MINI Malaysia unveiled the all-new MINI Countryman recently, the second generation of the successful premium sports activity vehicle (SAV) from the most sophisticated premium compact automotive brand in the world.
Introduced in two variants (MINI Cooper Countryman and MINI Cooper S Countryman), the new premium SAV vehicles from MINI are the largest and most versatile models in MINI’s 57-year history and have been developed to reflect considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and premium characteristics.
The MINI Countryman has essentially grown in size, but retains the typical MINI proportions. The vehicles feature design elements that are typical of the brand, including the iconic three-way structure of the side view made up of its roof, glass house section and main body as well as short overhands, large wheel arches and downward increase in width.
Its unmistakable aura is defined by an extended ground clearance and raised seating position, further emphasised by the MINI ALL4 Bodykit. The differentiated rear and front fenders with Piano Black bumper elements and the implied silver coloured sump guard further underlines the adventurous character of the All-New MINI Countryman.
Adding to the car’s unique off-road character are versatile Roof Rails that can accommodate extra cargo such as a roof rack, a roof box or a bicycle rack. Also, the All-New MINI Countryman – for the first time ever – is equipped with auto LED Headlamps with Cornering Lights, a perfect addition that allows adventurers to venture the great outdoors at night.
The new Cornering Lights projects light to the direction of the steering direction while the new Icon Lights which remains activated in dimmed form creates a signature element for the MINI even when the headlights are switched on.
The engine of the All-New MINI Countryman is tuned to deliver a high degree of smile-inducing agility and punchy acceleration for which MINI is known for. For the first time ever, the all-new MINI Countryman is powered by the latest generation of the BMW Group’s 3- and 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engines that make the MINI faster, feistier and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.
A rare sight in its class, the MINI Cooper S Countryman has an eight-speed transmission that enables you to fluidly change gears, while the Steptronic function allows the driver to choose between the ease of automatic shifting and the visceral thrill of the manual driving experience.
The MINI Driving Modes are activated by a rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever. The set-up of the All-New MINI Countryman can be selected according to one of the three modes: MID, SPORT and GREEN. Jump into the GREEN mode for leisure cruising and optimized fuel efficiency or choose the SPORT mode for a more responsive acceleration and handling. For the driver who prefers the best of both worlds, choose the MID mode.
Another interesting addition is the Hill Hold Control which ensures that the MINI will not roll backwards when parked on a hill or driving in stop-and-go traffic. Airbags are also available – two each at the front, sides and at the ceiling of the All-New MINI Countryman ensure better peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
The prominent results of the All-New MINI Countryman advancing into the Premium Segment is portrayed significantly in the increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility.
Coupled with some of the most high-end materials and surface finishes ever put into a MINI as well as highly-functional features, the All-New MINI Countryman is as premium as it is practical while giving an edge for any outdoor adventure.
The interior offering of the MINI Cooper Countryman includes Cloth Firework Carbon Black upholstery with Hazy Grey interior surfacing, Chrome Line interior as well as a sports leather steering wheel. The MINI Cooper S Countryman, meanwhile, offers MINI Yours Piano Black Illuminated interior surfacing that lights up the cockpit in colour with Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black upholstery as well as a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with paddle shifters.
In addition to the high-quality materials and precise finishings, the modern ergonomically optimised controls also contribute to the car’s exclusive ambience while the profile of the air vents in the All-New MINI Countryman echoes the vertical orientation of the exterior design elements.
Extensive storage facilities inside the new MINI vehicles includes both front and rear door pockets that hold one-litre beverage bottles and the fully-fledged centre console extending up to the instrument panel now has an integrated storage compartment with two cup holders in front of the gear or selector lever.
Both the MINI Countryman variants are also fitted with a dual-zone automatic air conditioning and an interior rear view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function. The MINI Cooper S Countryman exclusively offers electric seat adjustment feature with memory function that allows the driver to keep record of his or her preferred seating position. The seats also include lumbar support for maximum comfort as well as ergonomic posturing.
For the first time, the MINI Countryman offers a Picnic Bench that folds out of the boot to provide a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid. The Picnic Bench in the new MINI Countryman is one of the very few offerings in premium vehicles that offers two extra seats outside of the car, a feature that comes in handy for camping trips and general outdoor use.
When it comes to infotainment, communication and driving experience, the All-New MINI Countryman is further enhanced with MINI Connected which offers an extensive range of in-car smartphones integration on a 6.5” high-resolution screen. You can even use Spotify through the MINI Connected too! This app among many others, can be downloaded from the App Store and be viewed on the MINI display and accessed easily via the car’s controls.
Both variant of the All-New MINI Countryman also offer Rear View Camera as a standard offering.
The MINI Countryman introduces two new paint finishes which have never been available for a MINI – Chestnut and Island Blue. Other colour schemes include British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, and Moonwalk Grey. The Thunder Grey scheme is available exclusively on the MINI Cooper S Countryman.
The All-New MINI Countryman comes with the MINI 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service as well. The estimated retail prices (on the road for personal registration, without insurance) are RM239,888 for the MINI Cooper Countryman and RM269,888 for the MINI Cooper S Countryman.
The new models from MINI are already available at all authorised MINI dealerships across the country. For more on the all-new MINI Countryman, access here.
