AutoMuse

View Original

Major changes for all-new Mini Countryman

Mini NZ will bring in an electric version and JCW (above) of the Countryman. Photos: Mini

Mini New Zealand has just announced the arrival of the all-new Countryman, including a fully electric version and a JCW model.

The first Countryman was launched 13 years ago, and this new generation of the popular vehicle has enhanced versatility and digitalisation.

The first to arrive in New Zealand in quarter one this year will be the Countryman C and JCW ALL4. Later in 2024, will be the Countryman E, SE ALL4 and S ALL4.

The all-new Countryman starts from $54,990 for the C, $71,990 for the JCW and $78,990 for the E.

According to Matt Schmidt, General Manager of Mini Australia and New Zealand, the Countryman stands out in the SUV segment with its premium craftsmanship, sporty design, and iconic Mini go-kart handling.

The Mini Countryman interior remains true to the brand.

“With the introduction of the new generation model, Mini aims to enhance the Countryman’s appeal by integrating innovative technologies, including a host of new driver assistant systems, increased size and versatility, and an extensive range of customisable options tailored to meet the diverse preferences of our customers.

“Furthermore, the new Countryman integrates a host of thoughtful measures that showcase our brand’s commitment to sustainability and C02 emissions reduction,” said Schmidt.  

The new design philosophy of ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ pays homage to the minimalist design of the classic Mini and highlights elements.

The Countryman range comes as standard with 18-inch light alloy wheels, while the Countryman JCW ALL4 receives 19-inch/20-inch light alloy wheels in its standard kit. Light alloy wheels of up to 20 inches in various designs are optionally available for further customisation.

The gently curved roof seamlessly transitions to the newly designed C-pillar which sets the stage as the differentiating feature between variants and equipment options. The reduction to essential features results in a visually striking silhouette enhanced by its clean surfaces and clear-cut lines. 

The new Countryman showcases a new octagonal front grille.

For the racing enthusiasts, the JCW Countryman ALL4, and JCW Sport pack for the Countryman S ALL4 and SE ALL4 offer John Cooper Works specific design elements including John Cooper Works steering wheel, sport brakes and sport stripes in Jet Black or Chili Red.

Moving to the front end, the new Countryman showcases a new octagonal front grille that houses an integrated sensor suite to support the increased functionality of the driver assistance systems. Thanks to the new Signature Modes, drivers can express their mood through three unique lighting signatures in the front and rear LED lights. The car can even bid drivers farewell and goodbye with an orchestrated lighting animation, thereby creating a special moment between drivers and their Mini before and after a journey.

The all-new Mini Countryman C offers a comfortable entry point to the range with an in-line three-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 125kW of power and 280Nm of torque, assisted by a 48V mild hybrid system. This allows it to complete the standard sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds. 

The gently curved roof seamlessly transitions to the newly designed C-pillar.

At the heart of the Mini Countryman S ALL4 lies an in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 160kW of power and 360Nm of torque, also utilising a 48V mild hybrid system. The Mini ALL4 System is now offered as standard and allows variable distribution of torque via electro-hydraulically controlled multidisc clutch front axle differential. 

The all-new Countryman E serves as an affordable entry point to the line-up with a single electric motor that produces 150kW of power and 250Nm of torque, allowing it to complete a standard sprint from 0-100km/h in 8.6 seconds. 

Thanks to its dual electric motors and all-wheel-drive type, the Mini Countryman SE ALL4 steps up in sportiness with 230 kW of power and 494 Nm of torque.  This powerful combination results in an acceleration from 0-100km/h in a staggering 5.6 seconds.

Equipped with a 64 kWh battery, the Mini Countryman E and Countryman SE ALL4 offer up to 462 km and 432 km respectively of pure electric driving fun. Recharging only pauses the adventuring momentarily with a 29-minute DC charging time to take the battery from 0-80%. 

At the top of the line is the JCW Countryman ALL4. It features an in-line 4-cylinder petrol turbocharged engine, capable of producing 221 kW of power and 400 Nm of torque.