Motoring

New Mini Countryman range completed with base Countryman C

Having initiated the roll-out of the new Mini Countryman range over the last three months, parent company, BMW, has now released details of the entry-level combustion engine model positioned below the Cooper S.

Electrically assisted

The derivative that opens-up the Countryman line-up, the Countryman C effectively replaces both the previous generation Countryman Cooper as well as the range-opening Countryman One, albeit initially only with petrol engine motivation.

Set to be joined next year by a diesel option, the Countryman C eschews the Cooper S and John Cooper Works’ 2.0-litre turbocharged engine for an uprated version of the three-cylinder 1.5-litre petrol-turbo, now aided by a 48-volt mild-hybrid belt/starter generator that adds an additional 14 kW for short bursts.

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ALSO READ: Plugged-in new Mini Countryman coming to South Africa in 2024

Sans the electrical system though, the Mini Countryman C outputs 125kW/280Nm, 25kW/40Nm more than in the previous Cooper, which goes to the front wheels through a revised version of the eight-speed Steptronic gearbox.

The sole transmission option now that the six-speed manual no longer features, the Countryman C will get from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 8.3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 212 km/h in contrast to the limited v-max of 170 km/h and 8.6 second 0-100 km/h sprint of its electric equivalent, the Cooper E.

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Confirmed spec

Dimensionally unchanged from the rest of the Countryman range, the Mini Countryman C’ will, however, ride on specific alloy wheels in sizes from 17 to 21-inches, in addition to a new colour option called Smokey Green.

The similarities continue inside where apart from the selection of colours and materials, including a textile finish on the doors and dashboard made from recycled polyester, the 9.4-inch OLED display infotainment system has been carried over, along with the digital instrument cluster and optional Head-Up Display.

Fitted as standard with sport front seats, but optionally with the panoramic sunroof, the Countryman C also boasts optional ambient lighting, plus an array of safety and driver assistance systems BMW didn’t disclose in exact detail, apart confirming adherence to Level 2 autonomous driving.

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More in 2024

Already confirmed for South Africa, the Mini Countryman C will open the local range up when sales commence in the second quarter of 2024.

NOW READ: Mini grows new Countryman range further with electrified Cooper S

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By Charl Bosch