MINI Countryman Facelift Has Been Revealed
The MINI Cooper Countryman, the crossover of the range, has received its facelift model today. As you may know, the Countryman is locally-assembled in Malaysia in a few variants.
Here are some of the changes that the facelift brings:
- New LED headlights as standard
- New grille
- New wheels options
- Piano black trim option
- Union Jack motif on LED taillights
- New 5″ Digital Instrument Cluster
Powertrain options remain unchanged from before, with 2-litre petrol models and a 1.5-litre PHEV model too (pictured here in the piano black trim mentioned above).
The press release has a lot more information on the new models if you’d like to sift through them.
PRESS RELEASE
The biggest and most versatile member of the MINI model family generates fresh stimuli for driving pleasure and individual flair in the hallmark style of the British premium brand. Precisely refined design, attractive additions to the equipment range and innovative technology in the areas of operation and networking underpin the exceptional status of the new MINI Countryman within the premium compact segment. Its robust vehicle concept, an ample, versatile interior with five fully-fledged seats and the optional ALL4 all-wheel drive system make it an unmistakable all-round talent that inspires typical MINI enthusiasm not just in day-to-day traffic but also on long-distance trips and even when venturing into unsurfaced terrain. The progressive character of the new MINI Countryman is reflected in a model variant with plug-in hybrid drive as well as in new digital MINI Connected services. What is more, the desire for individualisation is catered to more radically than ever before with the range of additional optional extras and Original MINI Accessories.
With the new MINI Countryman, the tradition-steeped British brand continues to pursue its conquest of additional target groups. Even in its first generation, the MINI Countryman was a pioneer. As the first model with an exterior length of more than four metres, four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and all-wheel drive, it laid the foundations for the brand’s highly successful advance into the premium compact segment. The MINI Countryman now accounts for almost 30 per cent of the brand’s new registrations worldwide.
The launch of the current model generation once again sees a significant optimisation in terms of space, versatility, functionality and ride comfort. In addition, the MINI Countryman has become a pioneering force for locally emissions-free mobility in hallmark brand style. The plug-in hybrid model MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 combines groundbreaking efficiency and hybrid-specific all-wheel drive with the option of purely electrically powered driving pleasure.
In addition to plug-in hybrid drive, the new MINI Countryman is available with three petrol engines and three diesel engines featuring the latest MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. The engines have seen extensive further development and cover an output spectrum ranging from 75 kW/102 hp to 140 kW/190 hp as well as already meeting the emissions standard Euro 6d, which will not be binding until 2021. Four of them can be combined with the all-wheel drive system ALL4 on request.
Distinctive proportions, powerful charisma
Thanks to its unmistakable proportions, the new MINI Countryman is instantly recognisable as the brand’s largest model. The three-part structure of the vehicle body that is typical of MINI is interpreted in a particularly striking way by the model-specific roof line. The car’s upright stature and increased ground clearance are suggestive of generous interior space, robust character and inspiring driving characteristics – both on-road and off-road. The optional MINI ALL4 exterior look and the roof rails – also available as an optional extra – further underline the versatility of the new MINI Countryman. Meanwhile the aerodynamically optimised exterior features contained in the optional John Cooper Works package add an extra touch of sporty flair.
The precisely modified design of the car’s front section lends even more intense emphasis to the powerful charisma of the new MINI Countryman. The new structure of the bumper covering, now entirely in body finish, ensures a particularly clear-cut and high-quality appearance. The redesigned radiator grille has the hexagonal contours that are typical of MINI and is surrounded by a slim, one-piece chrome frame. Its air intake is subdivided by three horizontal struts in the MINI One Countryman, MINI Cooper Countryman, MINI One D Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman. The radiator grille of the new MINI Cooper S Countryman and the new MINI Cooper SD Countryman is characterised by a hexagonal grid pattern with a red “S” and a single chrome strut.
Bright spot: LED headlamps now standard
The redesign of the front section adds LED headlamps to the standard trim in the new MINI Countryman: here, the latest version of these lights features a particularly high-quality design that emphasises the technology used. The distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contours of the headlamps are accentuated by a continuous band of light that takes on the function of both daytime driving light and turn indicator. The turning light included in the functional range of the LED headlamps provides intensive illumination of the side areas of the road when changing direction. The standard trim of the new MINI Countryman also includes LED fog lights, with a light band in the upper semicircle of each fog light serving as a parking light.
Adaptive LED headlamps with variable light distribution and matrix function for high beam are available as a newly added option. In addition to the turning light, they also provide bend lighting, automatically adapting their effect to the traffic situation and weather conditions. In urban traffic and when visibility is limited due to the weather conditions, the side area of the road is illuminated more intensely by adding the dimmed turning light. When driving on motorways it is possible to selectively increase the range of the high beam.
