The Mini Countryman has been around since the 1960s when, as a small station wagon, it sold alongside the classic Mini.
After being off the scene for a number of years, BMW brought it back in 2010, this time as the first Mini.
While it could be argued that the Mini Moke that was built in Australia until the early 1980s could be classed as an SUV, the Countryman came with a raft of features not seen in the cute little Aussie Moke.
To start with it had a roof – something that was an optional extra on the Moke!
But back to the present, and the latest version of the Countryman has just arrived and will go on sale in the first quarter of 2024.
It comes with innovative new technology including a host of new driver assist technologies, markedly increased versatility and an array of customisable options.
The new design philosophy of ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ pays homage to the minimalist design of the classic Mini while allowing each individual model to showcase its own unique character.
New Countryman comes in two variants, 2WD C and AWD S. Each has three equipment levels.
C has Core, Classic and Favoured; S has Classic, Favoured and JCW Sport.
Prices range from $49,990 for the C Core to $63,990 for the S JCW Sport. On-road costs need to be added.
New Countryman is marginally longer (13cm) and taller (6cm) than the model it replaces.
It provides more luggage space than before, up to 505 litres with the rear seatbacks in place and 1530 litres when folded.
Entry-level Countryman C comes with a three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque.
This allows it to complete the standard sprint from 0-100km/h in 9.0 seconds.
Countryman S gets a four-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
Countryman C comes as standard with 18-inch light alloy wheels, while the Countryman S receives 19-inch light alloys in its standard kit.
Light alloy wheels of up to 20 inches in various designs are optionally available for further customisation.
Standard safety features include six airbags, ABS brakes with cornering brake control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane change warning, dynamic stability control, exit warning, intelligent emergency call, rear collision prevention and rear cross traffic alert with brake intervention.
Driving Assistant Plus package is optionally available for Countryman C and standard for Countryman S.
It adds camera and ultrasound-based assistance including active cruise control with stop and go functionality, collision prevention, surround view, remote 3D View, drive recorder and parking assistant.
Fitted with the new Mini Operating System 9, the Mini Interaction Unit can be operated intuitively via touch or voice, with the user interface reminiscent of an everyday smartphone.
The new Mini Countryman now boasts wireless compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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