This is the new Mini Countryman 2017 range, including the plug-in hybrid version

Little or nothing remains of the essence that made the Mini of yesteryear so famous. Since the brand began its journey under BMW, we are left only with those aesthetic touches that somehow remind us of them. They have never gone back to being those small motorised minis and, generation after generation, they keep growing in size; a clear example is the second generation of the Mini Countryman.

The birth of the first generation of the Mini Countryman in 2010 was a revolution with its four doors, five seats and all-wheel drive on all four wheels. If it already represented a great step forward in terms of comfort, the new generation will be even more so thanks to its 20 centimetres more in length, 3 centimetres more in width and a wheelbase 7.5 centimetres longer. This translates into more space for occupants and a 450-litre boot capacity, 200 litres more than its predecessor, which can be increased to a total of 1,309 litres. Even with the Picnic Bench option, we will have a removable seat in the boot with room for two people.

The exterior styling of the Mini Countryman 2017 is not a great revolution compared with the previous generation; it can fairly be called a continuation without fear of being wrong, although there are small details that set it apart. Among them are the new LED headlights, asymmetrical with daytime running light rings, a new arrow-shaped design for the area next to the side indicators, and the rear light cluster placed vertically.

When we step inside, as we have already mentioned, the most significant thing is the increase in space, which is even more evident in the rear seats, with much easier access thanks to the larger door openings. The materials and finishes will be of quality, with the design we already know and equipment that is right up to date, among which the 6.5-inch screen fitted as standard stands out. Optionally, we can opt for the Professional Mini system with an 8.8-inch touchscreen and even a high-fidelity speaker system signed by Harman Kardon, among many other options.

Mechanically, the new Mini Countryman will feature two diesel and two petrol engines, all turbocharged, configured as shown in the table below.

But the big novelty of the 2017 Mini Countryman will be the plug-in hybrid powertrain called the Mini Cooper SE Countryman ALL4, equipped with a 3-cylinder engine of 1,499 cc delivering 136 CV. Paired with it is a synchronous electric motor of 88 CV, resulting in a total combined power of 224 CV and a maximum combined torque of 385 Nm. With it we can achieve fully electric driving up to 125 km/h, with a range of up to 40 km. Consumption has been set at 2.1 litres per 100 km.

The new Mini Countryman will not keep us waiting for its public debut, which is scheduled for next November during the Los Angeles Auto Show. Arrival in the European market will not be until March 2017.

Source | Mini

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverMINI Countryman21 versions · from 35,550 €