The MINI Countryman, Still an awful car, now even worse for 2015

• New version of the MINI Countryman debuts at New York Auto Show
• All engines now EU6 compliant, CO₂ reductions across range
• Cooper S output increased to 190 hp
• Rugged new exterior styling and optimised acoustic comfort
• Enhanced driving performance, optimised aerodynamics and fuel consumption
• New colours available, including Jungle Green, Midnight Grey and Starlight Blue

A new version of the MINI Countryman – the first MINI to feature four doors, five seats and optional all-wheel-drive – will debut at the New York International Auto Show, further boosting the brand's advance into the premium compact segment.

Updated exterior design, optimised fuel consumption and emission figures – as well as innovative equipment enhancements – contribute to the more mature character and increased appeal of the new MINI Countryman.

With striking body design accents, refined premium characteristics in the interior and enhanced efficiency, the new MINI Countryman builds upon the strengths of the previous model. An important pillar of growth for MINI with 350,000 units already sold worldwide, this model has everything it takes to attract new customers into the MINI brand.

Increases in power output, improved aerodynamic properties and further efficiency enhancements (thanks to MINIMALISM technology), have resulted in better acceleration and top speed in some models.

All model variants now have lower fuel consumption and emission figures, as well as meeting EU6 emission regulations. MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system continues to be available on MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper SD Countryman. The MINI ALL4 system comes as standard with the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

Exterior – sophisticated and rugged.

The distinctive appearance of the MINI Countryman derives from its dimensions, four doors, large tailgate and unique roof shape combined with the individual interpretation of MINI’s hallmark proportions and design. 

With the new MINI Countryman, both model-specific and hallmark brand elements are given additional emphasis. The upright front section conveys a powerful presence with a newly designed hexagonal radiator grill. A horizontal radiator grille rib finished in chrome on the new MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD Countryman – along with a curved "S" in red – now give the front an even sportier edge. The front of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman features a red radiator grille rib supplemented with the John Cooper Works logo.

In all other model variants the radiator grille is now subdivided by two ribs. In MINI One and MINI One D Countryman models these are finished in high-gloss black, while in the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper D Countryman sport a matt silver version.

A number of new features enhance the robust and versatile character of the new MINI Countryman. In conjunction with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, underride guard elements for the front and rear apron (as well as for the side sills) are now included as standard. These highlight the ground clearance of the Countryman, indicating its potential for driving away from tarmac roads.

The range of exterior paint finishes available has also been expanded with the addition of Jungle Green metallic and Midnight Grey metallic, and Starlight Blue metallic paint is now available on the MINI Countryman for the first time.

A contrasting paint finish for the roof and wing mirror caps in black or white is available as a no-cost option (with the exception of the MINI One and MINI One D Countryman).  A contrasting red paint finish is offered free of charge for the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. There are also Sport Stripes and bonnet stripes in a variety of colours to choose from.

Available on a MINI for the first time is the new Piano Black Exterior trim. In addition to the surrounds of the headlamps and rear lights finished in chrome as standard, a high-end dark shading is applied to the diagonal links between the A columns and front wheel arches, the roof rails and the cross-ribs in the radiator grille of the MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D Countryman. Chrome line exterior is available a no cost option.

New reduced weight alloy wheels, LED fog lights.

The MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D Countryman now come with 16-inch light alloy wheels in 5-Star ‘Air Spoke’ Design as standard. Likewise, the 17-inch light alloy wheels in the new 5-Star ‘Triangle Spoke’ Design for the MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD Countryman also save weight over their predecessors. They are also optionally available in a two-colour design. Both wheel versions are also available in an optional MINIMALISM version, including tyres with reduced rolling resistance for further reductions in fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.

Another new addition to the MINI Countryman are LED fog lights with LED daytime driving lights. This distinctive new feature is fitted as standard to MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper D, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper SD and MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

The new LED fog lights provide an intense, bright white light with a much higher level of energy efficiency than conventional lamps. The structure of their light sources in full LED also helps make the front view of the new MINI Countryman striking and instantly recognisable. The daytime driving light takes the form of a luminous ring fed by 15 LED units. When the parking lights are switched on, only five LED units are activated in the upper third of the ring.

Interior and acoustic refinement.

The interior of the new MINI Countryman features characteristic brand designs combined with a highly versatile interior space. The premium compact model offers five seats as standard along with the MINI Centre Rail attachment system fitted between the driver and front passenger seat. Acoustic refinement has also been enhanced in the new MINI Countryman.

