MINI names new crossover

It's the first MINI to offer four side doors and four driven wheels, but MINI's new crossover is the second car to wear the Countryman name in the company's history.

At least, it is if you define the company's history as contiguous and unbroken over the past 60 years and through multiple owners and trading names. 'Countryman' was originally an Austin nameplate and predated the original 'Issigonis' Mini, but has been revived for a new model in the MINI range -- note the capitals to denote the BMW ownership -- a high-riding 'crossover'.

Information from Europe indicates that the four-wheel drive system will be optional, rather than standard, but the company declares that in migrating to a higher ground clearance and other SUV trappings, the Countryman has lost little of MINI's traditional cornering ability and none of the visual cues that set MINIs apart from other brands. It does, however, provide enhanced packaging, access and versatility via a larger body and elevated seating.

While the MINI Countryman is a nominal four-seater, it is to be offered with the option of a three-place bench seat for the rear at no extra charge. Luggage capacity is rated at 350 litres, capable of expanding to 1170 litres by folding flat the rear seat.

Based on European specs, the MINI Countryman will be powered by a choice of three petrol or two diesel engines. The entry-level engine is the 66kW diesel fitted to the MINI One D Countryman and the range tops out with the 135kW turbocharged engine of the MINI Cooper S Countryman. In the new model, this engine adopts "fully variable valve management" for the first time.

BMW will introduce the new MINI model with technological advances such as Brake Energy Regeneration and Auto Start Stop.

Two transmissions available are the six-speed manual transmission as standard, or the six-speed automatic 'Steptronic' option. Drive to the four wheels is constant, with a 50/50 torque split the default, front and rear, but capable of diverting fully 100 per cent of torque to the rear wheels when required.

Suspension comprises MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link IRS system behind. The Electric Power Steering is computer-controlled and the Countryman features the following active safety equipment: Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control (either as an option or as a standard feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman with ALL4), and an electronic limited-slip function for the front differential.

For reasons of passive safety, the MINI Countryman features front- and side-impact airbags, curtain airbags and seatbelt pretensioners/front load limiters.

Comfort and convenience features fitted to all MINI Countryman variants include air conditioning and a CD audio system. Optional features or standard features in higher levels of trim are expected to comprise iPhone connectivity, Panorama roof, adaptive headlights/xenons, a heated windscreen, alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19-inch, sports suspension and John Cooper Works performance components.

BMW Australia advises that the MINI Countryman is due to arrive here early next year, but pricing and precise specifications are yet to be decided.

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