Mini has revealed a sporty S version of its new-generation Countryman SUV that it’ll offer as part of the local line-up at its launch in the first quarter of 2024.
The Mini Countryman S is claimed to be an “all-rounder” variant in the petrol range. It slots in under the recently revealed Countryman John Cooper Works (JCW) variant, and above the entry-level Countryman C.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Total system outputs are 160kW of power and 360Nm of torque, with drive sent through an all-wheel drive system.
Mini claims the 48V mild-hybrid system is capable of providing a temporary boost of 14kW and helps support the “vehicle’s performance in the low-speed range”.
The Countryman S has a claimed combined fuel economy of between 6.8 litres per 100km and 7.4 litres per 100km, according to WLTP testing.
It has a single-joint McPherson strut front axle and multi-link rear axle which is claimed to provide the typical Mini go-kart feeling.
It features adaptive suspension with frequency-selective dampers, and sits 15mm lower than the Countryman C.
The Mini Countryman S can be had in four different trims – Essential, Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works – each with unique styling elements inside and out.
There are a range of alloy wheels available which range in size from 17 to 21 inches.
Inside, the Countryman S has a version of the same minimalist, high-tech interior as the broader Countryman range. This includes the adoption of the 9.4-inch circular OLED touchscreen infotainment system that runs the latest Mini Operating System 9.
Claimed boot space is 450 litres, which expands to 1450 litres with the rear seats folded down. The rear seats fold in a 40:20:40 split.
On the safety front, there’s a new partially automated Level 2 driving function that allows drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel on multi-lane roads at speeds of up to 60km/h.
The system is capable of helping the driver identify gaps in traffic, bring the vehicle to the optimal speed, and automatically initiate the lane change.
As recently reported, the petrol Countryman will hit local showrooms in the first quarter of 2024 in Countryman C and Countryman S guises.
The electric Countryman and more powerful petrol Countryman JCW will follow in the third quarter of 2024.
Pricing and final specifications haven’t been locked in yet.
