New for 2017
The Countryman is all-new for 2017.
Biggest MINI yet
For its second-generation Countryman crossover, MINI decided to do the opposite of what its name suggests and think big. On sale now, the 2017 Countryman is the biggest vehicle ever to wear a MINI badge, offering a new level of utility for the brand. At the same time MINI maintains that, despite its size, the Countryman stays true to its brand values of style and sporty driving dynamics.
Performance
The Countryman may be bigger than before, but it hasn’t lost any of the previous model’s sporty character. The 2017 Countryman is available with two gasoline powertrains, plus a first-ever plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
The base MINI Cooper Countryman uses a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which produces 134 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. The Cooper S Countryman has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. MINI offers standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive with six-speed manual transmissions across the board. The base front-wheel drive Cooper is also available with a six-speed automatic, while other models get an eight-speed automatic.
The base Countryman is EPA-rated at 24/33 city/highway mpg* with the manual transmission and 25/33 city/highway mpg* with the automatic, while the all-wheel-drive model is rated at 22/32 city/highway mpg (manual)* and 23/30 city/highway mpg (automatic).* Front-wheel-drive Cooper S Countryman models get up to 23/32 city/highway mpg with the automatic,* and all-wheel drive models get 21/31 city/highway mpg (manual)* and 22/31 city/highway mpg (automatic).*
The Cooper Countryman can do 0 to 60 mph in 9.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 124 mph (9.5 seconds and 122 mph with all-wheel drive), according to MINI. With front-wheel drive, the Cooper S reaches 60 mph in 7.2 seconds with the automatic (7.3 seconds with the manual), and reaches a top speed of 139 mph. All-wheel drive versions take 7.0 seconds to reach 60 mph with the automatic (7.1 seconds with the manual) and tops out at 137 mph.
For the first time, MINI also offers a plug-in hybrid version called the Cooper Countryman S E ALL4. Its powertrain consists of a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic, working with an electric motor and 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack. The gasoline engine drives the front wheels, while the electric motor drives the rear wheels, creating a “through the road” all-wheel drive system, and allowing for limited electric-only driving with an EPA-estimated driving range of up to 12 miles.
Features
The 2017 MINI Countryman is a five-door, five-seat crossover utility vehicle. Pricing starts at $26,600.**
MINI offers a generous array of standard equipment, including a panoramic sunroof, SensaTec leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, MINI Connected infotainment system with 6.5-inch central display, Bluetooth®, Siri® Eyes Free voice control for iPhone users, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and 17-inch alloy wheels (18-inch on the Cooper S).
Optional features include a 12-speaker harman/kardon® premium audio system, upgraded infotainment system with 8.8-inch touchscreen, and navigation. Dynamic Damper Control adaptive suspension is also available with two programmable modes.
As with other MINI models, there are a wide array of customization options, including a varied palette of exterior colors, different interior trim packages, and more.
Design
MINI parent BMW proudly touts the 2017 Countryman as the “biggest MINI yet,” and it’s not kidding. While it has diverged pretty far from the original MINI Cooper’s mission, the new Countryman is now closer to a true SUV in terms of size and cargo-hauling capability.
The new Countryman is 7.8 inches longer than its predecessor, 1.0 inch wider, and has a wheelbase that’s 2.9 inches longer. To make good use of the larger interior space, the rear seats can slide forward or back 5.0 inches and fold in a 40/20/40 split arrangement. MINI claims 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats in place and 47.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.
It may be larger than before, but the Countryman features the same retro design language as its predecessor and other current MINI models. With its oval grille and rounded headlights, the front fascia instantly identifies the Countryman as a MINI. It features plenty of other MINI design cues like short overhangs and large wheel arches, plus a raised ride height for a proper SUV look.
The interior also borrows heavily from other MINI models, with a distinctive horizontal dashboard and a large central dial that houses the infotainment display. LED ambient lighting helps set the mood, and the quality of the interior materials shows the influence of MINI parent BMW. The Countryman also features a raised seating position, enabling the commanding view most SUV buyers expect.
Safety
Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, rearview camera, rear park distance control, and a full array of airbags. Some of the optional features include front park distance control and MINI Driving Assistant, which includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and high beam assist.
Verdict
With its larger footprint, the 2017 MINI Countryman is more like a traditional SUV than its predecessor but maintains MINI’s signature styling and emphasis on driving dynamics.
For more information, or to be among the first to experience the 2017 MINI Countryman, contact us online or visit 3Birds Template at 505 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC 27516.
*MPG values are based on EPA estimates for model year 2017. Actual mileage will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle operation.
**2017 model year MSRP does not include destination and handling charge of $850 and excludes license, registration, taxes and options and labor to install. Certain features may be optional. Actual price determined by your authorized MINI dealer.
Image: MINI
Some images may not reflect U.S. spec MINI or current model year, or show owner modifications not available through MINI USA or authorized MINI Dealers.
