Mini unveils its biggest car ever

The 2017 Mini Cooper Countryman slated to make world premiere at the Los Angeles auto show next month, may have “Mini” on the hood, it’s actually the biggest vehicle in the brand’s history.

Mini, which launched the Countryman nameplate in 2010, increased the 2017 model’s length by 7.8 inches overall and increased the wheelbase by 2.9 inches.

This noticeable increase in length, Mini says, will give occupants more space as well as flexibility for storage.

“The new Mini Countryman is not only the largest Mini we’ve ever built, but it’s also the most technologically advanced and most versatile Mini of our product line up. Mini will continue to offer the two traditional variants, Cooper and Cooper S, which both feature turbo engines. All-wheel drive is available for all variants in the form of Mini’s ALL4 system,” vice president of Mini of the Americas, Thomas Felbermair said, in a statement..

The Cooper Countryman, powered by a three-cylinder engine, is rated at 134 hp and 162 pounds-feet of torque. The Cooper S Countryman has a four-cylinder engine that raises output to 189 hp and 207 pounds-feet of torque.

“Mini has added a plug-in hybrid variant to the Countryman family, a first for the company, with the redesign
Mini has added a plug-in hybrid variant to the Countryman family, a first for the company, with the redesign.

The Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines a three-cylinder gasoline engine with a 87 hp electric motor for a combined output of 221 hp.

Mini estimated that it has an electric range of 24 miles but that figure will be finalized closer to launch.

In terms of design, the 2017 model has a boxier, stocky look while sharing design elements of the recently redesigned Clubman and Cooper models.

Inside, the rear backrest is composed of three sections and can be rearranged in a 40-30-40 split. The luggage compartment volume is 17.6 cubic feet and can be extended up to 47.6 cubic feet, a 5.4-cubic-foot increase over the previous model.
Front and rear headroom and legroom have all been increased, Mini said.

Mini is giving the 2017 Countryman a long list of standard features including a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, backup camera, parking sensors, an infotainment system with a 6.5-inch display and leatherette seating.

Models equipped with ALL4 all-wheel drive get standard heated seats. Cooper S models are fitted with standard LED headlights and daytime running lights, sport seats and 18-inch alloy wheels.