The biggest MINI, the Countryman gets more room, more power and more technology.

• The largest MINI yet received the John Cooper Works treatment, offering powerful performance and versatility
• 231hp enables a 0-62mph time of just 6.5 seconds
• MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive system fitted and sports suspension as standard
• High quality standard specification includes MINI Navigation, LED headlights and Comfort Access
• New touch-screen MINI Navigation XL available as an option
• MINI Connected: the digital personal mobility assistant advises and informs on departure times based on calendar entries and traffic data
• MINI Connected detects frequently driven routes and remembers them automatically
• Available now, priced from £30,675 OTR (£32,275 automatic) 

Available now, priced from £30,675 OTR. As the biggest and most versatile model in the MINI range featuring the brand’s most powerful engine to date, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman combines race track feeling and useful versatility on and off the road.

With an output of 231 hp working with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman sprints from 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds whether the customer chooses the standard 6-speed manual transmission or the optional 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission.

The resulting vehicle is a based on John Cooper Works racing expertise. From the engine and ALL4 drive system to the upgraded sports suspension with 18-inch John Cooper Works Grip Spoke alloy wheels and Brembo sports brake system, the John Cooper Works racing influence is evident throughout the model’s build and design. 

Special exterior body features highlight the vehicle’s sporty credentials, and optimise aerodynamic properties, whilst inside the vehicle features a model-specific cockpit and John Cooper Works sports seats.

The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman not only offers an exciting driving experience but with improved boot space and extra leg room over its predecessor it is both versatile and flexible. 

More power, more space 

With a power increase of 13hp compared to its predecessor, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman also offers enlarged external dimensions and a considerable increase in space, versatility and functionality. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is 19 centimetres longer, 3 centimetres wider and has a wheelbase extension of 7.5 centimetres over the previous model, offering even more space across its five passenger seats. The luggage compartment can also be expanded as required from 450 litres to as much as 1,390 litres. 

Engine: power delivery and sound with racing character.

The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine installed at the front of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman demonstrates performance characteristics inspired by motor racing. It has a specific version of MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology with a turbocharging system integrated in the cast steel manifold, petrol direct injection, the fully variable valve control system VALVETRONIC and variable camshaft control (double VANOS). 

Made of highly temperature-resistant material, the turbocharger generates a charge-air pressure which is now increased to 2.2 bar. The engine puts its maximum torque of 350 Newton metres on stream at between 1,450 and 4,500 rpm. It delivers its peak output of 231 hp within an engine speed range of 5 000 and 6 000 rpm.

The new John Cooper Works Countryman features specially developed components for John Cooper Works models, including specific pistons, a large charge-air cooler and an additional radiator. In addition there is a sports exhaust system that not only supports the engine’s performance characteristics but also gives them an impressive acoustic and visual dimension. 

Reduced exhaust gas pressure promotes spontaneous power delivery, while a controllable exhaust flap and the special geometry of the tailpipe help generate the recognisable John Cooper Works sound. The sports exhaust system also has tapered chrome covers for the dual tailpipes. 

6-speed manual transmission as standard, 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission as an optional extra.

The standard 6-speed manual transmission is weight-optimised in design as well as exhibiting a high level of internal efficiency and shift comfort. A gear sensor enables active engine speed adaptation for fast gear changes. Short shifts and the model-specific gear lever knob facilitate precise gear selection. 

An 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission is also available as an option. Gears can be changed automatically or manually via the shift paddles at the steering wheel. It offers particularly short shift times and a Launch Control function enables the quickest possible acceleration from standing.

This also has a positive impact on efficiency. With the standard manual transmission, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman has a combined fuel consumption of 38.2 mpg and a CO2 emissions level of 169 grams per kilometre. In conjunction with the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, these figures are reduced to 40.9 mpg and 158 grams respectively (provisional EU test cycle figures). 

From the dirt road to the race track with ALL4.

Thanks to the MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive system, the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman offers high performance on a variety of surfaces. The ALL4 system not only improves traction on unsurfaced terrain such as dirt roads, but also enhances ride stability in adverse weather conditions and improves agility when taking bends at speed. The system’s electronic control unit is linked to the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ensuring a consistently fast and precise response at all times in distributing the drive torque between the front and rear wheels.

The current version of the ALL4 all-wheel drive system offers a particularly efficient form of variable power distribution due to its compact and weight-optimised design. It consists of a power take-off bevel gear on the front axle differential, a dual-section propeller shaft and a rear axle differential with an electro hydraulically controlled hang-on clutch. 

