINI Centre Rail from one end to the other. A further advantage of this indirect illumination is that it is now much easier to find objects parked on the Centre Rail.

The standard Colour Line provides further opportunities to customise the car, creating different colour effects along the door panels within their ellipsoid frame, on the centre armrest side panels, the lower section of the B-pillar covers, and the inserts on the Centre Rail itself. The colours available in this case are Carbon Black, Polar Beige, Pure Red, and Dark Tobacco, as well as powerful Surf Blue exclusive to the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Trim bars for the cockpit as well as a Chrome Package adding discreet gloss to the air vents, the central instrument, the rev counter and the surrounds on the gearshift lever, provide an even more intense touch of colour and style.

Modern generation of petrol and turbodiesel power units.

Superior, powerful, and efficient – these are the fundamental highlights of the two petrol and one turbodiesel power units available for the MINI Countryman. In their technical features, the power units are based on the know-how of the BMW Group in the development of the most advanced engines. They stand out in particular through supreme efficiency and, in the context of the MINIMALISM philosophy, come with the latest features for reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. These features include, depending on the model involved, Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, as well as on-demand management of the engine’s ancillary units.

All versions of the MINI Countryman are fitted as standard with a manual six-speed gearbox perfectly harmonising with the engines’ power and performance characteristics and meeting the specific requirements made of a premium car in this segment.
As an option the MINI Cooper Countryman, and the MINI Cooper S Countryman are available with six-speed automatic transmission complete with Steptronic and gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

MINI Cooper S Countryman: featuring variable valve management for the first time supplementing the turbocharger and direct fuel injection.

Both petrol engines featured in the MINI Countryman come with fully variable valve management. This technology for masterminding engine load without requiring a throttle effect quite unique within the segment of this new MINI and based on the VALVETRONIC valve management featured in BMW power units, optimises engine response and serves to significantly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.

Valve management adjusts the stroke and opening period of the intake valves within fractions of a second to the respective level of power required, the camshaft acting on the valves through an additional intermediate lever, and not directly through the follower arm. The rotating point of this additional lever is adjusted infinitely by an eccentric shaft controlled by an electric motor.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman is the first model in the brand to combine fully variable valve management with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. This highly advanced combination gives the 1.6-litre four-cylinder with its twin-scroll turbocharger an unprecedented balance of power and fuel economy quite unparalleled in this segment. Maximum output of 135 kW comes at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm, peak torque of 240 Newton-metres is available at just 1,600 rpm, increasing briefly by way of Overboost all the way to 260 Newton-metres for extra power when accelerating hard.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.6 seconds and has a top speed of 215 km/h. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 6.3 litres/100 kilometres with a CO2 rating of 154 grams per kilometre.

MINI Cooper Countryman: sporting performance and outstanding efficiency all in one.

Likewise displacing 1.6 litres, the naturally-aspirated power unit of the MINI Cooper Countryman again features fully variable valve management for sporting performance and efficient use of fuel. Maximum output of 90 kW comes at 6,000 rpm, with peak torque of 160 Newton-metres at 4,250 rpm. The MINI Cooper Countryman accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 10.5 seconds. Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 6.5 litres/100 kilometres with a CO2 rating of 152 grams per kilometre.

MINI Cooper D Countryman with new turbodiesel power units.

The 1.6-litre four-cylinder MINI Cooper D Countryman represents all the outstanding know-how in development of the BMW Group, combining common-rail direct fuel injection with a turbocharger featuring variable turbine geometry for optimum power and performance at all engine speeds.

Maximum output of 82 kW at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 270 Newton-metres at 1,750 rpm ensures spontaneous acceleration and superior development of power. The MINI Cooper D Countryman accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 185 km/h. Average fuel consumption of the MINI D Countryman in the EU test cycle of just 4.4 litres/100 kilometres is just as impressive as the CO2 rating of 115 grams per kilometre.

Newly developed suspension: best handling also in the MINI Countryman segment

The MINI Countryman comes with McPherson spring struts and forged track control arms on the front axle – a configuration ensuring excellent wheel guidance and keeping the steering free of drive forces even when accelerating fast or driving dynamically on a winding road. The multi-arm rear axle of the MINI Countryman based in its development on all the suspension know-how of the BMW Group is conceived for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive. Anti-roll bars front and rear minimise body sway and thus make an additional contribution to the car’s agile and safe driving behaviour.

