Car Sight

Earlier we posted up three leaked images of the MINI Countryman ; now BMW has released full information and a complete gallery of the MINI brand’s fourth model. The Countryman crossover is MINI’s first four-door and first four-wheel drive vehicle – ALL4 all-wheel drive is an option. But don’t worry, the brand’s famed “go-kart feeling” is retained, BMW claims.

A choice of three petrol and two diesel engines are available, all Euro 5 compliant. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the Cooper S combines fully variable valve management (Valvetronic) with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection for the first time, making 184 bhp and 240 Nm (260 Nm on overboost). 0-100 km/h is done in 7.6 seconds while top speed is 215 km/h. The 122 bhp/160 Nm naturally aspirated engine in the Cooper is good for 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a 190 km/h top speed. The entry level MINI One Countryman comes with an uninspiring 98 bhp and 153 Nm – vital stats are 12.7 seconds to 100 km/h and a 175 km/h top speed.

More popular in Europe will be the Cooper D, its variable turbine geometry equipped commonrail turbodiesel pushing out 112 bhp and a stout 270 Nm. 0-100 km/h in 10.9 sec and top speed of 180 km/h looks plain on paper, but real world performance should be great, as is the 22.7 km/l fuel consumption. Also available is the One D, with 90 bhp/215 Nm.

All versions come with a six-speed manual as standard. Petrol variants can be had with a six-speed Steptronic auto with steering shift paddles.

The optional permanent ALL4 all-wheel drive employs an electrohydraulic differential that sends up to 50 per cent power to the rear wheels in normal conditions, and up to 100 per cent under extreme conditions. The suspension is made up of front McPherson struts and forged track control arms to reduce torque steer and rear multi-link units. All versions can be had with sports suspension that lowers ride height by 10mm. The steering is an EPS system with Servotronic. BMW says that a range of John Cooper Works Performance Components will be available.

Inside, MINI highlights the Center Rail, an illuminated platform that runs the length of the cabin, allowing occupants to personalise their own space by clipping on holders, bins and armrests, besides plugging in audio or communication devices. The Center Rail ends after the front seats if you specify the three-seat rear bench (at no extra cost, four seats are standard).

And how big is the Countryman exactly? It measures 4,097mm, almost 400mm longer than a MINI hatchback while the wheelbase is 2,595mm, about the length of a C-segment saloon’s. Boot volume is 350 litres, expandable to 1,170 litres by folding the rear seats.