What is more, the adaptive LED headlamps in the new MINI Countryman now feature an automatic selective dip function for the high beam. For this purpose, the high beam is subdivided into four segments that can be activated and deactivated independently of each other and adapted to the situation on the road at speeds of over 70 km/h. As soon as the front camera of the new MINI Countryman detects an oncoming vehicle or a vehicle driving ahead, the space that vehicle occupies is only illuminated at low beam brightness, while the other high beam segments continue to illuminate the rest of the road in the normal way. As such, the matrix high beam is able to increase the range of vision while at the same time avoiding any dazzle effect on other road users.
Redesigned rear apron and LED lights in Union Jack design
With its redesigned bumper trim, the rear apron also contributes to the particularly powerful and contemporary look of the new MINI Countryman. The upright rear lights with chrome frame provide an exclusive, unmistakable accentuation that evokes the origins of the British brand. All lighting functions now feature high-quality LED technology as standard, while the graphic structure of the light source traces the pattern of the Union Jack. With its striking lines, the flag motif provides a distinctive form of identification – both during the day and in terms of night design.
Striking look: two new body finishes, Piano Black Exterior and new alloy wheels
The range of body finishes opens up new possibilities for an individual look, including the newly added colours White Silver metallic and Sage Green metallic. Depending on the model variant, the roof and mirror caps of the new MINI Countryman can be finished in black, white or silver as an alternative to the body colour.
The Piano Black Exterior option – likewise new and available for all variants of the new MINI Countryman – ensures a particularly striking appearance: here, the headlamp surrounds, rear lights, radiator grille and side indicator elements – or side scuttles – are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome, as are the door handles and the model lettering on the luggage compartment lid. Additional identification features in high-gloss black are available from the range of Original MINI Accessories, including the MINI logo and the “Cooper S” and “ALL4” inscriptions in Piano Black design. Matching exterior mirror caps and side scuttles with a grey-black flag pattern in Night Jack design are also available for retrofit.
Depending on the model variant, the new MINI Countryman is fitted as standard with light alloy wheels which are either 16-inch or 17-inch in size, with light alloy wheels in sizes up to 19 inches available as optional extras and as part of the Original MINI Accessories programme. 17-inch light alloy wheels in Channel Spoke Black design are new to the range of ex works options, as are 19-inch light alloy wheels in the design variant Turnstile Spoke 2-tone.
Interior: ample space and even greater scope for individual style
The new MINI Countryman combines versatile driving characteristics with a versatile interior. Three fully-fledged seats are available at the rear. Alternatively, the second row of seats can also be used to expand transport capacity. By folding down the rear seat with a 40 : 20 : 40 split, storage space can be extended from 450 to up to 1 390 litres.
Selective customisation of the interior oriented towards the customer’s personal style has become even more attractive due to the addition of new options and a further developed product range. The leather variants Chester Indigo Blue and Chester Malt Brown have been newly added to the selection of seat upholstery options. The Colour Line for the lower section of the instrument panel and door trim, previously available as a single option, is now an integral part of the leather trim designed to match the relevant colour scheme.
The MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper SD Countryman and MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 models now come as standard with Piano Black interior surfaces for the cockpit and door bezels. These are combined with accentuation strips in the variant British Oak dark. A new version of the highly exclusive MINI Yours interior surfaces is optionally available for all model variants. The optional MINI Yours Interior Style Shaded Silver conveys stylish sporty flair. This is ensured by combining an illuminated cockpit bezel in the variant Shaded Silver with door bezels in Dark Silver and accentuation strips in Hazy Grey.
Engines with optimised MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology and emission control to meet the Euro 6d emission standard
An extensively further developed engine portfolio enables the new MINI Countryman to achieve an even more favourable balance between driving fun and fuel consumption. In addition to further optimisation of CO2 levels, other aspects of the emissions performance have been likewise consistently improved by means of the relevant measures – including particulate filters for petrol engines and SCR with AdBlue injection for diesel engines. This means that all model variants of the new MINI Countryman now meet the particularly rigorous Euro 6d emission standard.
MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology is used in the 3-cylinder petrol engines of the new MINI One Countryman and the new MINI Cooper Countryman and in the 4-cylinder petrol engine of the new MINI Cooper S Countryman and now includes an exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head along with turbo charging. Among other things, this ensures highly effective cooling of the exhaust gases and the turbocharging system. At the same time, crankcase cooling can be reduced when demand is low in the partial load range by means of a new split cooling valve. In addition, petrol engine direct injection operates at a maximum pressure that has been increased from 200 to 350 bar.
