Drive

More spacious and sporty Countryman

Mini Malaysia has strengthened its Mini range with the introduction of the new Mini Cooper S Countryman.

The Mini Countryman has always been an assured evolution of the brand’s design language, bridging the gap between the classic Mini concept and a future projection of its capabilities," said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Alan Harris.

"Even with larger body dimensions, increased ground clearance and four doors, it is still unmistakeably a Mini that represents excitement, cheekiness and performance.

He said the new Mini Cooper S Countryman comes with innovative features and optimised fuel consumption and emission figures.

Until the month of October 2014, Mini Malaysia has delivered 535 Mini’s, a 45% increase compared with the same period last year.

It is equipped with a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection completed with a fully variable valve management to generate a maximum 190hp at 5,500-6,500rpm. The peak torque is 240Nm on tap between 1,600 and 5,000rpm (260Nm available on over boost).

This enables the Mini Cooper S Countryman to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7.8 seconds with a top speed of 212km/h, compared with 8.3 seconds with a top speed of 205km/h previously.

New is the Sport Button, which tweaks the engineís responses and the power assistance provided by the steering.

Average fuel economy in the EU test cycle stands at a notable 7.5 litres per 100 km compared with 8.1 litres previously.

Classic Mini Countryman features such as the large glass surfaces and distinctive roof contours of the roof, the extra-wide border around the lower part of the body, the 18-inch light alloy wheels in anthracite with turbo fan come as standard as a five-seater with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder room.

Additions include the newly designed horizontal front grille, Xenon headlights, LED fog lights and daytime driving lights with interior offerings like the Mini Visual Boost with a 6.5 inch high-resolution colour LCD screen with Mini Connected app to turn the Mini Cooper S Countryman into a multimedia hub on wheels.

Leather Gravity Carbon Black upholstery and versatile sports seats for both driver and passenger further reinforce the powerful character of the new version.

With the Park Distance Control, entering or leaving the tightest parking space becomes much easier while driving this car. An acoustic warning signal lets you know how close you are to the car or object behind you.

The new Mini, with expanded Jungle Green, Midnight Grey and Starlight Blue metallic colours, will be available at all authorised Mini dealerships from November 15.

The retail price — on the road for personal registration, without insurance, with the Mini Service Inclusive package — for the new Mini Cooper S Countryman is RM 243,888. — CBT, November 13, 2014.

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