Compared with the other models in the range, the MINI Cooper S Countryman comes with an even more sporting suspension. And all variants of the MINI Countryman are available as an option with sports suspension lowering the entire car by 10 millimetres.

EPS Electric Power Steering featured as standard makes a significant contribution to the agility of the MINI Countryman. Another feature likewise boasted as standard is DSC Dynamic Stability Control comprising ABS anti-lock brakes, EBD Electronic Brake Force Distribution, CBC Cornering Brake Control, a Brake Assistant, and a Hill Start-Off Assistant. The DTC mode allowing controlled slip on the drive wheels for setting off even more easily on loose sand or in deep snow comes as standard with the MINI Cooper S Countryman and in conjunction with the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, and is available as an option on all other models.

With Dynamic Stability Control switched off (DSC Off mode), the electronic lock function on the front wheel differential automatically applies the brakes on a drive wheel spinning in a tight bend for appropriate control and handling. Referred to as EDLC Electronic Differential Lock Control, this system enhances the car’s traction and drive power without generating a negative effect on its steering behaviour.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman comes as standard with 17-inch light-alloy wheels, while the MINI Cooper Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman are fitted with 16-inch light-alloy wheels available in two exclusive design variants. All models are available as an option with 18-inch wheels and the wide range of special equipment includes wheels measuring 19 inches for an even more sporting and dynamic look.

All-inclusive safety concept with torsionally stiff body structure and six airbags.

The car comes with an innovative drive shaft made up of two elements giving way within one another in the event of a collision to absorb impact energy.

The body structure of the MINI Countryman is also designed to offer maximum occupant safety in the event of a collision. High-load-resistant bearer structures, precisely defined deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell serve to keep impact forces away from the passengers.

Highly effective restraint systems masterminded by central safety electronics provide further benefits within the interior. Through its decentralised satellites, the networked airbag control system is able to precisely recognise the specific conditions in the event of a crash, activating the appropriate restraint systems immediately and with maximum efficiency.

The MINI Countryman comes as standard with frontal and side airbags as well as curtain airbags at the side on both the front and rear seats. All seats are furthermore equipped with three-point inertia-reel seat belts, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front.

Wide range of standard equipment, numerous options for customising the car.

The MINI Countryman comes as standard with features such as air conditioning, the MINI Centre Rail, and an audio system complete with a CD player. At the same time a wide range of optional extras and special equipment is available for each model, enabling the proud owner to configure his or her MINI in its typical style, according to his personal preferences and requirements.

Among other highlights, this range of options includes high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to integrate an Apple iPhone and extra Smartphones.

Adaptive Headlights are available in conjunction with the optional xenon headlight units, adjusting the beam angle to the course of the road ahead as a function of the steering position. Further highlights are an extra-large Panorama roof, a heated windscreen, a towbar, sports suspension lowering the entire car by 10 millimetres, as well as the full range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.

The Cooper and Cooper S/Cooper S ALL4 Countryman models will also be available with Chilli packages for an uplift of $5,400 and $5,650 respectively. This represents a 10% saving versus purchasing the individual features separately.

The MINI Countryman: new car concept, new options in use, typical MINI feeling.

The new MINI Countryman takes an entirely new approach by combining the classic features of the brand with all the qualities of a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. And at the same time it brings together that unique agility so typical of MINI with enhanced motoring comfort to provide a truly unique driving experience.

Australian pricing* for the new MINI Countryman:

• Cooper Countryman – $37,700
• Cooper Countryman Chilli – $43,100
• Cooper S Countryman – $47,500
• Cooper S Countryman Chilli – $53,150
• Cooper S ALL4 Countryman – $50,400
• Cooper S ALL4 Countryman Chilli – $56,050
• MINI Cooper D Countryman – $40,950
• MINI Cooper D Countryman Chilli – $46,350
• MINI Cooper D ALL4 Countryman – $43,850
• MINI Cooper D ALL4 Countryman Chilli – $49,250

*Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest MINI Garage for all pricing inquiries.

Downloads

• MINI Countryman – technical data (75kb PDF)
• MINI Countryman – media information, July 2010 (580kb PDF)