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Facelifted MINI Countryman Cooper S And SE Debut Locally

The facelifted MINI Countryman Cooper S and SE have finally made it to Malaysia. 

MINI Malaysia has recently launched facelifted variants of its Countryman Cooper S and Cooper SE. Assembled locally in Malaysia, these updated models feature the same revisions that were first unveiled globally in the middle of last year. 

Talking more about these revisions made to these facelifted Countryman models, the biggest change on the outside at least is perhaps the inclusion of the MINI ALL4 Exterior Optic, which essentially just means auto LED headlights are now standard, as are the LED tail lights that now feature an abstract Union Jack motif. 

Aside from that, these new MINIs also gain a new design for its 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in run-flat tyres: MINI Turnstile Spoke for the Cooper S and MINI Yours British Spoke for the Cooper SE. Other exterior changes over its pre-facelifted counterparts include a new front grille, slightly different front and rear bumpers, as well as a new matte aluminium finish sump guard and various gloss-black exterior trim pieces as part of the standard Piano Black Exterior Optic package. 

Stepping inside, MINI has added more tech within the cabin of these facelifted models. Most notably of which is a twin-screen layout featuring a new 5-inch digital instrument cluster and an updated 8.8-inch central infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay integration. 

Both the facelifted Countryman Cooper S and SE also now feature an in-built 4G sim card, keyless go, a heads-up display, a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon HiFi Loudspeaker System, an automatic tailgate with the Picnic Bench, a Walknappa leather steering wheel with Union Jack insignia at the base, and perhaps most importantly, the standard fitment of MINI’s Driving Assistant system. Bringing with it high-beam assistant, speed limit information and automatic emergency braking. 

As for the powertrains of these updated MINIs, they remained largely unchanged from its pre-facelifted predecessors. 

Starting first of the Cooper S Countryman, it still retains its 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder that is mated to a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission. Outputting 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque, this particular maxi-MINI can achieve the century sprint in 7.5 seconds and go all the way to a top speed of 226 km/h. 

Moving on to the Cooper SE Countryman, as the E in the name suggests, this particular PHEV MINI features a 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that is paired with a rear-mounted electric motor powered by a 10 kWh lithium ion battery pack. Sending its combined 224 hp and 385 Nm of torque to all four wheels, 0-100 km/h comes up in just 6.8 seconds (quicker than its purely petrol counterpart) and it will pull to a top speed of 194 km/h. 

Delving a little bit deeper into its EV facts and figures, the Cooper SE Countryman has a claimed all-electric range of 44 km and has three eDrive modes: AUTO eDrive, MAX eDrive and Save Battery. To fully charge the MINI’s drive batteries, it will take between 3 to 5 hours. MINI Malaysia will provide every MINI Cooper SE Countryman owner with a complimentary MINI Public Charging Cable (in addition to the standard home charging cable) and a one-year free subscription of unlimited charging at all ChargEV stations nationwide.

Speaking of MINI Malaysia, both these updated Countryman variants are available at all authorised dealerships nationwide. Alternately, prospective customers can also order their cars online through the MINI Online Shop.

Prices (inclusive of SST exemption) for the facelifted MINI Cooper S Countryman and Cooper SE Countryman are RM 244,266 and RM 257,855 respectively. 

PRESS RELEASE: MINI, the most sophisticated compact premium automotive brand in Malaysia today introduced the New MINI Cooper S Countryman and the New MINI Cooper SE Countryman – further solidifying its portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles.

“The locally-assembled MINI Countryman introduced for the first time in 2018 was a significant milestone for us, as Malaysia became the first market in the world outside the Netherlands to locally assemble the best-selling MINI vehicle. Today, we remain committed to our investments in the country with the New MINI Cooper S Countryman and the New MINI Cooper SE Countryman, and we look forward to continue delivering the hallmark go-kart thrill loved by MINIacs across the nation,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

The MINI Countryman serves as the biggest and the most versatile member of the MINI model family. As the first model with an exterior length of more than four metres, four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and all-wheel drive, the MINI Countryman laid the foundations for the brand’s highly successful advance into the premium compact segment. The New MINI Countryman sees a significant optimisation in terms of space, versatility, functionality and ride comfort, with its progressive character reflected in a model variant with a plug-in hybrid drive.