In order to reduce the torque loss that occurs when drive power is transferred to the rear axle, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman uses active DSC with the brand’s characteristic front-wheel drive in normal situations on the road. Torque is driven to the rear wheels only when necessary and within a fraction of a second. 

Sports chassis for maximum agility when sprinting on bends and during braking manoeuvres.

The high-quality suspension technology of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman offers the perfect basis for maximum performance and excellent handling, with its high powered engine working alongside its specially designed long wheelbase, large track and low centre of gravity. 

A single-joint spring strut axle at the front is combined with a multilink rear axle. In addition, the standard sports suspension of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman features a particularly tight set-up of the suspension and damping systems. The speed-related Servotronic steering support – which is also offered as standard – provides excellent handling on bends and comfortable manoeuvring at low speeds.

The sports brake system was designed in collaboration with specialist manufacturer Brembo and comprises 4-piston fixed-caliper disc brakes on the front wheels, guaranteeing consistently high deceleration rates even under intense use. The brake calipers are finished in red and bear the John Cooper Works logo at the front. 

The Dynamic Stability Control system also ensures optimum traction on sprints, agility on bends and safe deceleration. Its functions include Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC) – which acts as an electronic locking function for the front axle differential – and Performance Control for agile turning when taking bends at speed. The standard trim also includes 18-inch John Cooper Works light alloy wheels in Black Thrill Spoke. John Cooper Works light alloy wheel in 19-inch is optionally available. 

MINI Driving Modes and Dynamic Damper Control enable an individualised vehicle set-up.

MINI Driving Modes enables the driver to select a set-up that is geared towards the situation on the road and their own personal preferences. A rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever is used to select the preferred settings - SPORT, MID and GREEN. This influences the characteristic curves of the accelerator pedal and steering, the engine acoustics, the shift characteristics of the 8-speed Steptronic sports transmission, if the latter is fitted, and the Dynamic Damper Control set-up. 

Exterior: versatile and athletic

With a length of 4,299 millimetres, a width of 1,822 millimetres and a height of 1,557 millimetres, model-specific John Cooper Works features are clearly visible on the exterior. These include the John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Kit and large cooling inlets in the front apron. The standard roof rails and the model-specific roof spoiler offer an aerodynamic finish to the model’s exterior. 

Interior: a characteristic sports car atmosphere

Inside the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman there are five fully fledged John Cooper Works sports seats which have integrated headrests, the John Cooper Works sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons, the John Cooper Works gear or selector lever and the roof liner in anthracite for a racing car feel to the interior.

Head, shoulder and leg room are significantly more generous than in the predecessor model, both at the front and the rear. In addition, as an optional extra the rear seats can be shifted by up to 13 centimetres in a 60 : 40 split, while additional versatility is provided by backrest elements that are tilt-adjustable and foldable in a 40 : 20 : 40 split. 

The unique Picnic Bench, a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and provides seating for two people, is available as an option. Also available as an option is an electric tailgate control that allows touchless opening and closing in conjunction with the standard Comfort Access. 

Exclusive standard and optional equipment

The exclusive standard and optional equipment available with the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman means it stands out from the crowd. Standard equipment includes LED headlamps with cornering function and daylight driving light, cruise control with brake function and the 6.5” Colour MINI Visual Boost display including MINI Navigation, USB socket and Bluetooth. Comfort Access, Anthracite Headlining, MINI Driving Modes and Rear Park Distance Control are also offered as standard with MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. 

Modern driver assistance systems, high-quality options for comfort and individual style.

The driver assistance systems developed for the MINI range enhance comfort and safety in the new John Cooper Works Countryman, too. The standard collision warning with city braking function can be extended to include the Driving Assistant system with camera-based active cruise control, pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection. 

Park Distance Control features sensors at the rear as standard, with other features such as front parking sensors, rear view camera and Parking Assistant optionally available. 

The optional Head-Up Display can display can inform the driver on all sorts of information, including road speed, speed limits and overtaking bans, navigation directions and Check Control messages, feedback from the driver assistance systems, telephone contacts and entertainment controls. The Head-Up display features a specific John Cooper Works mode where it is also possible to display the currently selected gear and a multi-coloured engine speed scale.

Other options available for the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman include a panorama glass roof, 2-zone automatic air conditioning, seat heating for driver and front passenger, windscreen heating and folding exterior mirrors. 

Central instrument with touchscreen, MINI Find Mate and MINI County Timer. 

