Launched in Malaysia in Could, the brand new MINI Countryman SE has lastly made its technique to us, so we’ve offered you with a full gallery of this electrical SUV. As earlier than, the third-generation mannequin relies on the BMW X1, however there’s additionally now an EV variant with the identical motors and battery because the iX1 xDrive30, too.
First, let’s discuss pricing. MINI has launched official pricing for the Countryman in Malaysia, and it’s not far off what was estimated, with the SE All4 retailing at RM258,888 on-the-road with out insurance coverage. That’s with the usual two-year, unlimited-mileage guarantee; add the four-year guarantee and repair package deal and this determine jumps to RM266,288.
That cash buys you twin motors that ship all-wheel drive and a complete output of 313 PS (230 kW) and 494 Nm of torque – precisely the identical because the RM16,900 dearer iX1 xDrive30. The truth is, the Countryman SE really accelerates from zero to 100 km/h a tenth of a second faster at 5.6 seconds, on its technique to hitting a high velocity of 180 km/h.
Nonetheless, regardless of additionally sharing its 66.5 kWh battery, its WLTP-rated vary is barely decrease than the iX1 at 432 km. On the flip aspect, the Countryman not solely accepts the identical 130 kW of DC quick charging (topping up the battery from 10 to 80% in 29 minutes) however has double the utmost AC charging enter of twenty-two kW, that means {that a} full cost takes a lot much less time at simply 3 hours 45 minutes.
MINI has clearly developed the U25 Countryman to be rather more sensible than the outgoing F60 mannequin, and that a lot is obvious within the automotive’s dimension. At 4,445 mm lengthy, the brand new automotive is 130 mm longer than earlier than and is the truth is simply 60 mm shorter than the iX1, which is constructed on the identical second-generation UKL2 platform.
As such, this automotive loses the standard MINI four-square stance, regardless of some deft sculpting to assist minimise the automotive’s visible bulk. Highlights embrace squarish adaptive LED headlights with perimeter daytime working lights, a big hexagonal entrance grille, chunky fender flares, flush pull-up door handles, customisable “matrix” LED taillights and a peculiar C-pillar trim piece that drops downwards from the roof.
Some typical MINI design cues, such because the entrance fender “aspect scuttles” and clamshell bonnet, have been dropped for a extra minimalist look. The Malaysian-spec mannequin comes within the range-topping Favoured trim, which provides Vibrant Silver exterior trim, ornamental skid plates and a selection of both Piano Black or Vibrant Silver roof and door mirrors. It additionally rides on 20-inch Windmill Spoke two-tone alloy wheels.
The minimalist aesthetic continues on the within, with a wraparound dashboard design coated in Darkish Petrol (ironic, given the shortage of petrol on this automotive) 3D-knit cloth that gradates to Classic Brown in direction of the rear doorways. You additionally get a three-spoke sports activities steering wheel with a material decrease spoke, vertical air vents and a large centre console with quite a lot of storage compartments – together with a Qi wi-fi charger and a coated field with a pull-to-open strap.
As you possibly can anticipate from such a large dimension improve, MINI guarantees higher passenger house, together with a major improve in shoulder room. Open the hands-free powered tailgate and also you’ll discover a 460 litre boot, expandable to 1,350 litres with the 40:20:40-split rear seats folded (no entrance boot, sadly).
Taking centre stage (actually) is a particular 9.4-inch round OLED touchscreen that integrates not solely the air-con controls but additionally the velocity readout, very similar to the Volvo EX30. It runs on the Android-based MINI Working System 9 and comes with a “Hey MINI” voice management system, visualised by a canine avatar known as Spike. The deletion of the instrument cluster has been compensated by the addition of a head-up show.
Behind the show sit two projectors that show patterns onto both aspect of the dashboard, relying on the drive mode chosen. You additionally get augmented actuality navigation, the smartphone-based MINI Digital Key Plus, MINI Driving Sounds and a 360-degree digital camera system with Distant 3D View. Under the display screen, the trademark toggle switches have been simplified to only two for the gear selector and drive modes, plus a quantity knob, parking brake button and a novel key-like starter twist knob.
On the within, the Favoured trim provides JCW sport seats made from Vescin Beading fake leather-based in both Classic Brown or Darkish Petrol. Different bits of normal equipment embrace keyless entry with proximity locking and unlocking, exterior MINI emblem projection, power-adjustable entrance seats with driver’s aspect reminiscence, lumbar adjustment and therapeutic massage features, dual-zone local weather management and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon encompass sound system.
Security-wise, the Countryman SE comes as normal with the Driving Assistant package deal, which incorporates autonomous emergency braking, lane protecting help, blind spot monitoring, rear collision warning and rear cross visitors alert. Additionally fitted is Parking Assistant Plus, throwing on park help, a Manoeuvring Assistant, a Reversing Assistant and a 360-degree digital camera system with distant 3D view.
The automotive additionally comes with all of the {hardware} needed for Driving Assistant Plus, including adaptive cruise management with cease and go, lane centring help and visitors signal recognition. Nonetheless, you’ll must pay for a subscription to activate it, which prices RM202 monthly – or you possibly can trump up RM4,481 for it to be unlocked for the lifetime of the automotive.
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