SLIDING between the bottom Countryman and the just-announced JCW Countryman efficiency flagship, Mini’s incoming Countryman S All4 might be pitched as a sweet-spot spec for the model’s mainstay SUV when the new-generation Countryman hits Australian showrooms subsequent yr.
Described by Mini because the all-rounder of the vary, the Countryman S will play an important function within the new-generation Countryman line-up.
Mini’s current-generation Countryman has 5 Cooper S variants in its roster, unfold throughout petrol and petrol/electrical powertrains and a dizzying 4 sub-variants such because the JCW Sport and Untamed.
That walk-up will seemingly look very comparable when the new-gen Countryman arrives right here, with the model confirming that the Countryman S might be supplied in 4 trim ranges – Important, Basic, Favoured and John Cooper Works (distinct from the JCW Countryman hi-po variant).
When it comes to powertrain, a successor to the present plug-in hybrid mannequin has but to be confirmed, however Mini has introduced that the Countryman S might be supplied with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder petrol engine with delicate hybrid system.
Energy output for the engine sits at 160kW and 360Nm, with the 48-volt mild-hybrid motor including a short lived 14kW energy enhance to assist bump low-RPM efficiency. Gasoline economic system on the WLTP cycle is a claimed 6.8-7.4L/100km relying on variant.
Because the All4 identify suggests, all-wheel drive is commonplace – a shift in technique from the current-gen, which solely affords the Countryman Cooper SE hybrids and JCW in AWD kind, all others being front-wheel drive. Wheel sizing might be variant-dependent, and in Europe will vary between 17 and 21 inches in diameter.
These searching for battery-electric choices can flip to the already-confirmed Countryman E and SE variants, which utilise a single- or dual-motor powertrain with a 66kWh battery and outputs of 150kW/250Nm and 230kW/295Nm respectively.
For the Countryman S All4, Mini says dynamic dealing with stays a key attribute. Wider monitor width and a 22mm-longer wheelbase enhances stability, whereas the suspension continues to comply with a MacPherson strut entrance and multi-link rear format, with adaptive suspension with 15mm decrease experience peak to be supplied as an choice.
Degree 2 autonomous driving aids will even be supplied, with the motive force capable of take their palms off the steering wheel at speeds as much as 60km/h on multi-lane roads.
The system also can assist establish secure gaps in visitors when altering lanes, and might even routinely change lanes itself supplied driver consideration is maintained.
Mini doesn’t state whether or not driver consideration is actively monitored to allow the system’s utilization, nor whether or not degree 2 autonomous drive options will make their method to Australia.
Different enhancements and additions in retailer for Mini’s third-generation Countryman embrace a lift in cargo capability to 450L (seats up) and 1450 litres (seats down), vital development in size, width and wheelbase, and a more recent, much less curvy aesthetic to deliver the nameplate into the 2020s.
Like different third-generation Countryman variants, the cabin of the S All4 variant will function a particular spherical OLED show as its centrepiece, with the 240mm diameter glass touchscreen being a departure from conventional rectangular infotainment programs, and be powered by the slicker Mini Working System 9.
Two-tone textile sprint trims, higher-quality supplies and customisable cabin ambient lighting will even give the brand new Countryman S a particular look and persona – core Mini attributes – whereas engine noise might be augmented by the brand new Mini Driving Sounds operate.
Count on extra particulars – in addition to native specs and pricing – to be introduced in 2024 nearer to the brand new Countryman’s Australian launch.
