All-new MINI Countryman launched

MINI Malaysia today unveiled the All-New MINI Countryman, the second generation of the successful premium sports activity vehicle (SAV) from “the most sophisticated premium compact automotive brand in the world”.
Available in Cooper Countryman and Cooper S Countryman, the new premium SAV vehicles from MINI are now the largest and most versatile models in MINI’s 57-year history and have been developed to reflect considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and premium characteristics.
Introducing the all-new Countryman, Han Sang Yun, BMW Group Malaysia managing director and CEO said, “MINI has been growing steadily in the Malaysian premium segment. Last year alone, the brand contributed over 900 vehicles to our performance here as well as recorded over a 19% growth in comparison to its performance in 2015. In the first quarter of 2017, MINI is already tracking as the third largest brand in the Malaysian premium segment and we hope to maintain this competitiveness in the industry with the all-new MINI Countryman.”
Sharing Han’s sentiments, Kidd Yam, head of MINI Malaysia said, “In the long and illustrious history of MINI, the MINI Countryman has already successfully broken stereotypical convention of vehicles in the premium compact segment, pushing the understanding that the ideas of creativity and premium can coexist harmoniously in a highly segmentised automotive industry.”
Yam added that with over 1,500 units already delivered in Malaysia since 2011 with the previous generation Countryman, the success story of the Countryman has already been proven and the new model, which is the perfect companion for everyday usability can only write more successful stories for the brand moving forward.
Design: Powerful proportions, matured character
The all-new Countryman features design elements that are typical of the brand, including the iconic three-way structure of the side view made up of its roof, glass house section and main body as well as short overhangs, large wheel arches and downward increase in width. The precise contours on the generous surfaces of the new Countryman, meanwhile, create an attractive play of light and shade that underscores the car’s athletic shaping and the vertical orientation of the body.
The new Countryman has essentially grown in size, but is still able to retain the typical MINI proportions. Now 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor and approximately three centimetres wider, the Countryman has a length of 4,299mm, a width of 1,822mm and a height of 1,557mm. Its distinctive proportions are also made up of a wheelbase that measures 2,670mm, while the track width is 1,585mm at the front and 1,587mm at the rear. These proportions allow the new Countryman to go even further in terms of the model’s versatility, agility and premium character that accentuate a distinctive presence.
Its unmistakable aura is also defined by an extended ground clearance and raised seating position, further emphasised by the MINI ALL4 Bodykit. The differentiated rear and front fenders with Piano Black bumper elements and the implied silver coloured sump guard further underlines the adventurous character of the all-new Countryman.
Adding to the car’s off-road character are versatile Roof Rails that can accommodate extra cargo such as a roof rack, a roof box or a bicycle rack. Its satin-finished aluminium combined with silver-coloured side sill tops create greater visual emphasis to the car’s height.
Additionally, the new Countryman – for the first time ever – is equipped with auto LED Headlamps with Cornering Lights, a perfect addition that allows adventurers to venture the great outdoors at night. The new Cornering Lights projects light to the direction of the steering direction while the new Icon Lights which remains activated in dimmed form creates a signature element for the MINI even when the headlights are switched on.
In terms of wheel options, the new Cooper Countryman offers 18-inch Light Alloy Wheels while the Cooper S Countryman offers 19-inch MINI Yours Light Alloy Wheels. Both variants are equipped with run-flat tyres as standard.
Powerful engines with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology
The engine of the new Countryman is tuned to deliver a high degree of smile-inducing agility and punchy acceleration for which MINI is known for. For the first time ever, the new Countryman is powered by the latest generation of the BMW Group’s 3- and 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engines that make the MINI faster, feistier and more fuel efficient than its predecessor.
The new Cooper Countryman is now powered by a 1.5-litre 3-cylinder inline engine combined with a 6-speed automatic Steptronic transmission. This enables the car to deliver an output of 136hp and a maximum torque of 220Nm. It sprints from zero to 100km/h in 9.6 seconds with a top speed of 200km/h and has a reduction in fuel consumption which amounts to as much as 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres.
The new Cooper S Countryman, meanwhile, houses a 2-litre 4-cylinder engine, which mobilises a peak output of 192hp and a maximum torque of 280Nm. It is able to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in just 7.4 seconds, reaching a top speed of 224km/h. These figures are combined with an average fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres. A rarity in its class, the MINI Cooper S Countryman has an eight-speed transmission that enables impeccably fluid gear changes, while the Steptronic function allows the driver to choose between the ease of automatic shifting and the visceral thrill of the manual driving experience.
