MINI has always been known for providing driving fun. The go-kart-like handling and equally compact size make it truly fun to toss around. And with models like the MINI Cooper Countryman, family men who can’t leave their MINI behind now have the perfect car for their brood.
As if getting the best of both worlds wasn’t enough, MINI gives another option—this time for the green-minded folks. We refer, of course, to the environmentalists. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines the versatility and space of the Countryman, the power of the Cooper S, the nimble MINI handling, and the earth-friendliness of a hybrid drive system.
From the outside, it looks like your typical Countryman, which isn’t a bad thing, mind you. Setting it apart from its gasoline-powered counterparts are E badging on the grille, yellow S logo on the door sills, and the 17-inch Light Spoke alloy wheels. The cabin likewise gets epical touches like the eDRIVE toggles and the requisite hybrid system displays.
What really sets the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 apart, however, is what’s under the hood. A 3-cylinder TwinPower-equipped engine is combined with an electric motor, putting out a total system output of 224hp. The ingenious pair splits power transmission by letting the gas mill drive the front wheels while rear wheels are motivated by the electric lump. They work together to power the car from rest to 100kph in just 6.8 seconds. And yes, this likewise affords owners all-weather all-wheel drive traction.
More than outright performance, the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 puts efficiency at the forefront. Like any hybrid vehicle, it starts out in pure electric mode, enabling one to drive for up to 40kms on pure electricity. This can likewise be done up to speeds of 125kph n eMAX mode. The aforementioned eDRIVE toggle lets one easily switch between gasoline and electric driving.
Topping up the lithium-ion battery can be accomplished by simply plugging the car into a standard household electrical socket or a wallbox, with charging takes anywhere from 2:15 to 3:15 hours. And owners need not worry about that battery getting in the way of cargo space. MINI pegs cargo volume 405L with the rear seats up, and 1,275L with the seatbacks folded.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 will have its market launch in June 2017.
