2017 Mini Countryman priced under $40k

Mini is packing more for less into its second-generation Countryman SUV.

The German car maker has confirmed local details for new bigger, bolder soft roader ahead of its official arrival mid year.

Initially avilable as a four model range, the Countryman will incorporate Cooper and Cooper S petrol versions plus Cooper D and Cooper SD diesels, the latter of which is the only variant offered with Mini's All4 all-wheel drive system.

Crucially, to make the Countryman a more family friendly proposition the new model has grown in size, with an extra 20cm of overall length and 18cm more wheelbase resulting in an additional 5cm of rear knee room, and a larger 450 litre boot.

Pricing for the new range opens at $39,900 (plus on-road costs) for the Countryman Cooper which now comes standard with a six-speed automatic and is powered by Mini's 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol which brings a handy power and torque upgrade over the outgoing model with 100kW and 220Nm (up from 90kW/160Nm in the previous model).

Choosing the Cooper D switches the engine to a 110kW/330Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with an eight-speed automatic, priced from $43,900 (plus on-roads). Fuel consumption is rated at 6.0L/100km for the Cooper and 4.8L/100km for the Cooper D.

Standard features for the Cooper twins include 18-inch alloy wheels, partial cloth and leather interior trim, dual-zone climate control, powered tailgate, sliding rear seat with 40:20:40 folding, 6.5-inch infotainment display, digital radio, 6-speaker audio, halogen headlights with highbeam assist, plus auto lights and wipers, 

Cooper S and Cooper SD equipment upgrades include Mini Driving Modes (Normal, Sport, or Green), a sport styled interior with a John Cooper Works steering wheel, rear seat armrest, adaptive LED headlights, plus unique front and side grilles and a dual-outlet exhaust.

The Cooper S is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with 141kW of power and 280Nm of torque, matched to an eight-speed automatic with front wheel drive. The Cooper SD runs an upgraded version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with 140kW and 400Nm, with an eight speed automatic and all wheel drive.

Both Cooper S and Cooper SD can complete the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.4 seconds with fuel consumption for the Cooper S rated at 6.5 l/100km and the Cooper SD at 5.2 l/100km.

Safety features includes six airbags, traction and stability control, ABS brakes with brake assist and cornering stability control, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go, front and rear park sensors, and speed limit recognition.

To keep Mini's spirit of individualisation alive, contrasting roof and mirror caps are available, along with a JCW exterior kit, wheel upgrades, perforated leather trim with JCW upgrades plus exterior stripe kits.

Options packages include the Chili Package for Cooper models with LED headlights and foglights, plus driving modes, a Climate Package with heated front seats, sun protection glazing, and a panoramic sunroof, a Multimedia Pro Package including 8.8-inch infotainment upgrade, 20GB hard drive, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, head up display, and perhaps most curious of all, the Road Trip Package which adds a luggage net, tyre pressure monitoring, rear armrest (for Cooper) and a flip out padded picnic bench that deploys from beneath the boot floor for on-the-go tailgate parties.

2017 Mini Countryman Prices (Excluding on-road costs)

Countryman Cooper - $39,900
Countryman Cooper D - $43,900
Countryman Cooper S - $46,500
Countryman Cooper SD - $51,500

- For more information visit our Mini showroom page