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The new MINI Countryman

A new version of the MINI Countryman - the first MINI to feature four doors, five seats and optional all-wheel-drive - will debut at the New York International Auto Show, further boosting the brand's advance into the premium compact segment.

Updated exterior design, optimised fuel consumption and emission figures - as well as innovative equipment enhancements - contribute to the more mature character and increased appeal of the new MINI Countryman.

With striking body design accents, refined premium characteristics in the interior and enhanced efficiency, the new MINI Countryman builds upon the strengths of the previous model. An important pillar of growth for MINI with 350,000 units already sold worldwide, this model has everything it takes to attract new customers into the MINI brand.

Increases in power output, improved aerodynamic properties and further efficiency enhancements (thanks to MINIMALISM technology), have resulted in better acceleration and top speed in some models.

All model variants now have lower fuel consumption and emission figures, as well as meeting EU6 emission regulations. MINI's ALL4 all-wheel-drive system continues to be available on MINI Cooper, MINI Cooper S, MINI Cooper D and MINI Cooper SD Countryman. The MINI ALL4 system comes as standard with the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman.

Exterior - sophisticated and rugged.

The distinctive appearance of the MINI Countryman derives from its dimensions, four doors, large tailgate and unique roof shape combined with the individual interpretation of MINI's hallmark proportions and design.

With the new MINI Countryman, both model-specific and hallmark brand elements are given additional emphasis. The upright front section conveys a powerful presence with a newly designed hexagonal radiator grill. A horizontal radiator grille rib finished in chrome on the new MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper SD Countryman - along with a curved "S" in red - now give the front an even sportier edge. The front of the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman features a red radiator grille rib supplemented with the John Cooper Works logo.

In all other model variants the radiator grille is now subdivided by two ribs. In MINI One and MINI One D Countryman models these are finished in high-gloss black, while in the MINI Cooper and the MINI Cooper D Countryman sport a matt silver version.

A number of new features enhance the robust and versatile character of the new MINI Countryman. In conjunction with the MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, underride guard elements for the front and rear apron (as well as for the side sills) are now included as standard. These highlight the ground clearance of the Countryman, indicating its potential for driving away from tarmac roads.

The range of exterior paint finishes available has also been expanded with the addition of Jungle Green metallic and Midnight Grey metallic, and Starlight Blue metallic paint is now available on the MINI Countryman for the first time.

A contrasting paint finish for the roof and wing mirror caps in black or white is available as a no-cost option (with the exception of the MINI One and MINI One D Countryman). A contrasting red paint finish is offered free of charge for the new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman. There are also Sport Stripes and bonnet stripes in a variety of colours to choose from.

Available on a MINI for the first time is the new Piano Black Exterior trim. In addition to the surrounds of the headlamps and rear lights finished in chrome as standard, a high-end dark shading is applied to the diagonal links between the A columns and front wheel arches, the roof rails and the cross-ribs in the radiator grille of the MINI One, MINI Cooper and MINI Cooper D Countryman. Chrome line exterior is available a no cost option.

Interior and acoustic refinement.

The interior of the new MINI Countryman features characteristic brand designs combined with a highly versatile interior space. The premium compact model offers five seats as standard along with the MINI Centre Rail attachment system fitted between the driver and front passenger seat. Acoustic refinement has also been enhanced in the new MINI Countryman.

The displays and controls have been redesigned so as to enhance the car's sporty flair and premium character. All model variants of the new MINI Countryman now have anthracite-coloured dials for the tachometer and speedometer the style of the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, whose central instrument now also bears the John Cooper Works logo. The standard trim of the new MINI Countryman also includes chrome finishes for the ventilation controls.

Extended MINIMALISM technology for increased driving fun and reduced fuel consumption figures.

The petrol and diesel engines available for the new MINI Countryman all meet the EU6 exhaust emissions regulations. The high efficiency of the modern four-cylinder power units and the extended use of MINIMALISM technology also ensure an even more favourable balance between driving fun and fuel consumption.

Detailed measures promoting efficiency include optimised air ducting in the area of the underbody, wheel bearings with a lower friction coefficient and tyres with reduced rolling resistance.

The four-cylinder spark ignition engine used in the MINI Cooper S Countryman, with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection and variable valve control, also sees an increase in output to 190 hp. This results in a reduction in the 0-62mph time of 0.1 sec to 7.5 secs, while the in-gear sprint from 50 to 75 mph in fifth gear now takes just 8.4 secs - down 0.2 secs.

Fuel consumption in the new MINI Cooper S Countryman on the EU test cycle has improved to 47.1 mpg, while CO2 emissions drop by three per cent to 139 grams per kilometre.