The MINI Navigation XL with an 8.8-inch colour screen in the central instrument and the new recently introduced touch screen functionality is included in the newly enhanced Media Pack. Also included in the pack is MINI Find Mate, one of the latest digital services to be added to MINI Connected. MINI Find Mate uses wireless tracking function which enables objects to be tracked and located via MINI Connected.

The MINI Country Timer, which registers all travel over sloping, uneven, unsurfaced or snow-covered roads and tracks is offered as standard along with MINI Navigation. The duration and intensity of driving on demanding terrain is displayed in typical MINI style on the central instrument screen.

Other optional extras include Harman Kardon hi-fi system, which is available on its own or as part of the MINI Tech Pack which also includes rear-view camera, MINI Head-up Display and Media Pack X. 

MINI Connected, the digital personal mobility assistant.

Going beyond the familiar functions of an in-car infotainment program, MINI Connected acts as a personal mobility assistant in the new John Cooper Works Countryman. Based on a flexible platform, the Open Mobility Cloud, MINI Connected integrates the vehicle seamlessly into the MINI driver’s digital life via devices such as the Apple iPhone and Apple Watch.

Thanks to the integral concept of MINI Connected, mobility doesn’t just start in the vehicle. MINI Connected informs the driver of the best departure time based on calendar entries and current traffic data. Address data and appointments saved by the driver previously on a smartphone via MINI Connected are automatically transferred to the car and do not have to be entered in the navigation system again. 

MINI Connected can also save regularly visited places as favourite destinations, and it detects frequently covered routes such as the daily run between home and work and alerts the driver in the event of unexpected traffic delays. 

New BMW 1-Series gets a better look, well, it could not have gotten any worse, could it ?

Nearly two million 1 Series models have been sold since the introduction of the first 1 Series generation ten years ago. This latest incarnation builds on the winning formula of these three- and five-door predecessors with new power units from the latest BMW engine family, additional EfficientDynamics technologies fitted as standard, and careful enhancements to the exterior and interior design.

The level of standard equipment is now even higher, new options have been added and with new mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive, there are even more ways to increase the functionality and personalisation of the new 1 Series.

Design

The proportions, lines and surface design of the new BMW 1 Series bear all the classical hallmarks of a BMW with its set-back passenger compartment, long bonnet and short overhangs, in particular, give it a uniquely sporting presence. The new car features subtle but key differences to refine yet further the overall package. 

At the front, a new lower apron with larger air intakes and a horizontal bar combines with reshaped BMW kidney grilles and new headlamps that feature LED daytime driving lights as standard on all models. For the first time, full LED headlamps with low and main beam have been added to the options list, with Adaptive LED headlamps a further option. These follow the path of the road ahead, and also adapt their beam according to the type of road and conditions at any given moment. At the rear, new tail lamps with a familiar BMW ‘L’ shape design adopt striking LED technology.

The driver-focused cockpit of the new BMW 1 Series is an even more welcoming, sporty, comfortable place to sit, thanks to enhancements to the design, and the materials and fabrics used. In particular, there’s a new cloth fabric for the seats.

The BMW Radio Professional and iDrive operating system continues to be standard across the entire range so all new 1 Series models feature the freestanding, 6.5-inch Control Display, the controller wheel mounted on the centre console, and the direct menu control and favourites buttons. If the optional Professional Navigation system is fitted, the Controller comes with a larger, touch-sensitive surface for inputting numbers and characters, while the onboard monitor takes the form of an 8.8-inch display of particularly slim design.

The controls arranged below the Control Display have also benefited from detailed refinements. Both the air vents and the controls for the radio and the automatic air conditioning now feature high-quality chrome surrounds. The radio and automatic air conditioning keypads, meanwhile, are set against high-gloss black panelling.

Engines: a new power unit family

The new BMW 1 Series sees the introduction of powerplants from the BMW Group’s new engine family, plus an expansion of the standard-fit BMW EfficientDynamics technology.

The new engines bring a reduction in fuel consumption of up to 12 per cent while simultaneously providing more power and sharper responses. 

All engines meet the Euro 6 exhaust emissions standard and offer as much as 326hp in the new M135i, with C02 emissions as low as 89g/km in the new 116d EfficientDynamics Plus model. The eight-speed Steptronic transmission has been further refined.

