2011 Mini Countryman
2011 Mini Countryman
2011 Mini Countryman
2011 Mini Countryman
2011 Mini Countryman Interior
2011 Mini CountrymanThe MINI Countryman crossover represents a whole new combination of the absorbing handling characteristics of a MINI with the versatile interior of a four-door car and the optimised traction of a Sports Activity Vehicle (in the shape of the optional all-wheel-drive system). At the same time, it provides a fresh and distinctive interpretation of established MINI features as far as design, premium quality, efficiency and customisation are concerned. The brand's fourth model - joining the classic two-door, MINI Clubman and MINI Convertible in the range - meets the challenges of urban mobility with impressive flexibility, captures the imagination beyond traditional MINI territory with its broader range of abilities, and paves the way for an expanding band of prospective customers with varying mobility-based requirements to experience the trademark driving fun of a MINI.
With the long-distance comfort of four individual seats or space for up to five people on board, plus a raised seating position, versatile interior, new generation of powerful and efficient engines and optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system, the MINI Countryman adds another sprinkling of attractive features to the emotional driving experience of a MINI. Its body and interior concept invite you to share the MINI feeling with friends and in a variety of different situations. This propels the MINI Countryman onto the radar of broader target groups, whose family or leisure pursuits have created an increased need for space and flexibility and who are therefore keen to blend the distinctive style of the brand with innovative functionality and a higher level of interior versatility.
Of course, the whole point of driving around in a high-riding Mini is to have some extra capability in the snow. All-wheel drive is optional on the 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman only, as the base Countryman can't spare any of its meager torque to the rear wheels.
Mini calls its all-wheel-drive system ALL4, which doesn't stand for anything, but merely indicates a clutch-pack coupling built onto the final-drive unit. An electrically driven hydraulic pump governs the pressure that reaches the coupling. In dry conditions, you can expect most of the engine's torque to go to the Countryman's front wheels most of the time.
Up to 50 percent can be redirected rearward to promote proper cornering character, and in really extreme conditions, up to 100 percent of engine torque can go to the rear wheels. (Probably the front wheels would have to be frozen solid in blocks of ice for such a scenario to go down.) Additionally, an electronic limited-slip front differential allows for side-to-side torque swaps between the Cooper S Countryman's front wheels.
Mini hasn't yet disclosed exactly how much ground clearance the 2011 Countryman will have, but we do know that a sport suspension (which lowers the car's stance by 0.4 inch) will be optional on at least the front-drive version. That's on top of the already sportier calibrations Mini has applied to the front strut/rear multilink suspension on the Cooper S Countryman. A full line of John Cooper Works parts will be offered as well.
Seventeen-inch rims with 205/50R17 run-flat tires are standard across the board on the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman line. If you're really serious about filling out those black fenders, you can order 18s from the factory and 19s as a dealer accessory.
You still have a year to think about how you want to paint and equip your 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman or 2011 Mini Cooper S Countryman. We hear a production Beachcomber version with removable doors is still being considered as well, though it hasn't yet been given the official nod from Munich.
In addition to being the biggest and most rugged member of the Mini family, the Countryman promises to be the most tech-laden. Adaptive headlights are optional, and Mini is promising full integration for iPhones and other smartphones that find their way into your Countryman.
Undoubtedly the 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman will be more useful and practical than any Mini to date. But it's also edging away from the simple bliss of motoring and into traditional BMW price territory. So prepare to spend $30,000-$40,000 on the long-awaited Mini crossover utility vehicle.