The Mini Countryman Thread

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Mini Countryman facelift revealed ... and SA engine range trimmed

Mini has revealed its facelifted Countryman, with the British firm’s local arm confirming the engine range will comprise two petrol variants at launch.

Yes, that suggests the diesel-powered derivative – which had offered 110 kW and 330 N.m from its 2,0-litre four-pot – has been given the axe in South Africa.

The local range will thus comprise the Cooper Countryman (generating an unchanged 100 kW from its 1,5-litre turbo-triple) and the Cooper S Countryman (like the pre-facelift version, churning out 141 kW courtesy of its turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder heart). The JCW-badged, all-paw model will likely be revealed in the coming months.

So, what has changed with Mini’s largest model? Well, styling changes up front include a redesigned grille along with rejigged LED headlamps and foglamps, while round back you’ll find LED taillamps in the Union Jack design and a tweaked bumper. The BMW-backed brand has also rolled out a range of new alloy wheel designs (measuring up to 19 inches in diameter), along with fresh exterior colour combinations and a new Piano Black Exterior styling package.

Mini Countryman facelift revealed ... and SA engine range trimmed - CAR Magazine

Mini has revealed its facelifted Countryman, with the British firm’s local arm confirming the engine range will comprise two petrol variants at launch in the... Read more →

www.carmag.co.za

 

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MINI TO REVIVE ‘TRAVELLER’ BADGE FOR ITS LARGEST (X3-SIZED!) SUV YET?

A fresh report out of the United Kingdom suggests Mini is working on its largest SUV yet, with the newcomer expected to adopt the “Traveller” badge.

According to Autocar, the BMW-backed brand plans to add a bigger SUV to its range by 2024, slotting it in above the Countryman. The Traveller nameplate, of course, was last used on a Mini estate model in the 1960s (the Morris Mini Traveller was sold alongside the Austin Mini Countryman), complete with barn-style rear doors.

Mini boss Bernd Körber told the publication while “it would be hard to imagine a Mini the size of a BMW X3 or X5”, there was a need for the brand’s next-generation range “to address the growth in SUVs and look at if we need a compact SUV”.

Autocar says the new Traveller will likely run on BMW’s CLAR platform and thus also become the first Mini to employ a longitudinally mounted engine.

Mini to revive 'Traveller' badge for its largest (X3-sized!) SUV yet?

A fresh report out of the United Kingdom suggests Mini is working on its largest SUV yet, with the newcomer expected to adopt the "Traveller" badge. According to Autocar, the BMW-backed brand plans to add a bigger SUV to its range by 2024, slotting it in above the Countryman.

www.carmag.co.za

 

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Mini John Cooper Works Countryman

Irresistible character matured on the race track. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman brings its qualities to bear both on the road and on unpaved terrain. The outstanding power of its 225 kW/306 hp 4-cylinder turbocharged engine is transferred to the road via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and ALL4 all-wheel drive as standard - a combination that guarantees extreme performance on all types of surface. The extreme driving pleasure package is rounded off by suspension technology featuring the John Cooper Works racing know-how. Modified design, refined equipment and additional options bring out the sporty and exclusive character of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman to the full.

Engine power meets versatility: The new high-performance athlete for the premium compact segment occupies the top position in both disciplines of the British premium brand's model range. It offers unbridled power and plenty of room for experiencing the thrill of racing in everyday driving. In addition, the expressive exterior has now been refined and fresh accents have been added to the high-quality interior. The new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman will be launched in November 2020.

With four doors and a large tailgate, five full-size seats, a variable-use interior and a luggage compartment volume that can be expanded up to 1 390 litres, the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman can not only master daily transport tasks in city traffic, but also meet all comfort demands on longer journeys. The most powerful engine ever used in a standard MINI, the intelligently controlled all-wheel drive and the differential lock on the front wheels integrated into the 8-speed Steptronic transmission ensure superior performance at all times.

