Premium compact-car maker Mini will show a redesigned ’17 Cooper Countryman at next week’s Los Angeles auto show, promising improved drivability, versatility and unprecedented efficiency from the British brand’s largest offering in the U.S.
The new model is 7.9 ins. (200 mm) longer and 1.2 ins. (30 mm) wider than its predecessor, boasts powerful proportions and additional elbow room for five adults and more cargo space to go with its characteristically higher seating position than other models in the range, the automaker says.
Two gasoline engines using twin-turbo technology will be available, including a 1.5L 3-cyl. mill with 134 hp and 162 lb.-ft. (220 Nm) of torque and a 2.0L 4-cyl. option with 189 hp and 207 lb.-ft. (280 Nm) of torque in the Cooper S Countryman. Both come equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, although buyers can opt up for a 6-speed automatic or 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.
Both variants of the Countryman can be paired with an updated ALL4 all-wheel-drive system.
Mini says a Cooper Countryman S outfitted with the 8-speed transmission and ALL4 driveline will go from 0-62 mph (100 km) in 7.2 seconds, or 0.9 seconds faster than the outgoing model.
For the first time, an electrification option will be available with the Mini Cooper S E Countryman, which adds a synchronous electric motor to the 3-cyl. variant for an enhanced output of 221 hp. The plug-in hybrid allows for pure electric driving up to 78 mph (126 km/h) and has an all-electric range of 25 miles (40 km).
Inside the car, Mini promises greater passenger comfort through improved cabin dimensions, higher-quality material and modern displays and improved ease-of-use.
Two new connectivity options bow with the redone Countryman. Mini Connected will move beyond in-car use with a personal mobility assistant to provide help with mobility planning outside of the vehicle.
Mini Find Mate also debuts. It allows owners to tag bags and other luggage items with a tracking capability so they can keep an eye on the whereabouts of those items from the car or via a smartphone.
The Mini Country Timer feature allows owners to keep track of time spent off-roading, while a newly added Mini Picnic Bench transforms the car’s tailgate into outdoor seating.
The new Countryman arrives at U.S. dealerships in March. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
