Dec
22nd
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It all is. As the largest member of the Mini family, the Countryman will be aimed at picking up customers that found previous Mini variants just a little too small for their liking. Engine and transmission options are the same fare found in other Minis -- a 1.6-liter I-4 in either naturally aspirated or turbocharged forms, mated to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The Countryman is also the first Mini to come with all-wheel drive as an option.
What is a Mini when it's no mini? It's a Mini Countryman. This is what BWM refers to as a Mini crossover. While still a small car, being about the size of a Honda Fit, it is somewhat larger than the standard Mini and is able to add four doors to the mix, making life much easier for those who spend time in the rear seats.
The Countryman is not without its crossover bits though. It offers a higher seating position than the hatchback and is now fixed with Mini's ALL4 All wheel drive system, which is an always on all wheel drive. The 1.6 liter four cylinder engine, making 121 horsepower remains an option for the Countryman, though they have updated the power of the Turbocharged version of the engine to 181 HP. A six speed manual transmission is standard with a six speed automatic offered as an option. It will come as no surprise that the Countryman offers significantly more cargo space than the standard Mini, What is a nice surprise is the 8 inches of extra shoulder room it affords for rear passengers.