The "MINI" Countryman

by Michael Satterfield - 01/20/11010

MINI has officially released pictures and information on its new Countryman crossover. They call the Countryman "a new dimension for MINI a genuine crossover [that] bridges the gap between the classic concept of the Mini and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle."

Looking at the photos, it is interesting, and it does not recall anything of the original wood-sided Mini Countryman from the 60's. Unlike the MINI and MINI Clubman, the Countryman gets four real doors and a conventional tailgate. It's also the first MINI to come with an all-wheel drive that can send up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels. It will likely be powered by the same 1.6-liter engines offered in the current MINI lineup. The designers have done a fairly good job at bringing over some of the MINI styling cues. We'll know more details, like pricing and availability when the Countryman makes its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in early March.

Check out more photos and the Press Release Below.

Press Release:

MINI is adding a fourth model to its 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 for urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers the unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new target groups seeking 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 greater freedom of space for versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that distinct driving experience that MINI is known for. At the same time, the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart-like handling, with the optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for true driving enthusiasts. In essence, the MINI Countryman delivers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency, and customization, now presented in a fresh, fascinating style.

The MINI Countryman continues the brand’s design ethos, blending larger body dimensions, increased ground clearance, and four doors with unmistakable MINI design cues. Short overhangs, a high window line, a powerful stance on the wheels, and the window graphics that wrap around the car all create the unique proportions synonymous with MINI. The Countryman also reinterprets key MINI design elements such as the roofline, hexagonal radiator grille, large headlights integrated into the engine lid, and the upright rear light clusters, bringing a new level of style and class to the table. The nearly upright front end exudes a strong presence and optimizes pedestrian safety. Meanwhile, the car’s spacious interior is emphasized by large windows and the unique shape of the roof.

The wide lower body frame and flared wheel arches highlight the vehicle's robust character and all-wheel drive capability. The MINI Countryman enters a new segment with absolute clarity and precision while staying true to its MINI roots, making it a brand-new, highly innovative model that remains unmistakably a MINI.

Inside, the MINI Countryman continues to deliver the brand's signature aesthetic with innovative design and functional elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees easy access, improves the driver's all-around view, and underlines the bold character of this model. The central display and air vents are surrounded by colored rings, adding flair to the interior. The MINI Center Rail is a unique feature, extending from the front to the rear instead of a conventional center console, and offers new options for integrating storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile phones, and other comfort features. Flexibly positioned clip-in elements allow the driver and passengers to organize storage as needed, keeping essential items within easy reach.

The MINI Countryman comes standard with four seats, with a three-seat bench available as a no-cost option. The spacious interior provides superior comfort for long journeys, offering generous legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. The rear seats can move fore and aft individually or in a 60:40 split (three-seat bench), and the backrests can be tilted for greater comfort or to increase cargo space. The luggage compartment capacity ranges from 350 to 1,170 liters (12.2–41.0 cu ft), making the Countryman as practical as it is stylish.

The MINI Countryman offers a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, all part of the new generation of power units developed by BMW. The engines comply with EU5 and ULEV II emission standards, with power ranging from 90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman to 184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-liter four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model features a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection, and fully variable valve management for an excellent balance of power and fuel efficiency. As part of the MINIMALISM fuel efficiency concept, the MINI Countryman includes features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, and on-demand management of the engine’s ancillary units.

For those seeking enhanced traction, the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, which uses an electrohydraulic differential to distribute power between the front and rear wheels based on driving conditions. This system delivers excellent traction and a new level of agility. The Countryman’s advanced suspension, including McPherson struts up front and a multi-arm rear axle, along with EPS Electric Power Steering and Servotronic, ensures precise handling. The car also comes with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) as standard, with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) available as an option on certain models.

Safety is a top priority for the MINI Countryman, which features a body structure designed for maximum protection in the event of a collision. The car includes frontal and side airbags, curtain airbags, three-point seat belts, belt latch tensioners, and ISOFIX child seat fastenings. A Tyre Defect Indicator is standard, with run-flat tires available as an option on certain models.

Customization is a key aspect of the MINI brand, and the Countryman offers a wide range of options for both the interior and exterior. New combinations of interior colors, trim strips, and upholstery ensure that every customer can create a MINI that reflects their unique style. Standard features include air conditioning, the MINI Center Rail, and an audio system with a CD player. Available options include high-end audio and navigation systems, mobile phone integration, a Panorama roof, Adaptive Headlights with xenon units, a heated windscreen, light-alloy wheels, sports suspension, and a range of John Cooper Works performance components.

[Source: MINI]