2017 Mini Countryman Introduced (It’s Not Mini At All)


The second generation Mini Countryman will make its world debut in November at the 2016 Los Angeles auto show, but the car manufacturer has decided not to wait that long and voilà – here is the all-new Mini that’s not mini at all. As a matter of fact, the 2017 Mini Countryman will be the biggest Mini ever.

2017-mini-countryman redesign

2017 Mini Countryman: Bigger, Better, But Not Impressive

According to the automaker, the redesigned SUV will add 8.1 inches of length and 1.3 inches to the width. This way the vehicle won’t only look more impressive, but will also feature significantly increased interior space. The carmaker hasn’t specified how much room will get the front passengers, but they emphasized that the cargo capacity has been increased by 30 percent, which is really impressive. As for the rear-seat passengers, they will really enjoy, because there will be additional 3.8 inches of legroom. Of course, the interesting crossover will keep its 40/20/40 seats configuration, so the cargo can be easily boosted on the total space, which is said to be around 47.6 cu ft.

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Styling wise, well we must say we are not impressed at all. Don’t get me wrong, but the new styling is pretty familiar. Okay, there are some new things, but essentially, this is rather evolutionary than the revolutionary makeover. Still, you can always improve it, because the automaker offers a number of premium features. For instance, there is optional equipment like a panorama sunroof and keyless entry, as well as new infotainment with 6.5-inch display.

2017-mini-countryman

The SUV Gets Plug-In Hybrid

The 2017 Countryman will use a UKL platform that’s highly stretchable, but what’s more important, it can accommodate a range of different engines. This way, you will be able to choose between three completely different units. A base model comes with a 1.5-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine, which is able to produce 134 hp and 162 lb-ft of twist. In case you need more power there will be a 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 189 hp and 207 lb-ft. Both options cab be matted to a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission.

Still, the interesting crossover will also offer a plug-in hybrid drivetrain under the hood. The setup will use the turbocharged three-cylinder engine that will run the front wheels, while a single electric motor powers the rear axle. The electricity comes from a 7.6-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery. Altogether, the powertrain will be able to produce around 221 horsepower and 284 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the new Countryman plug-in hybrid will use all-wheel drive setup and six-speed automatic transmission. The electric-only range of 24 miles isn’t the best result ever, but it’s good for the first time. Still, you won’t be able to step on the gas, because in EV mode, the crossover can’t cross 77 mph.

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Arrival and Price

There is nothing official regarding the price of the 2017 Mini Countryman, but since the sale starts in March 2017, we expect to find out the exact figures shortly after the official debut.

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