The new MINI Countryman
The new MINI Countryman
Not content with unveiling the 2024 MINI Electric, the carmaker has also just revealed the latest version of the largest member of the MINI family, the new Countryman.
This third generation of the SUV has not only grown considerably, but from early next year will be available with the choice of petrol and electric drivetrain options, the latter with a range of up to 287 miles.
Set to be pitched against the likes of the Audi Q3, this latest MINI Countryman is 60mm longer and 130mm than its predecessor, essentially as a result of being twinned with the latest BMW X1. Mini bosses emphasise the growth in the size of the Countryman will leave a gap in the line-up for the forthcoming Aceman crossover.
And being an evolution in design from the generation it replaces, rather than a revolution, the 2024 Countryman mirrors styling cues first seen in next year’s Cooper, including the octagonal front grille and revamped headlights and taillights.
The minimalist approach is again carried over from the new Cooper into the cabin, where the dashboard is dominated by an identical touchscreen. The Countryman’s growth in size sees the introduction of an enlarged centre console, which now houses larger cupholders.
The increase in the SUV’s length also means there’s an extra 130mm of leg room in the rear. The rear backrests are also now individually adjustable, plus there’s a slight improvement in the bootspace which now measures 460-litres with the rear seats in place, rising to 1450 with them folded. There’s also the ubiquitous underfloor cubby for storing the EV’s charging cables.
Buyers will be able to choose from three petrol engines, which are likely to be two 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder units, plus the 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder from the X1. The entry-level Countryman C delivers 167bhp to the front wheels only; the S All4 has an output of 215bhp, naturally going to all four wheels; while the range-topping John Cooper Works All4 (JCW) gets 296bhp. It’ll hit 62mph from standstill in 5.4-seconds.
Those eager to go down the electric route will have the choice of two versions. The Countryman Electric E delivers 201bhp to its rear wheels via a single motor, while the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive Electric SE All4 gets 309bhp. Both are powered by a 64.7kWh battery, producing a range of 287 and 269 miles respectively. The battery can be rapid-charged at rates of up to 130kW. As with the 2024 Cooper hatch, both petrol and electric versions of the Countryman will be available in three trim levels, plus eight MINI Experience modes.
Thinking of making the switch to electric?
Finally, it’s worth highlighting the new Countryman will be the first Mini to be available with level-two driver assistance, including hands-off driving at speeds of up to 37mph.
As for prices, the petrol Countryman starts at £28,500 for the C, with the S priced from £33,900, rising to £39,900 for the JCW. The entry-level Electric E costs £41,500, with the range-topping Electric SE priced at £46,600.
Available to order now from Arnold Clark MINI dealerships, first deliveries are scheduled to start in February 2024.
