Mini Countryman News

Mini's next John Cooper Works (JCW) GP could be the brand's last electric-free performance halo as it looks ahead to emissions-free motoring with the likes of the three-door Hatch Cooper SE due next year.Speaking to CarsGuide at last week's Motorclassica,

A study by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) has revealed the tide is turning on public apathy towards emissions-free vehicles, leading to what could be critical mass for alternative powertrains if the right steps are taken.According to the survey - whic

QT Hotels has teamed with Mini to offer free cars alongside its room stays, touted as “Australia’s first automotive and hotel partnership of its kind”.

Mini has revealed its updated John Cooper Works (JCW) Clubman and Countryman, which have received a significant lift to performance thanks to a new engine borrowed from the mechanically related BMW X2 M35i.

Mini has launched a plug-in hybrid version of its Countryman SUV into local showrooms, priced from $57,200 plus on-road costs.The Countryman plug-in hybrid uses a 100kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine matched to a six-speed automatic transmission. This is combined with an electric motor making 65kW of power and 165Nm of torque - the latter drives the rear wheels, giving the Countryman plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive capability. Combined, the plug-in hybrid produces 165kW/385Nm, which results in a 6.9 second 0-100km/h sprint time - just 0.4 seconds behind the performance-focused Countryman John Cooper Works. Using a 7.6kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the Countryman plug-in hybrid can be charged in three hours, 15 minutes using a regular household socket, or in two hours, 15 minutes using a Mini 'Wallbox'.Mini will sell the Wallbox to owners who can then install it at their house or workplace (or both) for faster charging.In addition to its claimed 40km all-electric driving range, Mini claims the Countryman plug-in hybrid uses 2.1L/100km of fuel, and CO2 emissions are claimed at 49g/km. Priced $3,300 above the Cooper SD - but $2,200 below the John Cooper Works - the plug-in hybrid sits at the upper end of the Countryman range. To help maximise efficiency, the Countryman plug-in hybrid is equipped with ‘eDrive’, which allows the driver to select different driving modes at speed. 'Auto' mode allows the electric motor to drive the car at up to 80km/h (the petrol engine kicking in above that), 'Max' mode allows the electric motor to drive the car at up to 125km/h, and the 'Save Battery' setting regenerates the battery to 90 per cent charged, maintaining that capacity from there. Sitting near the top of the Countryman line-up, the plug-in hybrid is equipped with automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, an 8.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system (with wireless Apple CarPlay and DAB+ digital radio), dual-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors with a reversing camera, an electric tailgate, six airbags, AEB with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality. Mini is yet to announce available options packages for the Countryman plug-in hybrid, though the standard models are available with almost endless personalisation for buyers. 2019 Mini Countryman pricing (plus on-road costs): Cooper: $41,900Cooper D: $45,900Cooper S: $48,900Cooper SD AWD: $53,900Plug-in hybrid AWD: $57,200John Cooper Works AWD: $59,900

Mini Australia has announced it will make a previously-optional safety pack standard across the Cooper hatch, convertible and Countryman ranges.

Mini has confirmed that its plug-in hybrid Mini Countryman S E ALL4 will finally be landing in Australia mid-way through next year, although no local pricing has yet been announced.

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has released results from its latest round of safety testing, with models from Audi, Mini and Skoda picking up the maximum five-star rating.

Lexus will return fire at the growing number of competitors in the compact coupe crossover segment.

The Countryman range will initially be offered in four levels of specification: the Cooper, Cooper D, Cooper S and Cooper SD.