Mini John Cooper Works Countryman (2021)

The spontaneous power delivery, which is sustained into high load ranges, enables the new Mini John Cooper Works Countryman to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmh in 5.1 seconds...

www.netcarshow.com

 

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Refreshed Mini JCW Countryman revealed and confirmed for SA launch

Mini has revealed its lightly facelifted John Cooper Works Countryman, which is scheduled to launch in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2020.

The updated model retains the pre-facelift version’s turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, which sends an unchanged 225 kW and 450 N.m to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The claimed 0-100 km/h time of 5,1 seconds carries over, too.

So, what has changed? Well, look closely and you might notice the JCW Countryman's redesigned grille, while the LED headlamps and the taillamps have been revamped (Union Jacks, anyone?), too.

Refreshed Mini JCW Countryman revealed and confirmed for SA launch - CAR Magazine

Mini has revealed its lightly facelifted John Cooper Works Countryman, which is scheduled to launch in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2020. The […]

www.carmag.co.za

 

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AutoTopNL review of the Countryman JCW

 

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Mini Countryman (2021) Price Announced

South African model lineup

Mini South Africa has trimmed the Countryman lineup, with the diesel model falling away. For 2020, Mini is offering the Countryman in Cooper, Coopers S and John Cooper Works flavour.

Kicking off the range is the Cooper Countryman, which comes to market with a turbocharged 1.5-litre 3-cylinder motor. It develops 100 kW and 220 Nm. Power goes to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch tranmission. Mini says this model reaches 100 kph in just 9.7 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 203 kph. In terms of economy, Mini claims 6.3 L/100 km.

Next up is the Cooper S. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with 141 kW and 280 Nm. It too features a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox and Mini claims a 0-100 kph of 7.5 seconds as well as a top speed of 226 kph. When it comes to fuel economy, Mini says its Cooper S Countryman returns 6.7 L/100 km.

For the performance fans, Mini is introducing the John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman with a potent 2.0-litre turbocharged motor. With 225 kW and 450 Nm, as well as all-wheel drive, Mini claims a 5.1 seconds to 100 kph. Top speed is rated at 250 kph and it features an 8-speed automatic transmission. Given the performance, fuel economy is claimed at 7.6 L/100 km.

Mini Countryman Price in South Africa (September 2020)

Cooper Countryman R559 624

Cooper S Countryman R631 004

John Cooper Works ALL4 Countryman R810 040

Mini Countryman (2021) Price Announced

Pricing for the updated Mini Countryman has been released. See which models are confirmed for South Africa, plus engine details below. Visually, you can spot the new model with its tweaked front bumper, redesigned radiator and LED headlamps, which are now standard. The rear gains a new-look rear...

www.cars.co.za

 

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Mini Countryman Cooper S E All4 Exclusive 2020 review

Should I buy one?

The question of whether to buy a Mini Countryman or not can be looked at two ways. There are better all-round cars for the money, so, firstly, you need to ask yourself: how much do I want a plug-in hybrid?

The Puma is much more fun to drive, the T-Roc more comfortable, and both are far, far cheaper to buy. But, if you do want a PHEV, perhaps because you’re a company car driver and want the tax breaks, ask yourself: how much do I want a premium badge? You could have the much larger Kia Niro PHEV for similar money, or the Renault Captur E-Tech will lower your benefit-in-kind tax burden even further.

If you can dismiss both those points with “I just love the look of the Countryman and its swanky interior”, then fill your boots, because it’s a decent thing.

Mini Countryman Cooper S E All4 review | Autocar

Can this plug-in hybrid successfully meld capability, frugality and performance?

www.autocar.co.uk

 

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WATCH | Mini's Countryman X-Raid is a rally car for the road

• The X-Raid team has won the Dakar Rally five times.

• It's the current reigning champions, having won the first event in Saudi Arabia earlier in 2020.

• Mini has given the X-Raid treatment to its Countryman model with an elevated right height and new wheels and tyres.

