Dichotomy sells, and the Countryman proves it
THERE’S NOTHING quite as playful, candid and quirky as a Mini — but the Countryman has its own special backstory. The progressive model is the product of business foresight, a gutsy attempt of the British brand to introduce a type of Mini that did not strictly conform with all of the traditional characteristics that first made Minis famous.
It has a length of over four meters, has four doors, and could comfortably seat five — something that was definitely not as “mini-sized” as the original proposition. And although it still has the DNA of a Mini and was absolutely recognizable as one, it also almost looked like a tiny crossover, which would certainly have to make a few sacrifices here and there in terms of comparable extreme driving dynamics. But in the end, the people have spoken.
The Mini Countryman, despite a lot of purist pushback, eventually evolved into a hot-selling model as it managed to diversify Mini’s original spectrum of clientele. More people became willing to own a Mini because they could opt for a relatively more practical vehicle in terms of space, versatility, and passenger capacity. These days, the Countryman comprises about 30% of all of Mini’s car sales worldwide! And even more interestingly, the Countryman’s share of total Mini sales in the Philippines is at an impressive 40%! How’s that for Mini providence?
And the latest news is that the new 2022 Mini Countryman is now available at Mini dealers in the country. It carries a refreshed radiator grille, a new body finish, and also comes with what I think is a really attractive, piano black exterior trim. Elevating the look are new, 19-inch turnstile-spoke two-tone wheels that come with run-flat tires as standard. The rear lights flaunt those funky Union Jack patterns, and they’re clearly discernible during the day as they are at night. Its headlamps and fog lights now use LEDs as standard equipment. It now also always comes with roof rails to exude its Mini All4 exterior image. This Mini Countryman that runs on a Cooper S gasoline engine with the latest TwinPower Turbo technology is priced at P3.75 million. And of course, being an All4, that certainly means it’s in four-wheel drive.
Powering this relatively bigger and higher (but still go-kart-like cute) driving machine is a four-cylinder, two-liter gasoline engine (with Twin Power Turbo technology) mated to a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch sport transmission. This favors rapid gear changes, and can make the car go from a standstill to 100kph in 7.5 seconds. The more sophisticated engine combined with its new particulate filters also further optimize the car’s CO2 emissions, helping it meet stringent Euro 6d emission standards.
The interior is ever modern and convenient with its electronically adjustable front seats that offer a memory function for the seat adjustments of the driver. As a highlight of the comforts of the Countryman, it generously offers passengers three seats in the rear, which can be folded via a 40:20:40 split to free up more cargo space, should it be necessary. Folding all three seats increases the initial 450 liters of storage capacity to 1,390 liters. Also new in design is a central instrument panel that comes in piano black as well to match the exterior motif.
The digital cockpit display behind the steering wheel is also redesigned with a five-inch color screen. Set as standard is an 8.8-inch color display positioned in the center that also functions as a professional navigation system. Wireless phone charging, a second USB socket, and Apple CarPlay compatibility are all also among the new vehicle’s offerings.
Of course, a Mini will not be a Mini without its hip colors to choose from — and this latest model is available in two new shades, White Silver Metallic and Sage Green Metallic, among other options. And to many a customer’s delight, there is now also an extended range of original Mini accessories that allow for customers to further individualize their cars and, most especially, to opt for those ridiculously cute retro-fit parts. You can check them all out at official Mini dealers nationwide.
