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Johannesburg - New engines, design, technology and a 'picnic bench'... the second-generation Mini Countryman has arrived in South Africa.
The Countryman is a breakaway from tradition and direct contradiction to the the 'Mini' moniker. In 2017, the automaker builds on the success of its SUV with a larger, more technologically advanced version launched in South Africa.
We've included the full list of prices and specifications at the end of the article.
Here are 10 things you need to know about the 2017 Mini Countryman:
1 Prices in SA
Prices start from R422 000 for the standard Cooper and R490 000 for the Cooper S variant.
Mini Cooper Countryman six-speed manual R422 000
Mini Cooper Countryman six-speed automatic R440 000
Mini Cooper Countryman S six-speed manual R490 000
Mini Cooper Countryman S eight-speed automatic R509 500
2 Two engines at its launch with a third on the way
The new Countryman is launched with two petrol versions, Cooper and Cooper S, with a single diesel unit set to arrive later in 2017. Engines can be mated to a 6-speed manual or auto transmission with an 8-speed Steptronic available for the Cooper S Countryman:
Mini Cooper Countryman - 3-cylinder petrol, 1499cc, 100kW/220Nm
Mini Cooper S Countryman - 4-cylinder petrol, 1998cc, 141kW/280Nm
Mini Cooper D Countryman - 4-cylinder diesel, 1995cc, 110kW/330Nm (available in the third quarter of 2017)
Only the John Cooper Works edition, set to arrive in June 2017, will inherit the All4 system.
3 Frugal engines
Depending on the engine, the reduction in fuel consumption amounts to as much as 1.4 litres/100km. The front-runner in terms of efficiency among those model variants powered solely by a combustion engine is the new Cooper D Countryman, with a fuel consumption of 4.5 to 4.3 litres/100km and a CO2 emissions of 118 to 113g/km (EU test cycle figures, dependent on tyre format selected).
4 It's 20cm longer than its predecessor model
The next-gen Countryman is 20cm longer than its predecessor and approximately 3cm wider. Its wheelbase has been extended by 7.5cm. According to BMW: "This growth results in significantly increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility."
Luggage volume is 450 litres and can be expanded to a total of 1309 litres. This constitutes a maximum increase of 220 litres as compared to the predecessor model.
5 Five seats in the interior, two on the Picnic Bench
An electric tailgate is available as an option. The optional storage package comprises not only a variable load floor, lashing eyes and tension straps but also a stainless steel insert on the loading sill. One unique option is the Picnic Bench – a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and seats two people.
6 There are 4 drivings modes:
7 Central instrument with touchscreen display.
The standard fittings of the new Countryman include the Radio Mini Boost with four-line display in the central instrument and a Bluetooth hands-free telephone facility.
Options include the Radio Mini Visual Boost with 6.5" colour display, the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, the satnva system and the Mini navigation system Professional. The features of the Wired package including MINI navigation system Professional comprise not just the Touch Controller on the centre console but also an 8.8" colour touchscreen in the central instrument with a new graphic design.
8 Distinctive cockpit design.
According to Mini: "With a clear horizontal structure, stretched lines and generously sized surfaces, the distinctively designed cockpit emphasises the solid character of the new Countryman."
The hallmark central instrument is integrated in the instrument panel and is surrounded by an LED ring that provides a lighting display in response to driving situations by way of control feedback. This forms part of the Excitement Package, which also comprises the LED ambient lighting and a projection of the logo from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when opening and closing the car.
Both driver and front passenger benefit from extended head and shoulder space, while the adjustment range of the seats has also been enlarged.
In conjunction with the Wired package and the Mini navigation system Professional, the Country Timer registers all travel over sloping, uneven, unsurfaced and snow-covered roads and tracks. As soon as the new Countryman moves on demanding terrain, the type and extent of the challenge are detected and shown on the display in the central instrument by means of graphics.
2017 Mini Countryman Prices and specifications by Sergio Davids on Scribd
