The new MINI Cooper and Countryman are now in the Philippines along with their all-electric versions, a first here in the country. It’s a simplified lineup as well featuring only an ICE-model and an EV.
Let’s first take a dive into the powertrain of these MINIs. The two share the same 2.0 liter Twin Power Turbo engine that’s paired to a 7-speed Dual Clutch. It makes 204 horses and 300 Nm of pull. Due to the different sizes of the Cooper and Countryman, the powertrain has different figures for acceleration and top speed. The MINI Cooper can go 0-100 kph in 6.6 secs and has a top speed of 242 kph. Meanwhile the MINI Countryman does 0-100 kph in 7.4 secs and has 228 kph top speed.
For their electrified versions, the power is much different. The MINI Cooper comes with 215 horsepower and 300 Nm, a 54.2 kWh battery, and a range of up to 401 km. On the other hand, the MINI Countryman has 313 hp and 494 Nm, a 67.4kWh battery, and a range of 433 km.
Charging can be done via an 11kW AC or DC Fast Charging up to 95 kW that can juice up the MINI Cooper from 10 to 80% in 30 minutes.
This new generation of MINIs make use of ‘Charismatic Simplicity’ design language that maximizes the purity of what makes a car design a MINI. They have short overhangs, a short hood, long wheelbase, and big wheels – signatures of MINI for so long. On top of that, their modern amenities are kept retro thanks to the round headlights and UK signature on the taillights.
The cabin is where most changes happened. MINI has retained the iconic circular infotainment screen at the center of the dash. This OLED display makes use of MINI Operating System 9 that’s also minimalist and follows standards familiar with consumer electronics, leading to an intuitive usage even for first timers. There’s even a swipe-up gesture that reveals a tool belt that will be very familiar to anyone using a smartphone. It also houses the aircon controls and the temperature displays are permanently displayed on the left and right side edges.
Under it is the ‘capsule’ that houses the shifter, turn-key ignition, and other toggle switches. Having the shifter here also made room for more space at the center console. The dashboard itself is more flat than before and features vertical air vents. MINI has also totally removed the instrument cluster in front of the driver in lieu of a pop-up display farther away on the dashboard.
Experience mode is new to the MINI lineup. It brings the dashboard to life by having light projections that are not distracting to the driver. You can choose from Go-Kart, Vivid, Core, Green, Timeless, Balance, Trail, and Personal Modes.
New materials also made their way into the cabin of the new MINI Cooper and Countryman. The dash and door panels have knitted surfaces made from recycled polyester creating a different feel. The seats are covered with a material called Vescin – MINI’s own material that is 100% recyclable and vegan friendly.
Space has increased for these two. The Cooper now has 200 liters of space and expands to 800 liters with the rear seats down. That goes even more for the Countryman that has a 460-liter capacity and goes up to 1,450 liters with the rear seats folded. It even has floor compartment storage for the charging amenities that comes with it.
The track width and wheelbase have also been increased and paired with a better suspension and damping system to provide better driving dynamics. Combined with the powertrain and the signature handling of MINI, it only enhances the go-kart feel of the Cooper and Countryman.
An ALL4 All-Wheel Drive System in the Countryman improves its traction, safety, stability, and agility, providing intelligent distribution between the front and rear wheels under all road and weather conditions. Add to that its improved braking performance and the Countryman will definitely keep you confident while out on the road.
The MINI Cooper SE is priced at PHP 3,699,000 and the Countryman SE at PHP 4,299,000. Their electrified versions are at PHP 3,300,000 and PHP 3,899,000 respectively. Your eyes are not deceiving you, the electric versions are indeed cheaper.
