Mini Cooper SUV named Countryman for 2011
Tougher competition combined with recent Global meltdown within the auto industry is starting to show higher level of creativity from the big players of Auto industry creating models that would probably be ignored all together few years ago. Mini, well established brand, offering small car lovers alternative with touch of class and sportiness that its rivals can only dream of has finally adding another version to its line up that is the biggest Mini ever that left the Austrian facility. First introduced as a Mini crossover concept at Paris motor show in 2008 it is now fast becoming a reality with scheduled roll out in early 2011. The car has been confirmed for Australia. At 4.1m long with extended wheelbase this crossover can hardly be described as a small car putting the extra length to good use offering reasonable seating for 5 occupants. However, the car has to be order with a three place bench seat in order to fulfil this duty. Otherwise standard rear buckets seats will be in place offering rear occupants even more space than previously available. Hiding in the base models will be 1.6 litre 4 cylinder engine that will have its work cut out pushing extra 180kg of penalty due to the added extra length. 1.6 Litre 4-cylinder engine provides reasonable power and with 6 speed manual trasmission promises reasonable fuel economy and performance. Although, technological innovation designed to tweak maximum power whilst reducing fuel consumption that these days is finding its way to many new models has been ignored in this Mini upgrade, with its standard Mini 1.6l transplant. But don’t expect miracles. Unless you would like to be on the other side of 10s for 0-100km/h then Cooper S would be the appropriate choice. Mini Cooper S Countryman will see the introduction of direct injection, variable valve timing and twin scroll turbo charging technology derived from BMW bigger engines that will see it happily pulling its 1300kg weight along with 135kW and 245Nm. In its 6 speed manual form it will catapult the stretched Mini to 100km/h in 7.6 seconds. There is also the four wheel drive option for Mini S adding further stability and handling to the driving characteristics that can be described as excellent considering its extra length and weight. At first glance the inside of the car is still very much a Mini. But look closer and selection of better materials is clearly evident.
In all, the car delivers same if not more than its smaller siblings, with added space and luxury the car is almost definitely worth waiting for.
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This Mini Cooper article has been added by Mark Prchal
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