WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — The Mini Countryman, a four-door Mini that the brand promises will bridge "the gap between the classic Mini and a modern crossover vehicle" will make its formal debut in March at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, followed by a U.S. launch in early 2011.
Pricing has not been announced.
Markets outside the U.S. will see an earlier launch in fall 2010 and get more variety, especially in terms of engine choices. In Germany, for instance, the Mini Countryman will enter the market with a choice of three gas engines and two diesel engines.
The four-passenger Mini Countryman enters the U.S. market with a choice of just two engines. They are a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gas engine that delivers 120 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 118 pound-feet of torque at 4,250 rpm. It has a top speed of 118 mph and comes standard on the Mini Cooper Countryman. The Mini Cooper S Countryman upgrades the engine by adding a turbocharger and direct fuel injection. It delivers 180 hp at 5,500 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm for a top speed of 128 mph. The Countryman gets a standard six-speed manual transmission; a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. Fuel economy information on the Mini Countryman has not been released.
The Mini Cooper S Countryman is the first Mini to offer a permanent all-wheel-drive system. "Under normal driving conditions, up to 50 percent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels and under extreme conditions, up to 100 percent," said Mini in a statement.
The super-sized Mini, which features an elevated seating position, rides on a 102.2-inch wheelbase and has an overall length of 161.3 inches. Standard features include six airbags, stability control, traction control and 17-inch run-flat tires. The cabin gets a standard multifunction steering wheel with cruise control, a center rail system that allows each passenger to store objects, and a premium six-speaker audio system with a CD player.
Options include 18-inch alloy wheels with run-flat tires and 19-inch wheels. Mini says options will include mobile telephone interfaces, including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone in the car. Other options include a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, adaptive headlights, sports suspension and other John Cooper Works performance components. Option prices have not been announced.
Inside Line says: Are you ready for a Mini-style crossover? Or is it the ultimate automotive oxymoron? — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
juan_mx says:
01:04 PM, 01/22/2010
From some angles it looks like a MINI Cayenne.
It is more practical than the Clubman.
I wonder if it could carry a regular size spare tire (I guess not.......run flat tires....mmm).
guy1974 says:
05:44 AM, 01/21/2010
Some of the earlier posters on here need to get a grip. BMW doesn`t need to get a hold on the interior since they can sell every car they make with minimal incentives and have high resale values. So many people seem to like it.
The car looks OK and is more useable than the clubman with four proper doors. The original Mini had a similar version so this isn`t really that out there.
It still looks like a mini from the front and interior with some more space. Live with it.
sebastien2 says:
05:34 AM, 01/21/2010
No stress! You will have the only two "best engines" in the U.S.
Here, in France, the MINI ONE is a bit short (95 HP) and COOPER D (90 and 110HP) very noisy.
Grrrr.
Best engines are always for you guys!
Sébastien, council advisor for BMW FRANCE.
deadviper says:
10:42 PM, 01/20/2010
I'm sorry but this just looks rediculous. I'm not sure what the appeal is, but in selling these, bravaria really is getting away with murder.
icecubefosho says:
06:51 PM, 01/20/2010
Still using that effing stupid center mounted gauge eh?
the_car_master says:
06:24 PM, 01/20/2010
They need to get a hold on that interior!