The New MINI Countryman Variants.

Both the New MINI Cooper S Countryman and the New MINI Cooper SE Countryman now feature the MINI ALL4 Exterior Optic. The differentiated front and rear bumpers with decorative elements and sump guard in aluminium matt provide a rugged look to the new variants. The New MINI Countryman variants also feature auto LED headlights with cornering lights, bonnet stripes, roof rails and side sills.

The Union Jack Rear Light now represents an abstract interpretation of the Union Jack, with a more block-designed triangular surface, resulting in stronger lighting. A special detail is the dark tinted cover glasses that lends to a distinguishing mark to the light sources both in the day and night. The New MINI Cooper S Countryman is equipped with 19” MINI Turnstile Spoke with Run Flat Tyres while the MINI Cooper SE Countryman is equipped with the 19” MINI Yours British Spoke with Run Flat Tyres.

Both variants also feature the Piano Black Exterior Optic that ensures a particularly striking appearance. The headlight surrounds, rear lights, radiator grille and side scuttles are finished in high-gloss black instead of chrome, as are the door handles and the model lettering on the tailgate. Owners can also enjoy the convenience of Comfort Access with Easy Opener, as well as the automatic tailgate operation. Owners can also take a break from a long drive on the Picnic Bench, which is also standard with both variants.

Inside, both variants feature the MINI Yours Illuminated cockpit in Shaded Silver, conveying a stylish yet sporty flair by combining the illuminated cockpit bezel in Shaded Silver with the Dark Silver door bezels and Hazy Grey. The stylish interior is further amplified with Satellite Grey Headliner and Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black. Both variants also feature the MINI Yours Walknappa Leather Steering, which is a first for the MINI Cooper S Countryman. A signature union jack insignia is also featured at the bottom of the steering wheel.

For the first time, the New MINI Cooper S Countryman and the New MINI Cooper SE Countryman features a 5” digital instrument cluster strategically placed behind the steering wheel to inform the driver of speed, fuel level, mileage, temperature and navigation instructions. The updated 8.8” touchscreen display with navigation offers the vehicle a refined surface look, with the audio control panel, hazard light buttons and driver assistance systems seamlessly integrated into its circular control unit. For a focused driving experience, owners can also take advantage of the Head Up Display. In-car entertainment comes in the form of a 12-speaker Harman Kardon HiFi Loudspeaker System.

Both variants now include Driving Assistant system as standard. Like a second pair of eyes, the camera-based driving assistance package enables digital high-beam assistant, speed limit information, person warning with light city braking function and approach control warning with light city braking function. The person warning and approach control warning will warn and safely brake in a speed range of approximately 10 km/h to 60 km/h. At higher speeds, it will warn the driver of potential collisions with vehicles ahead while preconditioning the brakes for a faster brake response and shorter braking distance. The braking functions help to reduce the impact speed if an accident cannot be avoided.

Powerful and efficient drivetrains, maximum fun.

A 2-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo engine sits at the heart of the MINI Cooper S Countryman, enabling the vehicle to produce 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque to achieve a century sprint in 7.5 seconds. This MINI variant is capable of a top speed of 226 km/h. Paired with a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission, the vehicle can achieve extremely fast gear change with a high degree of shift comfort and optimised efficiency. This allows the MINI to reduce the unnecessary fuel consumption when stopping at junctions, for example. Additionally, the coasting function is available in both MID and GREEN driving modes for the MINI Cooper S Countryman, allowing it to roll along at idling speed, free of any engine braking effect and at minimum fuel consumption.

Meanwhile, the MINI Cooper SE Countryman is powered by a 1.5 litre MINI TwinPower Turbo engine and an electric motor, producing a combined power of 224 hp and 385Nm of torque. The plug-in hybrid is capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.8 seconds. The top speed of the MINI Cooper SE Countryman is 194 km/h.

