MINI has updated the second-generation Countryman crossover SUV, which at four years old is probably slightly overdue its midlife makeover. The biggest MINI now has a slightly different grille and bumpers, plus the divisive rear light clusters based on the Union Jack that the MINI hatchback gets. Proper LED headlamps are standard fit now too.
There are, of course, a couple of new colours to choose from – silver and green, basically – as well as a gloss black trim options for both the interior and exterior, and alloy wheels are standard. Also standard is a new five-inch digital instrument panel that sits in an oval shaped dash-mounted screen. The basic dashboard architecture is unchanged, but you can now choose from two new leather interior packs – one blue, the other brown.
In keeping with BMW’s pledge to keep on cleaning up its cars – as demonstrated when it recently added mild hybrid tech to most of its big SUVs and saloons – the new Countryman is slightly more efficient than before, albeit the engine range stays the same. All petrol cars now get a higher pressure injection system for enhanced efficiency, and the diesels meet EU6 emissions standards courtesy of an AdBlue system.
That means the range still starts with a petrol Cooper model, powered by a 134bhp 1.5-litre 3cyl turbo engine returning a 50.4-53.3mpg average consumption range using the WLTP cycle. The All4 four-wheel drive version of that increases consumption to 46.3-47.9mpg. CO2 emissions are 120-129g/km and 134-140g/km respectively.
The range continues with Cooper S models, also available with front- or four-wheel drive and getting to 62mph from rest in 7.5 seconds (7.3 for the All4) thanks to a 177bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. Consumption is higher in the Cooper S, although not by that much: a 43.5-45.6mpg range in the case of the All4.
There remains a 148bhp 2.0-litre turbo badged Cooper D, now boasting 64.2-67.2mpg WLTP economy, equating to 110-116g/km. It too is available as an All4 and comes with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. By far the most economical version, though, is the Plug-In Hybrid All4, which combines the Cooper’s 3cyl petrol engine with an electric motor and a 9.6kWh battery pack for a 217bhp total output. It will manage a claimed 38 miles using the battery only, and the top end of its WLTP range is 166mpg and 40g/km CO2.
That’s enough with the figures for now, except to say that the new Countryman is available to order now priced from £23,500 for a Cooper.
Keyword: MINI Countryman update: big MINI gets some little tweaks for 2020