The 2015 Mini Countryman is the latest car in the BMW-owned company’s highly successful Countryman range.
It is the first Mini variant to have both four doors and the option for all wheel drive.
Fuel consumption figures have been improved, and all models now benefit from the new six-speed transmission. The exterior has also received a make-over.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: Compact | Base Price: NA |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 12.4 gals (47L) | MPG: 27 city / 35 hwy |
| Length: 161.7 in. (410.7 cm) | Wheel Base: 102.2 in. (259.5 cm) |
| Height: 61.5 in. (156.2 cm) | Width: 70.4 in. (178.8 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 2954 lbs (1340 kg) | Ground Clearance: NA |
| Luggage Capacity: 16.5 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: Inline 4 DOHC | Displacement: 1.6 Liter |
| Horsepower: 121 HP | Max RPM: 6000 RPM |
| Torque: 114 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 9.8 seconds | Maximum Speed: NA |
* 2014 Cooper Countryman specs USA
Engine & Performance
The 2015 model boasts a range of extremely efficient engines, with a choice of gasoline or diesel power units, depending on your location. At the head of the range is the Cooper S Countryman, which has a 190 horsepower engine capable of bringing the car to 60 mph from rest in 7.5 seconds.
Attention has been given to a smooth, responsive acceleration in fifth gear. Fuel consumption has been improved to just short of 40 mpg in normal city driving, and carbon dioxide emissions have also been cut.
The 122-horsepower Cooper Countryman takes nearly 10 seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint and has gas consumption of 41 mpg overall, while the diesel variant returns an impressive 56 mpg.
All models benefit from a six-speed transmission.
Exterior
The Countryman has a more attractive appearance. The front profile is strong and upright, with chrome accents on the radiator in some variants. The all-wheel drive versions have revised underside guards, giving drivers reassurance regarding ground clearance and allowing more confident off-road driving.
A large number of color schemes are being offered, with new metallic paints such as Jungle Green adding to the existing range. The car’s alloy wheels have also been redesigned, with 16-inch rims as standard, and light, 17-inch alloys on upper models.
The exterior also now benefits from LED fog lamps and daytime driving lamps.
Interior
Inside, the cabin has been made more comfortable, with a reduction in both road and wind noise. The trunk has slightly increased in size.
The clever interior design from previous models is retained. This allows the continuance of the long-standing Mini tradition of providing a spacious interior in a highly compact package.
More
Although the new Countryman retains many of the features that have made the Mini name popular throughout its history, the new vehicle offers several innovations, including a stronger focus on off-road ability.
These are intended to bring the car even greater success in the premium compact segment of the market.
The company says that the car has a more mature feel than its predecessors, while retaining what is claimed to be a charismatic design.
