MINI USA announces the pricing for the new MINI Cooper S Countryman. Base price starts at $25,250, excluding a $700 destination charge. A well-equipped Cooper S Countryman comes just under $30,000 mark.

MINI enters the US market with a choice of two engines, one of them the rev-happy 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline and the second found in the the Cooper S model adds a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection with a total of 181-horsepower.

It also features fully-variable valve management offering the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. And as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, both Cooper and Cooper S models are also available with a six-speed automatic transmission complete with manual control priced at $1,250.

2011 MINI Countryman 3

The Cooper S Countryman ALL4 starts at $26,950.

The Countryman has five feature packages, including a Convenience Package and two Sport packages.

Here is a list of some of the options available for the MINI Countryman:

  • Premium Package (dual-panel panoramic sunroof, automatic climate control, Harman Kardon stereo): $1,250
  • Sport Package (18-inch wheels, rear spoiler, sport seats, fog lights, dynamic traction control and hood stripes): $1,000-$1,250
  • Convenience Package (garage door opener, one-touch keyless entry, auto-dimming rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers and Bluetooth connectivity): $1,250
  • Cold Weather Package (power-folding heated mirrors, heated washer jets and heated front seats): $750
  • MINI Connected: $1,000
  • Navigation: $1,750

Next year BMW launches the X1 model in the North American market and expectations are that the entry-level model will be priced below $30,000, possibly creating some competition for the MINI Countryman.