Model	Price from	Power Hp	Torque Nm	0 – 62mph Seconds	Top Speed Mph	Combined Mpg	CO2 Emissions g/km
118i	£20,775	136	220	8.5 (8.7)	130	52.3 (50.4)	125 (129)
120i	£23,825	170	250	7.4 (7.2)	140 (138)	48.7 (49.6)	136 (133)
125i	£26,905	218	310	6.4 (6.2)	157 (151)	42.2 (43.5)	154 (148)
M135i	£31,725	326	450	5.1 (4.9)	155*	35.3 (37.7)	188 (175)
116d	£21,710	116	270	10.3	124	78.5 (78.5)	94 (96)
116d ED Plus	£22,560	116	270	10.4	121	83.1	89
118d	£22,855	150	330	8.3 (8.1)	132	70.6 (74.3)	104 (99)
120d	£25,305	190	400	7.1 (7.0)	142	65.7 (68.9)	114 (109)
120d xDrive	£28,355	190	400	6.8	138	62.8	119
125d	£30,330	224	450	6.3	149	61.4	121

*Electronically limited top speed.

All of the BMW 1 Series diesel engines are sourced from the BMW Group’s new engine family. Points of note include the use of aluminium for the crankcase and cylinder head, a forged steel crankshaft with integrated balancer shaft drive, the configuration of the intake and exhaust components and of the ancillary systems, a map-controlled oil pump and a longitudinal positioning in the engine compartment. Other features in common are the coating of the cylinder walls, low-weight pistons, forged connecting rods, their cylinder spacing and the volume per cylinder of 500 cc – very close to the thermodynamic optimum.

In all the petrol engines, the suite of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology includes not only a turbocharger system and High Precision Direct Petrol Injection, but also VALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing and variable adjustment of the intake and exhaust camshaft (Double-VANOS).

Petrol power: four and six cylinders

The BMW 118i and BMW 120i are both powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. It develops 136hp and 170hp respectively, offering acceleration as low as 7.2 seconds to 62mph in the 120i and with fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of just 52.3mpg and 125g/km in the 118i. The four-cylinder engine in the 125i features a 2.0-litre displacement, providing 218hp and peak torque of 310Nm, enabling a 0-62mph time of just 6.2 seconds.

At the top of the petrol engine range remains the formidable M135i with its turbocharged straight-six engine. Power has been increased in the new model to 326hp, with peak torque of 450Nm, enabling a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds, yet the ability to return 37.7mpg.

The diesels: five new engines in the range

Both the new-generation three-cylinder and latest four-cylinder engines are based on the same efficiency-led concept, and boast new turbocharging technology and further developed common rail direct injection systems. Engine response has been improved via variable geometry turbines and turbocharger shaft guidance which, depending on the engine variant, involves a slide bearing or roller bearing, while new solenoid valve injectors generating injection pressure of up to 2,500 bar increase the precision of the fuel metering process. Furthermore, advances have been made with the new diesel engines in terms of acoustic comfort as well as thermodynamics, power development and efficiency.

The 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine in the new BMW 116d generates 116hp and 270Nm of torque, an increase of 10Nm compared to its predecessor. The standout figures for the new model are a 0-62mph time of 10.3 seconds coupled to fuel consumption as little as 78.5mpg and CO₂ emissions of 94g/km. These efficiency figures can be improved yet further with the 116d EfficientDynamics Plus model which, via a range of measures, attains 83.1mpg with CO₂ emissions of just 89g/km.

The new four-cylinder diesel engine used in the latest BMW 1 Series is offered in three states of tune: the 118d generates 150hp and 330Nm of torque, the 120d has 190hp and 400Nm, and the 125d, with its multi-stage turbocharging, provides a very impressive 224hp with 450Nm of torque, enabling this model to reach 62mph from rest in just 6.3 seconds. The 118d can achieve a fuel consumption figure of just 74.3mpg, but even the 125d manages a highly credible 61.4mpg.

The majority of new BMW 1 Series variants are fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, offering engagement speed control for the smoothest possible gearchanges. 

However, the 120d xDrive all feature as standard the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox otherwise available as an option. This automatic transmission has improved internal efficiency, longer gear ratios, optimised transmission management and a vibration damper. A predictive shift strategy, which works in conjunction with the car’s navigation system – even when route guidance is not active – ensures that gear changes are timed precisely according to the prevailing driving situation.

The eight-speed Sport Automatic transmission is available as an option for the BMW 125i, BMW M135i, BMW 120d and BMW 120d xDrive models. This transmission is standard on the BMW 125d. It features even faster gearchanges, shift paddles on the steering wheel and a Launch Control function.

BMW EfficientDynamics: more technology to improve efficiency

The new BMW 1 Series features an expanded range of BMW EfficientDynamics features. As well as Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components, Electric Power Steering, the Optimum Gearshift Indicator and the Auto Start Stop function (also available in conjunction with an automatic transmission), standard equipment for the new BMW 1 Series model range also includes ECO PRO mode, which can be activated using the included Driving Experience Control switch. 

