Mini Countryman Launch

One common thing about car brands is that as much as they have an identity, none of them has really pushed it to the point where it becomes a culture. Except for Mini. Think Mini and there are high chances that you’ll picture a little, fun car, driven by youngsters, probably heading out for some fun at the beach. That’s why Mini works: it’s not just about a car; it’s a whole lifestyle you’re getting into when sitting in a Mini.

But as time passes, Mini owners are facing a crisis: they have grown up, founded a family and they now need room for the kids in the back of the car, but they don’t want to give up their beloved car, nor do they want to give up the fun of driving. Hopefully, Mini answered this call.

On Wednesday 19^th January, Mini launched its latest model: the Countryman. As the name clearly states, this Mini is made for getaways. On that particular evening, this idea was made clear by the farmer and his cows (yes, real cows) greeting the guests at the John Erdos Gallery, at Dempsey.

The evening wasn’t just all about the cows, the whole place was made to feel like a country getaway, and everything was made to make you understand that this wasn’t your average car launch. After enjoying the yummy tidbits and sweet drinks, the black and green ushers directed the crowd to the back room where a big screen greeted the guests and warmed up the audience, teaching dance moves in good humour. Everybody was enjoying the atmosphere until the countdown started, and everyone’s anticipation rose. By the time it reached zero, everybody was breaking their necks to find out where the car was going to appear from. A curtain in the back of the room opened, everybody cleared the way and... A drummer and his set of drums rolled in. For a minute, you could taste the confusion in the air, but the rhythmic music took over and the party continued, until the screen was lifted and a gorgeous whit Countryman Cooper S smoothly rolled in, cheered by the crowd.

I have to say, the car is magnificent. The Countryman is not only 30cm longer; it’s also 10cm higher and 10cm wider. These extra measurements are very well used: space in the rear is very accommodating, and even with a tall person in the front seat, the leg room won’t feel restrictive. The driver’s seating position is higher, giving a better view of the road, which is enjoyable not only for normal cruising, but will also be very much appreciated when driving out in the country. Last but not least, its wider stance and muscular fenders gives it the looks of a brawler. Although it still looks like a Mini that’s been stretched, the front end gives out a different feel from the regular model: the headlights’ new shape and the front grill design (that reminds me of a Charger SRT) turns the cute little car into a mean predator ready to pounce.

This feeling continues inside the car, with the tachometer staring at the driver in the face from behind the steering wheel and the speedometer sitting on top of the center console. This configuration that has been followed in all Minis dates back from the time where the first Minis were rallying: the speedometer was moved to the center so that the co-pilot could give better information to the driver by easily monitoring the speed. The Countryman also introduces the Mini Visual Boost, an on-board computer that fits inside the Center Speedo and features a 6.5 inch high-resolution display screen.

This Mini isn’t only for show, and the Countryman is the very first Mini to be optionally equipped with the ALL4, a permanent all-wheel drive system. Based on an electromagnetic centre differential, the power from the engine gets, in normal situations, equally distributed between the front and rear axles, but can be fully delivered to either axle when needed, giving a better handling and control in critical situations, or just plainly helping the driver to get the most fun out of his drive when whacking the Countryman, whether it’s on asphalt, gravel or snow.

At the end of this amazing party-launch, the cows had gone home and a cow-spotted Countryman had replaced them in the pen, gently sitting there. Feeling at home. Teasing me.

 

More to come in the test drive, coming soon!

Special thanks to Angelika Frank, Daniel Chan and all the team at Mini and BMW for this great evening!

Photos by Zach Lau