MINI Countryman

Only a few short weeks after MINI displayed theBeachcomber concept - which was a preview of the Countryman, the company unveiled the real deal. 

The Countryman takes its place alongside the standard MINI, the MINI Traveller, the MINI Coupeand the MINI Roadster.

Considerably larger than any of the previous offerings, the Countryman really does take the MINI brand into uncharted waters. But that's what they want, to try and tempt buyers who require something a little more spacious and versatile than they could get from the manufacturer before.

Stylewise the Countryman is closely related to its siblings but with a slightly less cutesy image. The raised stance, larger headlights and redesigned frowning grille give the car a bit more of a grown up appearance. Although in a nod to the youthful character of the brand MINI's designers have given the roof the same treatment as the MINI Coupe's - which is supposedly inspired by a back-to-front baseball cap.

The Countryman is the first production MINI to have four doors and a full-size rear hatch. This configuration provides greater versatility for hauling people or cargo. The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option. The rear seats move forward and backwards 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 interior is also styled in typical MINI fashion, with a large central display being the most prominent feature, and all the dials, levers and vents are perfectly round and chunky in proportions. All MINI's make you feel like you're in a cartoon car (in a good way!), and the Countryman's no different. In a nod to its crossover origins and AWD platform the seating position is slightly raised for better overall vision and more comfort. 

The MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines. The power range extends from 90 hp (66 kW) in the MINI One D Countryman, up to 184 hp (135 kW) in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model is fitted with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection.

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 percent of the engine's power goes to the rear wheels - under extreme conditions up to 100 percent. The MINI Countryman also 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.