On all cars specified with an automatic transmission – with the exception of the BMW 118i and the BMW 120i – ECO PRO mode now also offers a coasting function. In addition, vehicles with the Professional Navigation system come with a Proactive Driving Assistant function, which tells the driver when to lift off the throttle ahead of, say, corners, turn-offs, roundabouts and speed limits.

There have also been aerodynamic improvements, with the newly designed front apron and improved sealing between the headlights and bonnet optimising airflow. The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Plus model also features active air flap control and specially designed kidney grille bars. 

With these measures in place, the new BMW 1 Series models have a lower drag coefficient (Cd) than that of their predecessors. The Cd of the new BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Plus model, for example, has been reduced to 0.29.

Equipment and BMW model lines

The new BMW 1 Series features an even greater range of standard equipment, while also offering an array of high quality options – many of which were originally developed for BMW cars in higher segments.

The BMW 1 Series is offered in three trims – SE, Sport and M Sport. The generous range of standard equipment fitted to all new BMW 1 Series models includes remote control central locking, keyless engine ignition, electric window controls, electrically heated exterior mirrors and the Driving Experience Control switch. 

Also included is automatic air conditioning, a multi-function leather steering wheel adjustable for height and reach, a rain sensor including automatic driving lights control and a front passenger airbag that can be deactivated. 

BMW Radio Professional including CD player with DAB, six loudspeakers and an AUX-In socket, and Bluetooth audio streaming functionality are other standard equipment features along with the iDrive operating system. Completing the offer is 16-inch alloy wheels, extended storage, sliding front armrest and fog lights.

Building on this in Sport for £1,000 more, the specification is enhanced to include 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting, black high-gloss interior trim, Sport exterior styling elements, Sport steering wheel and Sports seats. For an additional £2,700 above SE specification, M Sport comes as standard with 18-inch M Sport alloy wheels, aluminium hexagon interior trim, M Aerodynamic body styling, M Sport suspension, Sport seats, Alcantara upholstery and an M Sport leather steering wheel.

The new M135i model has its own specific interpretation of the M aerodynamic package including even larger front air intakes and the typical BMW M Performance Ferric Grey wing mirrors. Naturally, the steering, suspension, gearbox and wheels/tyres combination have all been developed specifically for this high performance machine. Inside, the driving environment features many M-specific features such as the leather steering wheel, along with the use of the M135i logo.

All new BMW 1 Series models are optionally available with a 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest: folding one or more of the sections allows boot capacity to be increased in stages from 360 to 1,200-litres.

The options list of the new BMW 1 Series encompasses items for comfort, functionality and entertainment. These include: electrically adjustable and heated seats for the driver and front passenger, two-zone automatic air conditioning, a heated steering wheel and the Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system, complete with 12 loudspeakers and a digital amplifier with 360-watt output.

Connected Drive: Increasing and improving mobility via new services

The new BMW 1 Series again benefits from the development expertise of the world’s leading manufacturer of premium cars, offering customers a richly varied selection of driver assistance systems and mobility services.

Standard equipment for the new BMW 1 Series includes a SIM card embedded in the car, as a mobile phone connection is required to make use of the (also standard) Intelligent Emergency Call and BMW TeleServices functions, as well as the optional internet-based services. 

These cover ConnectedDrive Services including the BMW Online internet portal, as well as the Concierge Services personal information service, Remote Services and Real Time Traffic information. In addition, the spectrum of services customers can integrate into their cars retrospectively via apps has been expanded. All functions are safe, convenient and intuitive to use thanks to the BMW iDrive operating system, now also standard.

Drivers can integrate app functions into their car via the embedded SIM card or a smartphone. Moreover, the latest Professional Navigation system offers online-based Real Time Traffic information and updates map data “over the air”, using a mobile phone connection established by the SIM card.

An updated version of the Parking Assistant features 12 rather than the previous 10 sensors and helps the driver to select and use parking spaces lying not only parallel but now also transversely to the road. In addition, the range of features has also been extended for Park Distance Control (PDC), and there’s the option of Active Cruise Control system with Stop & Go function.

The selection of driver assistance systems available for the new
BMW 1 Series also includes a rear-view camera, High Beam Assistant, Speed Limit Info including No Passing Info display and the Driving Assistant. The latter comprises the camera-based Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning systems as well as the Attention Assistant feature. 

The new BMW 1 Series is on sale 28 March, 2015 priced at £20,245 OTR for a three-door 118i SE and £20,775 OTR for a five-door 118i SE.