Volume 14 Issue 1 » 65
2017 MINI Countryman Cooper and Cooper S
»
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