Mini Cooper Countryman 2017 car review

 Mini’s first ever plug-in hybrid is built with BMW eDrive components as used and tested in the iPerformance range, so we know they are already tried and true. The Countryman was a bit of a hit with me from the start, now with a super low fuel consumption of 2.3L/100km and 24kW more power than the larger engined Cooper S, I just want one!

The front wheels are powered by the combustion engine, while the rears by the electric motor. The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to run on electricity alone not just in urban traffic but far beyond, too – at a top speed of 125 km/h and with a range of up to 41 kilometres.

“With the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, for the first time we have the hallmark ‘go-kart feel’ driving experience of a MINI with the benefit of electric, zero-emission motoring”, comments BMW Group New Zealand Managing Director, Florian Renndorfer. “This gives our customers the benefits day-to-day commuting with electric mobility, while being able to drive unlimited distances, creating adventures on the weekend”.

So definitely providing the best of both worlds, 41km around town would just get me to work and back, which suits me fine as it’s nice to have a silent, emissions free crawl to work in Auckland rush-hour traffic.
Features, handling and drivability characteristics are typically Countryman - fun and functional. Our test vehicle was kitted out with 19” mag wheels, black bonnet stripes, chrome accents, picnic bench (yes you did read right), panoramic glass roof, electric heated seats, adaptive cruise control plus much, more.

100kW is provided by a 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine with the remainder added electrically, while gears are provided via a 6-speed Steptronic transmission. The electric motor and battery are tucked away in the back under the luggage compartment and rear seat. Charging rates can vary on power source, but can take 2.5 hrs with a BMW wallbox 3.6kW unit, or 3 ¼ hrs with a regular household 10amp power socket.

 Note: Cooper S PHEV variant currently not ANCAP safety rated.