MINI Countryman is the premium maker’s Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV) and also the largest MINI Cooper one can find today.
In 2017, MINI Malaysia delivered a record 1,011 units of vehicles across the country, a 12 per cent improvement on the 902 vehicles delivered a year earlier. In contrast, the entire passenger vehicle industry in Malaysia grew by only 0.2 per cent last year.
BMW Group Malaysia launched the latest Countryman in April. We tested the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid and it is a spacious fun-to-drive vehicle.
The first plug-in hybrid of the premium SAV from MINI is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder and an electric motor. Mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, the new MINI is able to generate 224hp and 385Nm of torque.
MINI claims that the spacious MINI all-rounder plug-in hybrid is capable of a 6.8 seconds century sprint and has a top speed of 198kph. It has an average fuel rating of 2.1 litres per 100km (l/100km). It also offers an all-electric driving range of up to 42km with a maximum speed of up to 120kph.
Measuring at a length of 4,313mm, a width of 1,821 mm, a height of 1,560mm and weighing 1,735kg, it has 450 litres of boot space and 36 litres of fuel tank capacity.
The new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid can be charged at home by connecting it to a power socket via the Home Charging Cable for approximately five hours (230V), depending on the voltage of the household power grid, or at one of 270 public charging facilities across Malaysia for approximately 3:15 hours (230V), depending on the voltage of the power grid of the public charging station.
To differentiate the petrol variant from the plug-in hybrid variant, “e” badges can be found on the side scuttles and the yellow “S” in the model inscription on the rear as well as on the radiator grille and door sill finishers, as well as a charging port under a flap in the area of the left-hand side scuttle.
It is equipped with ALL4 exterior body kit, 19-inch MINI Yours masterpiece, MINI Yours Walknappa multi-function leather steering wheel, ambient lights, leather upholstery, leather seats with memory function for the driver, powered tailgate with handsfree function, LED headlights with daytime running lights, 6.5-inch touchscreen display and the eDrive button which allows the driver to choose between different electric drive modes.
This MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is also fitted with the ALL4 all-wheel drive system, that comes with Dynamic Stability Control which distributes the propulsive force of the engines to both axles. The petrol engine propels the front axle wheels while the electric motor propels the rear axle wheels.
As for the ALL4 system, it helps to counteract oversteer as well as understeer and ensures an optimum propulsion. This means more traction on every road surface, maximum stability, and even more fun during cornering.
Safety features include anti-lock braking system, brake assist, cornering brake control, electronic brakeforce distribution, dynamic braking light, attention assist, dynamic stability control with dynamic traction control, electronic differential lock control, parking distance control, run-flat tyres, rear-view camera, four airbags and ISOFIX childseat mounting points.
The MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is priced at RM250,888 for personal registration and excluding insurance. It is covered with a six-year or up to 100,000km battery warranty, the MINI four-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service and a five-year roadside assistance programme.
The Drive
For the young executives with small family, who like a car that is spacious and yet doesn’t look or feel too big, this is the perfect match for them. It is also most suitable for those who have difficulty maneuvering a mid-size SUV.
The MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is a fun, comfortable, spacious, posh and fast ride. Like most plug-in hybrids, the MINI Countryman Plug-in Hybrid starts on the electric motor mode, therefore, it is quiet and smooth.
We couldn’t feel a thing during the transition from electric motor to combustion engine, when driven above 80kph.
When driving the MINI Countryman under hard acceleration, it dashed off the line effortlessly and the gear changes are smooth. During normal driving speed, the SAV is silent and it picks the best gear ratio for the most economical drive.
The suspension keeps the car stable in corners, with minimum body roll. It felt planted and composed during fast corners, thanks fo the ALL4 all-wheel drive system. The light weighted steering was precise and responded to direction changes quickly.
Despite running on 19-inch wheels, the tyres and suspension absorb most potholes and uneven road conditions very well. However, the bigger bumps and deeper pot holes were felt. The engine, wind and tyre noise were very well isolated from the cabin, during low- and high-speed driving.
The build quality of the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is excellent, the stitching and seams were consistent throughout the spacious cabin. The design of the dashboard is stylish and appealing. The MINI designers and engineers have done a great job maintaining the MINI iconic aircraft-liked switches and cockpit design. They also enhanced the beauty of its interior by adding more curves, stripes, as well as the ambiance lights. The black glossy carbon-like finished material used on its dashboard, creates a very exquisite effect when the ambiance lights, lights up the lining, especially during the night.
There is also a picnic cushion, a seat that folds easily into the boot, where normally a car’s spare tyre would be placed. A nice feature for those who occasionally meet up during a car club drive, or even those that often go for outdoor adventures.
The 6.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system is simple to operate, but the size is rather small compared with most displays offered in the market. The six-speaker audio system plays a strong and solid bass, accompanied by a balance, clear and sharp treble. Nonetheless, for those audiophiles who prefer live concert-liked sound quality, then an upgrade is needed.
We clocked over 750km with a full tank of fuel during our time with the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid. A mixture of daily city and highway driving, in legal speed limit recorded that we used 5.0 to 5.3 l/100km. The odometer showed it consumed about 2.6 to 3.5 l/100km when we cruised on the highway around 80kph to 100kph. After an aggressive maximum throttle drive, it stated that utilised 9.2 to 11.2 l/100km.
Without a doubt, the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is an enjoyable SAV, yet there are still some areas that can be improved. We felt that it should come fitted with a larger display screen. It would help the driver during long distance driving, if it is equipped with adaptive cruise control.