Volume 14 Issue 1 » 65
2017 MINI Countryman Cooper and Cooper S
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Photo by MINI Canada
Despite the initial presumption due to its namesake, the MINI Countryman is roomy and practical. Redesigned from the ground up for 2017, and sharing a platform with the BMW X1 SUV, the new Countryman still feels uniquely MINI.
This means retaining the quintessential fun MINI driving characteristics and quirkiness of the smaller models in the company’ s range, while adding more pragmatism for daily life.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2017 Countryman has grown by a significant 8.5 inches in length and 2.9 inches in wheelbase. Owners and potential buyers told MINI that’ s what they wanted, so that’ s what they got.
Cooper S and you’ ll enjoy a 189 hp turbocharged 2.0L four. A more powerful John Cooper Works Countryman is also available with 228 hp, and a plug-in-hybrid version Cooper S E hybrid arrives in the latter half of 2017.
MINI’ s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system is optional on the Cooper, but standard on the Cooper S and JCW Countryman.
With improved fit and finish, the cabin is much more spacious than before while still retaining a fair bit of MINI-ness, such as the rounded navigation screen and toggle switches, both inspired by the original 1959 BMC Mini.
Under the surface, the entry-level Countryman Cooper employs a 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder producing 134 hp. Step up to the