WATCH | Mini's Countryman X-Raid is a rally car for the road | Life

We find it surprising Mini has taken this long to add X-Raid treatment to its Countryman crossover model.

www.wheels24.co.za

 

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Pricing! Refreshed Mini Countryman touches down in South Africa

The facelifted Mini Countryman has officially touched down in South Africa, with the local range comprising two variants at launch.

As we reported earlier in 2020, the diesel-powered derivative – which had offered 110 kW and 330 N.m from its 2,0-litre four-pot – has been given the axe in South Africa.

Instead, the local line-up again comprises the Cooper Countryman (generating an unchanged 100 kW from its 1,5-litre turbo-triple) and the Cooper S Countryman (like the pre-facelift version, churning out 141 kW courtesy of its turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder heart).

So, how much are you looking at here in terms of pricing? Well, the Cooper Countryman starts at R599 624, while the Cooper S Countryman is priced from R631 004.

A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission ships standard on both models, with paddles listed as optional for the Cooper S. The base variant will hit 100 km/h in a claimed 9,7 seconds before topping out at 203 km/h, while the Cooper S reaches three figures in a claimed 7,5 seconds before running out of puff at 226 km/h.

Pricing! Refreshed Mini Countryman touches down in South Africa... - CAR Magazine

The facelifted Mini Countryman has officially touched down in South Africa, with the local range comprising two variants at launch. As we reported earlier in 2020, the... Read more →

www.carmag.co.za

 

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Mini confirms Countryman successor will be 'made in Germany' from 2023

The BMW Group has confirmed the successor to the Mini Countryman will be built in Germany from 2023.

Billed as the “first Mini born in Germany”, the Countryman successor will be produced at Plant Leipzig. The factory will thus become the first German site to produce both BMW and Mini vehicles.

The company furthermore confirmed the new Mini crossover would be offered with the choice of front- or all-wheel drive, as well as “highly efficient” petrol or diesel engines, or all-electric drive.

“Over the last few years, we have worked continuously to lead our plant into a successful future. This contract to produce the successor to the Mini Countryman gives us another major milestone to work towards,” said Hans-Peter Kemser, director of BMW Group Plant Leipzig.

Mini confirms Countryman successor will be 'made in Germany' from 2023

The BMW Group has confirmed the successor to the Mini Countryman will be built in Germany from 2023.

www.carmag.co.za

 

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New Mini Countryman Boardwalk special edition revealed

Exclusive variant of Mini’s SUV gets trim and kit upgrades, with just 325 examples to be sold in the UK, priced from £31,600

Mini has detailed a new, limited-run special edition of the Countryman, dubbed the Boardwalk and available in Cooper and Cooper S versions.

It's priced from £31,600 and available to order now, with 325 examples to be sold in the UK and the first deliveries expected in January. All feature Deep Laguna Blue metallic paint - the same hue offered on the Mini Convertible Sidewalk edition released earlier this year.

Further external tweaks for the Boardwalk include a contrasting black roof, black roof rails and 19in alloy wheels, plus piano black detailing. An electric bootlid also features, as do LED front and rear lights.

New Mini Countryman Boardwalk special edition revealed | Autocar

Exclusive variant of Mini’s SUV gets trim and kit upgrades, with just 325 examples to be sold in the UK, priced from £31,600

www.autocar.co.uk

 

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Ignition GT review of the 2020 Countryman

 

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Chasing Cars review of 2021 Countryman JCW

 

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Mini Cooper S Countryman (2021) Review

Fast Facts

Model tested: Cooper S Countryman
Price: R696 354 (April 2021)
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol
Power/Torque: 141 kW/280 Nm
Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic
Fuel Consumption: 6.7 L/100 km
Load capacity: 450–1 390 litres
Acceleration: 0-100 kph in 7.5 sec (claimed)

After-sales support and warranty

The Cooper S Countryman retails for R696 354 (April 2021), which includes a 2-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, which can be optionally increased to 200 000 km.

Verdict

The Countryman is Mini’s biggest model yet and accounts for 30% of its global sales. The facelift’s Union Jack motifs in the taillights will certainly get the brand loyalists excited, but beyond that, there’s not much to write home about regarding the update. The engine is the highlight of the package; it provides notable acceleration, flexible performance and a bit of excitement the Mini's competitors don't offer.

