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MINI is adding a fourth model to the
family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As
a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the
classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle.
Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI
Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new
target groups requiring extra space and flexibility. As the first model
in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI
Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile
use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving
comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates
that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the
MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so
characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an
additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell,
therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of
the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and
customisation in new, fascinating style.
The MINI Countryman carries on the
design of the brand in superior style and quality, combining larger body
dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors at the side with
those unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short
overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window
graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions
so typical of MINI. At the same time the MINI Countryman re-interprets
the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagon
radiator grille, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid, the
surrounds on the side direction indicators, the voluminous wheel arches
and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class.
Proceeding from that design language so
typical of MINI, the MINI Countryman authentically visualises the
particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright,
the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimise
pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is
emphasised by extra-large windows, the introduction of four doors, and
the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the
lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight
the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that
typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute
clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as
a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly
identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.
Within the interior again typical of
the brand, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function
elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees
comfortable and pleasant access to the car, optimises the driver’s
all-round view, and underlines the powerful character of this new model.
The Central Display and air vents are surrounded by coloured rings. The
MINI Center Rail quite unique the world over, extending from front to
rear instead of a conventional centre console, opens up new, individual
options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external
audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. Flexibly
positioned clip-in elements enable the driver and passengers to
subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel
utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time
the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional
connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.
The MINI Countryman comes as standard
with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost
option. The interior offers superior comfort also on long distances,
with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats
move fore-and-aft either individually or in a 60 : 40 (three-seat bench)
split, the backrests may be tilted for angle either individually or in a
40 : 20 : 40 (three-seat bench) arrangement, increasing capacity in the
luggage compartment from 350 to 1,170 litres (12.2–41.0 cu ft).
The MINI Countryman is entering the
market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, all coming
in the new generation of power units developed with the full know-how of
the BMW Group and naturally complying with the EU5 and, respectively,
ULEV II emission standards. The power range extends from 66 kW/90 hp in
the MINI One D Countryman all the way to 135 kW/184 hp in the MINI
Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the
top model comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll
turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable
valve management offering by far the best balance of engine power and
fuel consumption in its class. As a particular highlight of the
MINIMALISM fuel efficiency concept, the MINI Countryman comes as
standard and in appropriate combinations on each model with a wide range
of features serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, among them
Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator,
and on-demand management of the engine’s ancillary units. And as an
alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the
petrol engine models are also available with six-speed automatic
complete with Steptronic.
As an option the MINI Cooper S
Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent
MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned
directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear
in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per
cent of the engine’s power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme
conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition
of that agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and
drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI
including features such as the front axle with MacPherson spring struts
and forged track control arms, the multi-arm rear axle and EPS Electric
Power Steering complete with Servotronic. The MINI Countryman
furthermore comes as standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DTC
Dynamic Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard
feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman
with ALL4, as well as an electronic limited-slip function for the front
axle differential.
Designed for optimum safety in the
event of a collision, the body structure with its precisely defined load
paths and deformation zones ensures passive safety of the highest
calibre. Frontal and side airbags as well as curtain airbags at the side
both front and rear, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats,
belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as
ISOFIX child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet
another standard feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator, with runflat
tyres coming as an option and standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman
with ALL4.
The wide range of customisation options
on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are
supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI
Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colours, trim
strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create
his – or her – very special car with truly unique character. The wide
range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes
highlights such as air conditioning, the MINI Center Rail, and an audio
system complete with a CD player. The equally wide range of options and
special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as
high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone
interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone
and other Smartphones in the car. Further options are the extra-large
Panorama roof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with xenon headlight
units, a heated windscreen, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size
from 16 to 19 inches, sports suspension lowering the entire car by 10
millimetres or almost 0.4", as well as the wide range of John Cooper
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