NEW YORK MOTOR SHOW: MINI's (sort-of) new Countryman
An updated version of MINI's four-door crossover is unveiled at the New York motor showThe MINImally-updated Countryman four-door crossover represents the multi-layered growth of a company that started 12 years ago with just one variant.
As the brand’s first four-door model, the Countryman crossover came along in 2008 to broaden a range that had already blossomed into cabriolet form (in 2005) and has since expanded to include the Clubman wagonette, the Paceman three-door “Sports Activity” Coupe,
the two-door hardtop Coupe and the soft-top Roadster.
Unveiled at the New York motor show, the latest Countryman extends the personalisation theme central to the MINI customer ethos and gains a bit of visual titillation (revised grille, standard protective under guard elements for ALL4 AWD versions, new, lighter alloy wheels, LED “fog” lights), as well as a new range of colour and trim options.
Inside, the latest Countryman gets a bit of extra refinement via detail changes to the trim, with “optimised acoustic comfort and reinforced premium characteristics”. MINI tells us that John Cooper Works versions get a central logo in the instrument panel, as well as chromed ventilation controls.
The total Countryman range comprises a multitude of variants (take a deep breath!): MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, MINI Cooper S Countryman, MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4, MINI Cooper Countryman, MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4, MINI One Countryman, MINI Cooper SD Countryman, MINI Cooper D Countryman, MINI Cooper D Countryman ALL4 and MINI One D Countryman.
The engine lineup does not embrace MINI’s new three-cylinder powerplants, comprising four-cylinder petrols and diesels – the Cooper S version getting a small, five-kilowatt power lift.
Clearly this model roll-out will be trimmed back to manageable proportions for the Australian market.
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