Category: MINI

MINI Australia has launched the new four-door Countryman with a total of 10 possible model variations, including Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, Cooper D and Cooper D All4; plus Chilli versions of each. Powering the Countryman is a pair of 1.6 litre petrol engines, complemented by both 1.6 and 2.0 litre diesel engines. The Countryman is also the first MINI to feature the company’s All4 all-wheel drive technology.

MINI Australia National Manager, David Woollcott expects the Countryman will attract a new customers to the brand, while maintaining the character that MINI is known for, “The Countryman is versatile enough to accommodate any lifestyle while retaining the sense of fun that makes all MINIs so good to drive and enjoyable to own.”

As well as its four-doors the Countryman has another distinctive feature, the MINI Centre Rail. The default seating configuration for the Countryman is four single seats, two each in the front and rear. When this is the case the centre rail runs through the cabin, replacing the traditional centre console, and can be used for general storage and holding electronic devices. For example, you can attach an iPod to a specially designed cradle, which will then use connections in the metal rail to source power and send data to the car’s stereo. The rail is one of those things that’s a bit naff on the one hand, while very clever on the other.

Pricing was announced last month and starts at $37,700 for the entry-level Cooper option. A full list of prices is available below, along with MINI’s official press release and pictures.

Just a few days after a near production ready MINI Coupé was spotted a Roadster version has been caught and snapped as well. These pics give a better example of the retractable rear wing that will be featured on both models. That wing aside, what we can see here meets expectations following the reveal of the Roadster concept back in 2009.

While its Coupé twin is already in series production the soft-top version is still around 12 months away from commencing its build cycle. The market launch of the Roadster/Speedster/name to be confirmed is likely to follow soon after, say March 2012.

The model above wears Cooper S badging on the front quarter panel and it’s expected that MINI will launch the Roadster in Cooper S and JCW trim.

[Source: MotoringFile | Pics: MINIforum]

Auto snappers CarPix have caught this pre-production MINI Coupé near BMW’s headquarters in Munich. At first glance things appear basically the same as the concept model revealed in mid-2009. However, a closer look reveals a few changes. Easily spotted are the updated rear light treatment and other LCI styling cues. They’re to be expected, of course, but something we haven’t seen before is a retractable rear spolier, which can be seen by following the source link below.

The model in this snap appears to be the range-topping JCW version, evidenced by the fat exhaust tips, plus the JCW-style wheels and brake calipers. While BMW’s renowned swirly camouflage pattern covers most roof details you can see a glimpse of red paint to match the mirrors. The red roof, black body is another key JCW colour combo.

We reported last December that production for the Coupé has commenced. That would indicate that this car is very close to production trim and is likely undergoing final evaluations before release. We should see the R58 Coupé on sale overseas before the end of the year. It’s possible Australian sales could begin very late in 2011, but pencil in next year if you’re like us and can’t wait to drive one.

[Source: Autoblog]

MINI has just released official details on numerous model launches and enhancements for 2011. We’ll focus on the addition of a 2.0 litre turbo diesel to the range. With peak power of 105kW and 305Nm of torque this engine has found its way into Cooper SD, Cooper SD Cabrio, SD Clubman and SD Countryman body shells. The engine is fitted with a diesel particulate filter and meets EU5 emission standards.

The 2.0 litre unit complements the existing 1.6 litre diesel, which offers 66kW in the One D (not available locally) and 80kW for the Cooper D. After our test drive in the Cooper D we thought it had plenty of verve and was a lot of fun. The Cooper SD, though, ups the ante on its little brother and can reach 100km/h in 8.1 seconds. Its rated fuel consumption is just 4.3l/100km.

SD Clubman and SD Cabrio figures are pretty close. The SD Clubman can hit 100km/h in 8.6 seconds, 8.7 for the SD Cabrio. Average fuel consumption is 4.4/100km and 4.5/100km respectively.

If you need the larger space provided by the SD Countryman then you’ll also have to wait around for 9.3 seconds to reach the ton and be prepared to burn oil at a rate of 4.6l/100km. Add 0.2 seconds and 0.3l/100km if you insist on the ALL4 SD Countryman.

For those concerned about the CO2 emissions from the SD range, the numbers vary from 114g/km in the Cooper SD to 130g/km in the ALL4 SD Countryman. All models are fitted standard with a slick six-speed manual, although there is an auto box as an option, if you must. The SD range also features Stop/Start technology, Brake Energy Regeneration and Shift Point Display.

We’re not sure at this stage when the SD range will make it to Australia, or if the full range will be available. As soon as we know we’ll pass the info on.

For more coverage of the MINI range in 2011 head over to MINI specialist website MotoringFile.

The car above is the MINI Countryman WRC. It looks awesome, don’t you think. Wouldn’t it be cool if MINI made a road-going version of that car, complete with modified body panels. And, it would be even more complete with a high power engine; something like 300hp (220kW). Would that be enough to convince you to hand over your cash?

A few months ago we heard a rumour that suggests a road version of the WRC weapon could be in the works. The info that came our way mentioned a 300hp widebody Countryman, we’ve joined the dots for the rest. We understand a concept version of this car could be on show later this year, at Frankfurt in September, we hope.

As to the validity of this rumour, well it might end up being pie in the sky, but our source has come up trumps for us before, so let’s wait and see.