New Mini Countryman revealed

It appears we have reached the maximum Mini.

The new-generation Mini Countryman - the biggest model from a brand previously known for its diminutive size - has grown even further, adding 200mm to its length and 30mm to its width, which places it in the very pointy end for size in the city SUV market.

The added length has helped liberate extra interior room by extending the wheelbase by 75mm to create a more comfortable five-seat experience.

Mini's Countryman range is offered in five variants, made up of two petrol models, two diesel and an all-new plug-in hybrid variant. All models feature a front-drive set-up as standard with all-wheel drive available with each engine configuration.

The range kicks off with the entry-level Mini Countryman which is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 100kW and 220Nm and is paired to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

Up next is the Mini Countryman S which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit that produces 141kW and 280Nm and is mated to a either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission.

The diesel Countryman D and Countryman SD are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 110kW/330Nm in D form and 140kW/400Nm in SD guise. The D variant is available with a choice of a manual or auto gearbox while the SD comes standard with the eight-speed automatic.

And in a first for the brand, the Countryman will now offer a plug-in hybrid version that utilises the three-cylinder petrol engine found in the entry-level Countryman and an 65kW electric motor that has a total power output of 165kW and 385Nm. Mini also claim that its Mini Countryman S E has a range of 40km on electric power only.

Electronic damper control can be optioned on the new Countryman and controlled through three driving modes; Mid, Sport and Green.

The Mini Countryman has an extensive list of optional extras in European guise at leasr that includes a safety package that brings active cruise control, pedestrian warning with initial brake function, auto high beam and road sign detection. A reversing camera, parking assist and head-up display are also additional optional extras in Europe, but could be fitted as standard to Australian models as Mini has yet to confirm local specifications for the second-generation SUV.

A Harman Kardon stereo can also be optioned with Mini navigation and a 8.8-inch touchscreen as part of the Wired package that also includes increased connectivity.

While two-zone airconditioning, panorama glass roof, alarm system, tow hitch and exterior and interior touches can also be fitted to the car.

The new Mini Countryman is set to make its official global debut at the 2016 Los Angeles motor show in November.

Local prices will be revealed closer to its Australian launch.

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