The displays and controls have been redesigned so as to enhance the car's sporty flair and premium character. All model variants of the new MINI Countryman now have anthracite-coloured dials for the tachometer and speedometer the style of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, whose central instrument now also bears the John Cooper Works logo. The standard trim of the new MINI Countryman also includes chrome finishes for the ventilation controls.

Extended MINIMALISM technology for increased driving fun and reduced fuel consumption figures.

The petrol and diesel engines available for the new MINI Countryman all meet the EU6 exhaust emissions regulations. The high efficiency of the modern four-cylinder power units and the extended use of MINIMALISM technology also ensure an even more favourable balance between driving fun and fuel consumption.

Detailed measures promoting efficiency include optimised air ducting in the area of the underbody, wheel bearings with a lower friction coefficient and tyres with reduced rolling resistance.

The four-cylinder spark ignition engine used in the MINI Cooper S Countryman, with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve control, also sees an increase in output to 190 hp. This results in a reduction in the 0-62mph time of 0.1 sec to 7.5 secs, while the in-gear sprint from 50 to 75 mph in fifth gear now takes just 8.4 secs – down 0.2 secs.

Fuel consumption in the new MINI Cooper S Countryman on the EU test cycle has improved to 47.1 mpg, while CO₂ emissions drop by three per cent to 139 grams per kilometre.

Figures for the full MINI Countryman range are as follows:

Model	Power	0-62 mph	Fuel Consumption	CO2
One	89 hp	11.9	49.6 mpg	134 g/km
One D	90 hp	12.9	67.3 mpg	111 g/km
Cooper	122 hp	10.4 (-0.1)	47.9 mpg	137 g/km
Cooper D	111 hp	10.9	67.3 mpg	111 g/km
Cooper S	190 hp	7.5 (-0.1)	47.1 mpg	139 g/km
Cooper SD	143 hp	9.2 sec (-0.1 sec)	62.8 mpg	119 g/km
John Cooper Works	218 hp	6.9 sec        (- 0.1 sec)	39.8 mpg	165 g/km

The MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system is available as an option on MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper SD Countryman models. The system is based on an electromagnetic centre differential and distributes drive force at continuously variable levels between the front and rear axle. The MINI ALL4 electronic management system integrated directly into the DSC unit enables power transmission to be altered as required, responding within milliseconds.

All engines are combined with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. An optional six-gear automatic transmission is available for all model variants, with the exception of the MINI One D Countryman which includes shift paddles as standard on MINI Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works Countryman.  Shift paddles for manual selection of gears is available as an option on MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D Countryman. A Sport Button is also available as standard on MINI Cooper S, Cooper SD and John Cooper Works Countryman offering more direct steering and accelerator response and is available as an option on other models.

In conjunction with the automatic transmission, pressing the Sport Button also results in changes to the shift points. In the new MINI Cooper S Countryman this also triggers a particularly striking, sporty engine sound.

Five-star safety, tyre pressure control and daytime driving light now standard.

The MINI Countryman has extensive standard safety features resulting in a top score of five stars on the Euro NCAP crash test. MINI Countryman now also includes daytime driving light and tyre pressure control as standard. Constant measurement of pressure on each individual tyre means that the driver is given an early warning of potential loss in each tyre.

High-quality standard and optional equipment.

Standard equipment on the new MINI Countryman includes air conditioning, MINI Centre Rail between the front seats and a high-end radio system comprising CD player with MP3 capability, AUX-in socket, DAB radio, Bluetooth, five speakers and rear Park Distance Control.

As customers would expect from MINI, there are also a variety of high quality additional options available.  These include Bi-Xenon headlamps and adaptive turning light, comfort access, panoramic glass roof, automatic air conditioning, removable tow bar on some models capable of towing loads of up to 1,200kg, MINI Navigation System, multifunction steering wheel with cruise control, Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system and model-specific John Cooper Works accessories.

MINI Connected.

As ever, MINI Connected is also available in conjunction with the MINI Visual Boost Radio or as part of the Media Pack. It offers extensive smartphone integration inside the car, allowing the use of internet-based services including Facebook, Twitter, foursquare and Glympse. RSS news feeds, internet radio and music streaming services including AUPEO!, Stitcher, Deezer, Audible, Napster/Rhapsody and TuneIn can also be operated from within the car through the MINI Connected interface.

The new MINI Countryman starts from £16,990 OTR and is available to order from MINI dealers nationwide in late spring.