It’s still fun to drive and the interior’s unique design and lighting always provide the driver with that little boost (or pep) when they ensconce themselves behind the Countryman's 'wheel.

As a compact family vehicle, there are better value-for-money and more practical options than the Countryman, but the Mini targets buyers who are looking for something that stands out from the humdrum of sensible motoring... and for that, its select clientele is happy to pay a premium.

Mini Countryman (2021) Review

The Mini Countryman, which is heading towards the end of its product lifecycle, was updated late in 2020. With so many competitors in the small-crossover segment, does the biggest model in the Oxford-based marque’s line-up still stand out from the crowd… or is it destined to quietly drop off the...

www.cars.co.za

 

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REVIEW | No Mr Bean genes here: Mini's Cooper Countryman S is the ideal lifestyle carrier

REVIEW | No Mr Bean genes here: Mini's Cooper Countryman S is the ideal lifestyle carrier | Life

We spent the long weekend in one of Mini's more spacious offerings - the Cooper Countryman S - and here's the impression it left.

www.news24.com

 

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Ignition GT review of the Cooper Countryman S

 

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Nearly new buying guide: Mini Countryman

This isn’t your average SUV nor even your average Mini - but there's plenty to like

Despite its name, the Mini has become bigger with each generation. So it is with this latest version of the SUV variant, the Countryman, launched in 2017 and still going strong. Run a tape-measure around it and you will find that it’s 200mm longer than its predecessor. It’s roomier in the back, too, and has a larger, 450-litre boot. In keeping with its SUV classification, it’s taller and sits higher than the Mini hatchback. In short (if that’s not a contradiction), it’s a proper Tardis.

Depending on your point of view, it’s as ugly, too, although others will doubtless call it characterful. In fact, character is one thing that this bigger Countryman isn’t short of. Much of it flows from the way the car feels on the road, which is grippy and agile. The payoff, mind, is a firm and fairly noisy ride, so you want to avoid larger wheels with run-flat tyres. The optional adaptive suspension that some used cars have eases things but not nearly enough.

There’s no basic One trim for the Countryman; instead, it launches straight into familiar Cooper (134bhp 1.5-litre petrol or 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel) trim, followed by zippier Cooper S (189bhp 2.0-litre petrol or 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel) and John Cooper Works (228bhp 2.0-litre petrol) forms. In between are four-wheel-drive All4 variants of all but the JCW. Also with four-wheel drive is the plug-in hybrid Cooper S E All4.

Nearly new buying guide: Mini Countryman | Autocar

This isn’t your average SUV nor even your average Mini - but there's plenty to like

www.autocar.co.uk

 

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2021 Mini Countryman Hybrid v Volvo XC40 Recharge | Plug-in Hybrid Comparison | CarAdvice

 

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CarGurus UK review of the 2021 Countryman Hybrid

 

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New 2023 Mini Countryman to grow and get EV option

Mini's SUV will be built alongside its BMW X1 sibling and share its range of petrol, PHEV and EV powertrains

Mini's all-important third-generation Countryman, which will play a crucial role in the brand's pure-electric reinvention, has broken cover on public roads for the first time.

Due in 2023, the big-selling crossover will join the closely related BMW X1 in being offered with a choice of pure-electric and combustion powertrains, and will be built on the same line as its X1 sibling in Leipzig, Germany. The current-generation Countryman is made in the Netherlands under contract by VDL Nedcar.

The SUV duo will move across to an evolved version of the front-driven UKL architecture that underpins the current models. Called FAAR, it can accommodate pure-combustion, hybrid and all-electric powertrains and will provide the basis for the successors to most of the BMW Group's compact models.

Mini Countryman gains 287-mile electric variant from £42,025 | Autocar

New-generation SUV upsized to go after the Audi Q3, with new look and petrol power also on offer

www.autocar.co.uk