2017 MINI Countryman launched in M’sia, 2 variants priced at RM240k and RM270k



Unveiled back in late 2016, the second-generation MINI Cooper Countryman is the largest MINI ever produced to compete in the compact crossover segment. It goes against the likes of the Audi Q2 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

MINI Malaysia has two variants on offer for now – the Cooper Countryman and the Cooper S Countryman. Rest assured that the hotter 231 hp and 350 Nm all-wheel drive JCW Countryman will make an appearance in due course. For now, you’d have to settle for the RM240k Cooper and RM270k Cooper S Countryman.

QUICK FACTS

Name MINI Cooper Countryman MINI Cooper S Countryman
Engine 1,499cc; MINI TwinPower turbo 3-cylinder 1,998cc; MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed Steptronic automatic 8-speed Steptronic automatic
Max Power 136 hp @ 4,400 – 6,000 rpm 192 hp @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm
Max Torque 220 Nm @ 1,400 – 4,300 rpm 280 Nm @ 1,350 – 4,600 rpm
0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed 9.6 seconds; 200 km/h 7.4 seconds; 224 km/h
Price (OTR without insurance) RM239,888 RM269,888


EXTERIOR

Based on BMW Group’s UKL2 platform that also underpins the BMW X1 and 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer, the Countryman is now 202 mm longer (4,299 mm), 30 mm wider (1,822 mm), and 5 mm shorter (1,557 mm) than the model it replaces. Wheelbase has also stretched to 2,670 mm (+74 mm).

Both variants are dressed in the MINI ALL4 Bodykit, therefore you get a more rugged front and rear fenders, Piano Black trim on the bumpers, silver coloured sump guard, and satin finished roof rails, emphasising the adventurous character of the all-new Countryman.

Standard equipment includes auto LED Headlamps with cornering lights. The Cooper Countryman rides on 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 225/50 profile tyres while the Cooper S Countryman gets 19-inch items wrapped in 225/45 profile tyres.

INTERIOR

Thanks to the stretched dimensions, the Countryman offers even more space for versatility and practicality. Boot space for example is rated at 450 litres with all the seats in use and with the 40:20:40 split rear seats folded down, the Countryman can swallow up to 1,390 litres of cargo. It even comes with a Picnic Bench that folds out from the luggage compartment lid. Who says a MINI is not practical?

Standard features on the Cooper Countryman includes Cloth Firework Carbon Black fabric upholstery, Hazy Grey interior theme, Chrome Line interior as well as a leather wrapped sports steering wheel. Other creature comforts include dual-zone climate control, 6.5-inch infotainment system with reverse camera and powered tailgate.

Stepping up to the Cooper S Countryman, you’ll get significantly more kit on top of the standard variant. It gets MINI Yours Piano Black interior theme, ambient lighting, Carbon Black leather upholstery, John Cooper Works leather wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, powered front seats with memory function and keyless entry and start.

PERFORMANCE

Powering the Cooper Countryman is a 1.5-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that outputs 136 hp and 220 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the front wheels via a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds and top speed is registered at 200 km/h. Official fuel consumption figure is 6.0 litres per 100 km.

Under the bonnet of the hotter Cooper S Countryman, is a 2.0-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine packing 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque. Power is channelled to the front wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Century sprint is done and dusted in 7.4 seconds before reaching a top speed of 224 km/h. It also consumes slightly more fuel at 6.5L/100 km.

Both variants of the Countryman come with the MINI Drive Mode Selector where drivers can shuffle between Green, Mid, and Sport. Green mode as the name suggests calls for a relaxed drive while Sport is for a more responsive throttle and handling response. For the best of both worlds, Mid should be your pick.

SAFETY

Both variants come equipped with six airbags, ABS with BA, EBD, Cornering brake control, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), hill-hold control, flat tyre indicator and ISOFIX mounting points.

WHAT ELSE?

The MINI Cooper Countryman can be had in eight exterior shades – Chestnut, Island Blue, British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, and Moonwalk Grey. Meanwhile Thunder Grey is available exclusively on the MINI Cooper S Countryman.

Every purchase of the Countryman comes with a 4-Year unlimited mileage warranty package and a 4-Year or 60,000 km (whichever comes first) free service package. Interested parties can experience and test drive the new Countryman at The International Gallery at Alya Kuala Lumpur from 15 to 16 April 2017.


IMAGE GALLERY

MINI Cooper S Countryman

MINI Cooper Countryman