A First Look At The 2017 Mini Countryman

The next generation Mini Countryman has arrived and its latest design is attempting to prove that not every day behind the wheel needs to be a mundane ride. Striking a fine balance between the iconic Mini design with further enhanced practicality, the new Countryman has taken a mature approach to urban trawling with a hint of adventure. Here’s some of the notable features to expect from the 2017 Countryman.

This story was originally published on D’Marge.

A Fresh Makeover: There’s no doubt that the revamped Mini Countryman is attempting to excel in the areas of versatility, agility and premium character. To achieve this, a lot of thought has gone into the car’s overall design which now comes with extended ground clearance, chunky wheel arches, gaping air vents, large fog lamps, high roof rails, silver accents and a raised seating position to further emphasise its off-road credentials. What’s most important is that this all comes without diminishing the classic looks.

Interior Goods: Premium ambience doesn’t just reside on the exterior. Step inside the Countryman and occupants will be greeted by a new modern fit and finish to accompany the increased cabin space. More specifically both the driver and front passenger will benefit from extended head and shoulder space. Out back the rear door openings have been enlarged to make it easier for entering and exiting the vehicle. Leg space? They have that too.

It’s Significantly Bigger Than Its Predecessors: Standing at 20 centimetres longer and 3 centimetres wider than its predecessor, the new Countryman has added even more cabin space to the formula. Leg room for the five occupants and luggage volume all benefit from this as well as the raised seating position ensuring an excellent view of surroundings. Intuitive folding seats rear seats also means that the 450 litre luggage space can be extended to a whopping 1,309 litres.

Dine Outdoors In Style: Mini wants to bring a touch of class to your outdoor dining so what they’ve done for their latest soft roader is added the option of a fold-out picnic bench. Residing in the rear luggage compartment, the bench can fold out to make a plush and comfortable seating for two.

Powertrain: The new Countryman will come in a choice of four petrol power units as well as the company’s first ever hybrid powertrain to suit just about any style of driver in any condition.

MINI Cooper Countryman: 3-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1.5-litre, power:100 kW/136 hp, torque: 220 Nm
MINI Cooper S Countryman: 4-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 2.0-litre, power: 141 kW/192 hp, torque: 280 Nm
MINI Cooper D Countryman: 4-cylinder diesel engine, capacity: 2.0-litre, 110 kW/150 hp, torque: 330 Nm
MINI Cooper SD Countryman: 4-cylinder diesel engine, capacity: 2.0-litre, power: 140 kW/190 hp, torque: 400 Nm
MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4: 3-cylinder petrol engine, capacity: 1.5-litre, power: 100 kW/136 hp, synchronous electric motor, output: 65 kW/88 hp, system output: 165 kW/224 hp, system torque: 385 Nm

Power from the models will be delivered via a standard 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed Steptronic transmission or an 8-speed Steptronic transmission.

Performance: For all of the extra weight and bigger dimensions, the 2017 Mini doesn’t lose out too much on pace for this type of vehicle. As an example, the Cooper S Countryman ALL4 paired with the 8-speed Steptronic transmission can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 7.2 seconds, making it almost one second faster than its predecessor.

Dates: The new Mini Countryman will see its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show on 18 November 2016. The model will begin rolling out orders in 2017.

This story was originally published on D’Marge.

D’Marge is one of Australia’s most popular men’s style and fashion blogs.
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