MINI Countryman launched in Malaysia
BMW Malaysia has launched the MINI Countryman, an all-new product which features four doors and four-wheel drive for the first time in a MINI. Two variants were unveiled for the Malaysian market, starting with the Cooper Countryman at RM248,888 before insurance and moving on to the Cooper S Countryman at RM285,888.
Introducing the new MINI Countryman, Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “From the start, the MINI name has always been synonymous with excitement, cheekiness and performance; characteristics that are in abundance with the new MINI Countryman that we are introducing today. The MINI Countryman represents everything that is great about the MINI and magnifies it. It is all about the 4 – 4th Family Member, 4 Doors, 4 Wheel Drive and built larger than 4 Metres in size!”
Briscoe further added that the MINI brand continues to be a successful and growing brand for BMW Group Malaysia, saying “In 2010, BMW Group Malaysia sold a total of 222 MINI’s, a growth of 3.7 percent compared to the preceding year and with todays launch of the new MINI Countryman, we are looking forward to continuing MINI’s success in Malaysia.”
Both variants of the MINI Countryman will be available with the 1.6-litre BMW-PSA Prince engine. The Cooper Countryman gets the naturally aspirated version of this engine rated to produce 122hp and 160Nm, while the more expensive Cooper S version gets direct injection and a twin-scroll blower to bump outputs up to 184hp and 240Nm.
All-wheel drive, or ALL4 in MINI-speak, is available only with the higher end Cooper S version, though both get a 6-speed automatic transmission as standard. The ALL4 permanent AWD system is able to vary torque distribution to the rear wheels between 50 and 100%. Suspension set-up is independent all-round, while the rack and pinion steering is electrically assisted.
A much talked about feature of the Countryman’s interior is the centre rail that runs lengthwise through the cabin’s middle, allowing occupants to customize centre console storage space like no other car before. In Malaysia-spec versions of the Countryman, however, the centre rail terminates at the front as BMW Malaysia opted to specify our Countrymen (ed: Guessing this is the correct plural?) with a three-seater rear bench.
As with other MINI variants, the Countryman is offered with a wide variety of customizing options, though standard kit already includes auto climate control, CD player and Dynamic Stability Control. The Cooper S gets Dynamic Traction Control together with an electronic locking front diff. Options include a panoramic glass roof that goes for RM9,988 and MINI Connected entertainment package at RM14,988.
Pictures: Official BMW Group Malaysia release.
