The next-generation Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid, due next year, will be the BMW-owned brand’s most powerful series-production model yet.
The Mini Countryman will share its FAAR front-driven architecture with the all-new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and be produced alongside that model and the upcoming X1 crossover in Leipzig, Germany. It is set to use the same range of petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains, the most potent of which will be a four-wheel-drive PHEV set-up with a combined output that shades even that of the current Mini JCW GP hot hatchback.
The powertrain will pair a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with a 174bhp electric motor for a combined output of 322bhp, making the model substantially quicker than today’s 217bhp Countryman Cooper S E All4. A 14.2kWh (usable) battery will supply it with around 55 miles of EV range, a near-100% increase. It can be fully charged in 2.5 hours from a 7.4kWh charger.
It is not yet confirmed whether the most powerful Countryman will wear the JCW badge traditionally reserved for Mini’s performance models, but the brand has already confirmed its intentions to carry the nameplate through to its electrified product range.
A less powerful PHEV option with a combined 241bhp will also be available, as will 168bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 215bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engines, both with 48V mild-hybrid technology, and a 2.0-litre diesel.
The Countryman will follow its BMW X1 sibling in gaining a pure-electric powertrain option, too. Few details are currently available but, like the combustion-engined car, it is expected to be front-wheel drive as standard.
We got our first look at the hot range-topper late last year. A camouflaged test mule gave itself away with a beefy quad-exit exhaust, sports alloys and prominent rear spoiler.
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So it's just another version of the forthcoming X1. But it's not a Mini anymore.
I find it interesting, not more or less than that, and by no means a criticism, that the the "Minor", to which reference is made, seems to be a more genuine replacement for the Mini of old. The present Mini Hatch, especially in 5 door form, is a modern-day BMC 1100/1300 and, of course, the Countryman is the Maxi. The Clubman is perhaps an evolved 1100/1300 estate car.
The world has changed, so there is room for the 1800/2200/Princess and the 3 Litre, though if it were not so, personally I'd prefer to see them as a Triumph Dolomite and 3000 litre TC.
Issigonis was obviously a visionary.
I don't really care how big it gets. I just hope it looks less like a grumpy pig than the current one.
It's going to be bigger so it will be a grumpier pig. This is essentially a restyled twin of the new forthcoming X1.