Adventurous driving: MINI Driving Modes and high standard safety features
The MINI Driving Modes are activated by a rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever. The set-up of the All-New MINI Countryman can be selected according to one of the three modes: MID, SPORT and GREEN. Jump into the GREEN mode for leisure cruising and optimised fuel efficiency or choose the SPORT mode for a more responsive acceleration and handling. To experience the best of both worlds, choose the MID mode.
The new Countryman has a high-quality suspension that combines the tried-and-tested principle of a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multi-link rear axle with a design that is optimised for weight and rigidity. In addition to this and the electromechanical steering with Servotronic function are powerful brakes and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which adjusts the vehicle’s output power to the wheels. This helps eliminate over-steering or under-steering as well as keeping the car on track.
Further protection to unlikely events are achieved with the ultra rigid multiphase steel frame for the new Countryman as well as the break-away engine mounts which will help avoid further danger for drivers and passengers. Additionally, the Hill Hold Control which ensures that the MINI will not roll backwards when parked on a hill or driving in stop-and-go traffic as well as airbags, two each at the front, sides and at the ceiling of the new Countryman ensure better peace of mind for both the driver and passengers.
Interior: Generous space and exclusive ambience
The prominent results of the new Countryman advancing into the Premium Segment is portrayed significantly in the increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility. Coupled with some of the most high-end materials and surface finishes ever put into a MINI and highly-functional features, the new Countryman is as premium as it is practical while giving an edge for any outdoor adventure.
The interior offering of the Cooper Countryman includes Cloth Firework Carbon Black upholstery with Hazy Grey interior surfacing and a Chrome Line interior as well as a sports leather steering wheel.
The Cooper S Countryman, meanwhile, offers MINI Yours Piano Black Illuminated interior surfacing that lights up the cockpit in any preferred choice of colour with Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black upholstery as well as a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with paddle shifters. In addition to the high-quality materials and precise finishings, the modern ergonomically optimised controls also contribute to the car’s exclusive ambience while the profile of the air vents in the new Countryman echoes the vertical orientation of the exterior design elements.
Extensive storage facilities inside the new MINI vehicles includes both front and rear door pockets that hold one-litre beverage bottles and the fully-fledged centre console extending up to the instrument panel now also has an integrated storage compartment with two cup holders in front of the gear or selector lever. Both new Countryman variants are also fitted with a dual-zone automatic air conditioning and an interior rear view mirror with automatic anti-dazzle function.
The new Cooper S Countryman exclusively offers electric seat adjustment feature with memory function that allows the driver to keep record of his or her preferred seating position. The seats also include lumbar support for maximum comfort as well as ergonomic posturing.
Functionality: Versatility beyond borders

A new feature that is unique to the new Countryman and is offered as standard on both the Cooper and Cooper S variant is the Automatic Tailgate with easy opener function. The feature offers a foot-activated sensor to open and close the tailgate without having to press any button, thus providing absolute convenience when one’s hands are full. Specifically in the Cooper S variant of the Countryman, the Automatic Tailgate offering works in unison with Comfort Access which enables the opening and locking of the doors of the MINI by a touch at the doors.
For the first time, the new MINI Countryman also offers a Picnic Bench that folds out of the boot to provide a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid. The Picnic Bench is one of the very few offerings in premium vehicles that offers two extra seats outside of the car, a feature that comes in handy for general outdoor use.
In the areas of infotainment, communication and driving experience, the new Countryman is further enhanced with MINI Connected which offers an extensive range of in-car smartphones integration on a 6.5-inch high-resolution screen. With Spotify for example, the driver and passengers can be entertained with over 20 million songs. This apps among many others, can be downloaded from the App Store and be viewed on the MINI display and accessed easily via the car’s controls. Both Countryman variants also offer Rear View Camera as a standard offering.
In terms of offering for storage, the new MINI Countryman is equipped with larger storage facilities to reflect its optimised functionality and versatility. When all five seats are in use, the luggage compartment has a volume of 450 litres. With 40:20:40 rear seat split, it allows the load volume to be increased up to 1,390 litres.
The new Countryman also introduces for the first time, two new paint finishes which are now available for a MINI including Chestnut and Island Blue. Other colour schemes include British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, and Moonwalk Grey. The Thunder Grey scheme is available exclusively on the MINI Cooper S Countryman.
The Cooper Countryman and Cooper S Countryman will be available for test drive for the public tomorrow and on Sunday, at The International Gallery at Alya Kuala Lumpur – adjacent to TPC Kuala Lumpur (formerly KLGCC). They will also be available at all authorised MINI dealerships across the country during the two days.
The all-new MINI Countryman comes with the MINI 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service too. The estimated retail prices (on the road for personal registration, without insurance) are:
MINI Cooper Countryman: RM239,888.
MINI Cooper S Countryman: RM269,888.