The Countryman is a smashing hit for MINI and while no other concepts appeared today in New York, the first Sports Activity Vehicle for MINI remains a popular model for show’s visitors. In less words, the Countryman is “a new dimension” and “genuine crossover that bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle.
This is the first MINI with four doors and a large tailgate as well as a variable interior offering space for up to four occupants. At the same time the MINI Countryman is the brand’s first model measuring more than four meters (157 inches) in length and available as an option with ALL4 all-wheel drive.
The car stands out through its unique look – it is powerful, robust and versatile in all its features and appearance. Various design elements and proportions typical of the brand also stand out from the very beginning, enabling the fourth model in the MINI range to bridge the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle.
One of the standard features of the MINI Countryman is the innovative Center Rail storage and fastening system. Body paintwork and interior colours created exclusively for the new model, a large range of upholstery variants, decorative trim, high-end audio and navigation systems as well as numerous features specific to the new model offer the connoisseur and aficionado a wide range of options in configuring the MINI Countryman to his personal style in a unique manner again typical of the brand.
The star among the two Countryman vehicles displayed there is Cooper S version. The highly aggressive MINI features sporty elements and lots of blacked out parts that emphasize not only its “mean look”, but the fine details put into the product. In the US, the base price for the Countryman Cooper starts at $25,250, excluding a $700 destination charge. A well-equipped Cooper S Countryman comes just under $30,000 mark. The Cooper S Countryman ALL4 starts at $26,950. The Countryman has five feature packages, including a Convenience Package and two Sport packages.
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.
Enjoy the photo gallery from 2011 New York Auto Show.