Like the petrol engines, the diesel engines also have a new starter generator with optimised efficiency. In the 3-cylinder engines of the new MINI One D Countryman and the 4-cylinder engines of the new MINI Cooper D Countryman and the new MINI Cooper SD Countryman, MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology consists of a turbocharging system featuring exhaust gas recirculation and common rail direct injection. The two-stage turbocharging system previously used exclusively in the most powerful diesel engine now also optimises the response of the 4-cylinder engine in the MINI Cooper D Countryman, with the injectors feeding fuel to the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 2 500 bar.
ALL4 as an option for four engine variants – and a standard feature of the plug-in hybrid model
The ALL4 all-wheel drive system provides a noticeable boost in terms of traction, driving stability and agility. As an alternative to the brand’s hallmark front-wheel power transmission, this system is optionally available for four model variants of the new MINI Countryman. With its fast and precise electronic control, the system ensures need-based distribution of power between the front and rear wheels in all road surface and weather conditions.
The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 is fitted with a hybrid-specific all-wheel drive system as standard. It is provided by the precisely controlled interaction between a 3-cylinder petrol engine transmitting its power to the front wheels with an electric synchronous motor that acts on the rear wheels. Together, the two power units produce a system output of 162 kW/220 hp. The latest eDrive technology available for BMW Group plug-in hybrid models also includes a high-voltage lithium-ion battery with a gross energy content of 9.6 kWh, giving the new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 a maximum electrically powered range of 55 to 61 kilometres.
8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard for two more model variants
The new MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 comes with a 6-speed Steptronic transmission as standard. Meanwhile the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper D Countryman ALL4 now feature an 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard, as do the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4, MINI Cooper SD Countryman and MINI Cooper SD Countryman ALL4 models. It is also optionally available for the MINI Cooper D Countryman. For all other model variants, a 7-speed Steptronic transmission with double clutch is optionally available to replace the standard 6-speed manual transmission.
As a further option, the most powerful petrol and diesel engines can also transmit their drive torque to a 7-speed Steptronic sports transmission with double clutch or an 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission. This enables particularly rapid speed changes and increased shifting dynamics.
New equipment features: sports leather steering wheel, digital cockpit
The interior of the new MINI Countryman also has increased appeal due to an extended range of standard equipment. It now includes a sports leather steering wheel in all model variants. In the new MINI Countryman, the front passenger can also adapt seat height as required. Electrically adjustable seats are available as an option, including a memory function on the driver’s side.
An optional digital instrument display is available for the new MINI Countryman. The display in Black Panel design behind the steering wheel has a diameter of 5.0 inches. The range of audio and navigation systems has been restructured. The Connected Media and Connected Navigation Plus options, available as an alternative to the basic configuration, each include an 8.8-inch colour screen with touchscreen function located in the central instrument that is typical of the brand. The circular control unit in the new MINI Countryman exhibits a refined surface look, with the audio control panel and the buttons for hazard lights and driver assistance systems now integrated even more harmoniously. Meanwhile touch-sensitive bookmark buttons and high-gloss Piano Black surfaces underscore the premium character of the central instrument.
Even the standard audio system offers audio streaming via a Bluetooth connection and a hands-free telephone system with USB interface. The Radio MINI Visual Boost and the digital instrument display form part of the optional equipment item Connected Media, while the Connected Navigation option makes a range of additional infotainment functions available in the new MINI Countryman in addition to providing a convenient route guidance system. This option also comprises wireless charging for compatible mobile phones and a second USB socket.
The new MINI Countryman: always online and up-to-date thanks to intelligent networking
The new MINI Countryman is equipped with a SIM card that is permanently fitted in the car. This enables use of Intelligent Emergency Call with automatic detection of vehicle location and accident severity, as well as MINI TeleServices. The Connected Media option includes a wide range of MINI Connected digital services. The new MINI Countryman is always online, enabling seamless integration of the voice assistant Amazon Alexa.
This provides access to the Real Time Traffic Information service as well as the internet platform MINI Online and preparation for Apple CarPlay. MINI Connected can be used to send navigation destinations from the smartphone to the vehicle. The mobile phone connection also means that the vehicle’s navigation map is updated automatically.
Individual style for retrofitting: MINI Original Accessories
High-quality retrofit options from the programme of MINI Original Accessories enable functionality, convenience, driving fun and individual style to be adapted even more precisely to personal preferences in the new MINI Countryman. The selection ranges from a rear bicycle rack, a roof box, a moulded luggage compartment mat and all-weather floor mats to individual MINI LED door projectors from the MINI Yours Customised programme and John Cooper Works products designed for extreme driving fun.
About the Author
Subhash Nair Written work on dsf.my. @subhashtag on instagram. Autophiles Malaysia on Youtube.
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