The MINI Countryman is the first MINI to come with four doors and a large tailgate, as well as a versatile interior offering space for up to five people. It’s also the first MINI with a body measuring more than four metres in length and which can be ordered as an option with all-wheel drive. With these features, in addition to the raised seating position and optimised ride comfort, the Countryman is a pioneering model for the brand, as it aims to take the MINI experience to a new level and win over additional target groups.

Two petrol engines are available in South Africa. The selection ranges from the MINI Cooper Countryman, which develops 90 kW and 160 Nm, while the MINI Cooper S Countryman, whose 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine is the most efficient unit in its displacement class, produces 135 kW and 240 Nm.

The optional MINI ‘ALL4′ all-wheel drive allows the driving fun associated with the brand to be experienced off the beaten track as well. The permanent all-wheel-drive system is said to offer quick and precise responses to changing conditions. An electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. The ALL4 system is available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman.

In addition, a newly developed suspension combines traditional MINI agility with ride comfort. Underlying these traits is new suspension technology, which includes a front axle with MacPherson spring struts and forged track control arms, multi-link rear suspension and the electromechanical power steering system (EPS). The MINI Countryman comes as standard with Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system.

The Countryman’s exterior has been designed to impart an impression of robustness and versatility. Four doors and a large tailgate, a striking roof shape and an upright front end set it apart within the MINI ranks. Other distinctive features are its MINI proportions and design cues. Short overhangs, a high window line, the wrap-around look of the windows and the car’s powerful over-the-wheel stance create a familiar appearance transplanted onto larger exterior dimensions. Elsewhere, the Countryman features revisions of the typical MINI characteristics, such as the hexagonal radiator grille, large headlights set into the bonnet, side indicator surrounds, voluminous wheel arches and vertical rear light clusters.

The MINI Countryman comes standard with a three-seater bench in the rear or – as a no-cost option – two individual seats for passengers. The rear seats slide fore-and-aft individually or in a 60:40 split (three-seat bench), the angle of the backrests can also be adjusted, and the backrests can be folded down either individually or in a 40:20:40 split (three-seat bench) – all of which allows luggage capacity to be increased from 350 litres to a maximum 1 170 litres. The MINI Countryman is also fitted as standard with the innovative Centre Rail storage and fastening system.

The list of standard equipment for the MINI Countryman includes air conditioning and a CD audio system. A wide range of customisation options are also available, such as exterior paint finishes and interior colours designed exclusively for the Countryman, a host of upholstery variants, trim elements and model-specific equipment items, and high-quality audio and navigation systems. A further in-car entertainment highlight is the unique MINI Connected system, which includes the news (via RSS feeds), Twitter and web radio functions.

The MINI Countryman is also available with John Cooper Works performance components. The aerodynamics package available for the MINI Cooper S Countryman includes flaps for the front bumper, side skirts (painted in the body colour and featuring an additional air intake), a diffuser for the rear apron, which generates extra downforce, and extra-large exhaust tailpipes. 19-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels are also available exclusively from the range of John Cooper Works accessories. These can be ordered in matt black or in gloss black with a machined surface. For the interior, customers may be tempted by a three-spoke sports steering wheel with Alcantara cover and carbon clasp and a gearshift lever in the same material combination.

The Mini Countryman will take the hallmark driving fun of the brand to new heights, when it goes on sale in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The Countryman is the first Mini to come with four doors and a large tailgate, as well as an interior offering space for up to five people. The new Countryman is also the first member of the Mini family with a body measuring more than four metres in length and which can be ordered as an option with all-wheel drive.

With these features, in addition to the Countryman’s raised seating position, the new car intends to take the Mini brand into new dimensions and win over additional target groups.

Two petrol-powerd models will available when the car goes on sale later this year. Both the Mini Cooper Countryman and the Mini Cooper S Countryman, are powered by the brand’s proven 1,6-litre engine, producing 90 kW and 135 kW respectively.

The optional Mini All4 all-wheel drive allows the driving fun to continue off the beaten track as well. The permanent all-wheel-drive system’s quick response to changing conditions promises to deliver new handling talents for which MINI is famed. An electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. The All4 system is available for the Cooper S Countryman only.

Pricing for the new Mini Countryman will be announced closer to the launch later this year.