The all-new MINI Countryman, which is set to deliver enhanced versatility, digitalisation and adventure capability, will launch in Q1, 2024. Priced from $49,990 (MRLP) for Countryman C Core, its priced perfectly for a novated lease.
The latest generation model enhances the legacy of the Countryman and its storied place in the brand’s product line-up. As early as the 1960s, the name “Countryman” appeared alongside the classic Mini as an estate car equipped with features necessary for the enjoyment and convenience of the modern family.
Now, 13 years after the launch of the modern Countryman, the beloved model has grown into its role as the adventurer of the MINI family and continues to cultivate appeal both globally and locally. In Australia, the Countryman has continued to strike a chord with customers, with 1,531 units registered year to date, equating to a 65 per cent increase on the same period last year.
“The MINI Countryman stands out in the compact SUV segment with its premium finish, sporty flair and signature MINI handling,” said Matt Schmidt, General Manager of MINI Australia and New Zealand.
“Now, with the new generation model, we are confident the MINI Countryman will offer even more appeal thanks to its innovative technology including a host of new driver assistant technologies, markedly increased versatility and an array of customisable options for our customers to choose from.
“It also integrates a host of thoughtful measures that showcase our brand’s dedication to sustainability and C02 emissions reduction,” Mr Schmidt added.
Minimalistic design
With a sporty silhouette and sleek modern flair headlining the exterior design, the new MINI Countryman appeals to both urbanites and adventurers alike.
The new design philosophy of ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ pays homage to the minimalist design of the classic Mini and highlights elements that are unmistakeably MINI while allowing each individual model to showcase its own unique character.
Embracing its expressive off-road character, the MINI Countryman is defined by its short overhangs, short bonnet and contrasting long wheelbase complete with large sustainable alloy wheels. The Countryman C comes as standard with 18-inch light alloy wheels, while the Countryman S receives 19-inch light alloy wheels in its standard kit. Light alloy wheels of up to 20 inches in various designs are optionally available for further customisation.
The gently curved roof seamlessly transitions to the newly designed C-pillar which sets the stage as the differentiating feature between variants and equipment options. The reduction to essential features results in a visually striking silhouette enhanced by its clean surfaces and clear-cut lines. As an alternative to chrome, Piano Black accents for the Classic trim level and Vibrant Silver accents for the Favoured trim level adorn the exterior which perfectly harmonises its sporting character with a premium finish.
Moving to the front end, the new Countryman showcases a new octagonal front grille that houses an integrated sensor suite to support the increased functionality of the driver assistance systems. Thanks to the new Signature Modes, drivers can express their mood through three unique lighting signatures in the front and rear LED lights. The car can even bid drivers farewell and goodbye with an orchestrated lighting animation, thereby creating a special moment between drivers and their MINI before and after a journey.
Powering the urban commute and weekend cruise
The all-new MINI Countryman C offers a comfortable entry point to the range with an in-line three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque. This allows it to complete the standard sprint from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds.
At the heart of the MINI Countryman S lies an in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque. The MINI ALL4 System is now offered as standard and allows variable distribution of torque via electro-hydraulically controlled multidisc clutch front axle differential. It optimises energy output through its capability of being switched off and reactivated within fractions of a second. The combination of the systems enables the Countryman S to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 7.4 seconds.
As standard, the MINI Countryman features a precisely tuned damping system combined with preloaded stabilisers that provide enhanced steering precision and accuracy while ensuring optimised roll support.
The crisp and stable integrated braking system contributes to the vehicle’s controllability and work seamlessly with driver assistance systems to reduce braking distances and increase safety.
Welcomed into a sanctuary of visual delight
With an increase in length of 13cm and 6cm elevation in height, the all-new MINI Countryman offers more passenger comfort and versatility than ever before.
The tactile knitted surfaces and minimalistic aesthetic provide a warm and open cabin atmosphere. All design elements such as the air vents and door handles are vertically aligned which emphasises the character of the vehicle while also adding to the perception of height.