The New MINI Cooper SE Countryman features the latest eDrive technology which includes a high-voltage lithium battery with a gross energy content of 10 kWh, providing the new plug-in hybrid a maximum electrically powered range of 48 kilometres. Additionally, the ALL4 all-wheel drive system provides a noticeable boost in terms of traction, driving stability and agility. With its fast and precise electronic control, the system ensures need-based distribution of power between the front and rear wheels in all road surface and weather conditions.

The cutting-edge eDrive technology in the New MINI Cooper SE Countryman provides owners with three modes. Firstly, AUTO eDrive uses the intelligent energy management system to find the perfect balance between the TwinPower Turbo engine and electric motor. This makes the car more efficient and has a lower combined fuel consumption. Secondly, the MAX eDrive provides pure electric driving pleasure in speeds up to 120km/h. Third, the Save Battery mode, which kicks in automatically when the battery charging status is low. The petrol engine is mainly used in this mode to charge the battery, or maintain its charging status at 90%. That way, owners can enjoy purely electric driving later. 

The New MINI Cooper SE Countryman can be charged at home by connecting it to a power socket via the home charging cable, which comes standard with the vehicle. Depending on the voltage of the household power grid, it takes approximately 5 hours @ 2.3kW to charge from 0-100%. Alternatively, the plug-in hybrid vehicle can be charged in one of over 300 public charging facilities across Malaysia, using the public charging cable. The 0-100% charging time with the Public Charging Station is approximately 3 hours 15 minutes @ 3.7kW. MINI Malaysia will provide every MINI Cooper SE Countryman owner with a complimentary MINI Public Charging Cable and a one-year free subscription of unlimited charging at all ChargEV stations nationwide.

MINI Connected.

Both variants are equipped with an 8.8-inch MINI Navigation System which can be operated via the touch screen, centre console, or even voice control. Owners can also connect their iPhone wirelessly to the vehicle and use the MINI Visual Boost to access numerous features on the phone with Apple CarPlay. Wireless Charging is also available to ensure mobile phones are always charged.

The new variants also feature a built-in 4G SIM card which is permanently fitted in the vehicle, enabling digital services such as the Intelligent Emergency Call, MINI TeleServices and Remote Services – which is complemented by the latest update of the MINI Connected App for seamless integration of mobility planning into the day-to-day digital routine. The MINI Concierge Service also provides an excellent source of assistance while on the move.

Owners of the MINI Cooper SE Countryman can also enjoy the eDrive Services on their MINI Connected App which provides information such as current battery status, electric range, charge timer, personal efficiency status data, the nearest charging station and pre-conditioning at their fingertips.

The New MINI Countryman variants are available in Chili Red, White Silver, Island Blue, Thunder Grey, British Racing Green and for the first-time ever, Sage Green –a captivating hue inspired by nature. 

The New MINI Countryman variants will be available at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide starting 26th February 2021. Alternatively, customers can also make booking on the MINI Online Shop at https://www.mini.my/minionlineshop.

MINI Roadside Assistance.

Both the New MINI Countryman variants are covered by MINI Malaysia’s 5 Years Roadside Assistance programme, available for all new MINI vehicles with a comprehensive list of services that include a 24-Hour, 365-days-a-year Accident and Help on the Phone and On the Spot Hotline, Free Towing Services and when needed (over 200KM from residential home), Replacement Vehicle, Seamless Mobility, Accommodation, Mobility Services Solutions as well as Repatriation services.

The MINI Roadside Assistance programme can be accessed by contacting 1800-88-8808. 

MINI Service Online.

Making a service appointment has never been easier. The new online service programme will now allow customers to schedule their service needs directly at their preferred MINI Authorised Dealerships via https://service.mini.my/

Joshua Chin

Automotive journalist. Professional work on dsf.my and automacha.com. Personal writing found at driveeveryday.me. Instagram: @driveeveryday

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