The Panorama Glass Roof is optionally available to brighten up the interior space to create a light and airy ambience.
Situated under the dashboard is a redesigned toggle bar which offers drivers easy access to important driving functions such as parking brake, gear selector, start/stop key, experience mode toggle and volume control. This efficient design generates space in the centre console area for practical storage options.
The combination of Cloth/Vescin vegan leather upholstery adorns the seats to offer a comfortable and sumptuous drive experience for both drivers and passengers. Optionally available are full Vescin vegan leather options available in Beige, Vintage Brown and Dark Petrol, as well as a JCW Black Vescin/Cord option for the Countryman S.
The rear row offers exceptional passenger comfort with forward and backward adjustments of up to 13cm, as well as the capability of individual backrest adjustment in six positions by up to 12 degrees.
The all-new MINI Countryman offers a larger luggage volume than before, with up to 505-litres, alongside a floor compartment that provides a convenient space for vehicle accessories. With the rear seats folded, even bulky items can be easily transported in the transformed 1,530-litre compartment.
Technology to appease digital aficionados
Eyes naturally follow the projected lights and curved dashboard lines before settling on the colourful 240mm OLED centre console screen, the headline feature of the new interior. This high-resolution circular display is a nod to the classic Mini and houses advanced functionalities to heighten the driving experience.
Fitted with the new MINI Operating System 9, the MINI Interaction Unit can be operated intuitively via touch or voice, with the user interface reminiscent of an everyday smartphone.
The new MINI Countryman now boasts wireless compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With a simple greeting of ‘Hey MINI’ or by utilising the push-to-talk steering wheel button, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant will activate in the form of animated graphic elements, typography and a MINI vehicle avatar. The fan favourite avatar, “Spike”, is also available through the optional MINI Connected Package.
Through the course of regular dialogue with the driver, the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant continually learns and can take on day-to-day tasks on repeated routes. For example, utilising geo-based data, the vehicle can learn to automatically lower a window when entering a car park, thereby bringing convenience and an added personal touch to regular routines.
Driving Assistant Plus package is optionally available for Countryman C and available as standard for Countryman S. In addition to the radar-based driver assistance systems such as cruise control, lane change warning with blind spot detection and rear crossing traffic warning with brake intervention, the Driving Assistant Plus provides camera and ultrasound-based assistance including Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go functionality, Collision Prevention, Surround View, Remote 3D View, Drive Recorder, as well as Parking Assistant for an added peace of mind to the driver while in motion.
Individually tailored driving fun
The new MINI Experience Modes set the ambience for the journey ahead. The MINI Countryman offers eight modes: Core, Green, Go-Kart, Balance, Timeless, Personal, Trail and Vivid.
With a simple toggle of a button, the interior atmosphere changes with a symphony of lighting, sound and digital visuals. Each mode offers a bespoke set of sounds, colours and patterns that are projected throughout the cabin alongside specific graphic elements on the OLED display.
In racing-inspired Go-Kart Mode, the lighting changes to red to complement the grid-like patterns projected on the dashboard and the classic speedometer on the circular screen. Additionally, the suspension, steering and throttle response tightens up to prepare for an agile and dynamic drive.
On the other hand, Green Mode optimises the efficiency of the drive through change in throttle response and emphasises driving fun through gamified visuals to encourage economical driving behaviour.
Big on impact
The sustainability aspect takes centre stage in the new MINI Countryman with circularity as the core focus when it comes to production methods and materials use. From 2024, MINI is proud to be 100 per cent leather-free and chrome-free, offering a new assortment of sustainable options for interior trims and exterior highlights.
Furthermore, the light alloy wheels on the new MINI generation are manufactured using up to 70 per cent recycled aluminium. In combination with renewable electricity, this process reduces C02 emissions by up to 80 per cent compared with conventional production methods.
The theme of recycling continues through the interior with the surfaces, vehicle floor and floor mats all made from at least 90 percent recycled polyester. The use of this high-quality and vibrant material in combination with the departure from leather sees production greenhouse emissions reduce by up to 98 per cent.
