Friday, April 06, 2018

MINI Malaysia Launches The Locally Assembled MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports - A Sporty Countryman From RM245,888 Onwards


After unveiling the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid and while the photographers, journalists and other social media influencers were busy hovering around the first MINI hybrid car sold in Malaysia, MINI Malaysia, then revealed to those present the New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports. It will also be locally assembled in Malaysia and will cost RM245,888 before insurance and other options. This whilst having the legendary 'Cooper S' moniker is actually less powerful than the eAll4 or hybrid all-wheel drive Countryman Plug-In Hybrid and sits beneath it in the Malaysian MINI Countryman line-up.



Another bit of CKD Countryman trivia folks... Malaysia is also the first market in the world outside the Netherlands to locally assemble this new, second generation, MINI Countryman. The MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports is powered by a 2-litre 4-cylinder MINI TwinPower Turbo Engine which makes 192hp and 280Nm torque. It channels its power through an 8-Speed Sports Automatic Transmission with Paddle Shifters. 

0 to 100km/h is despatched in 7.4 seconds and it has a maximum speed of 224km/h (the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid which costs RM10,000 more will do these in 6.8seconds and 198km/h respectively - so if you want more acceleration and mid range, its the hybrid for you). It is also claimed to have an average fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100km of fuel.


The New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports can be had in British Racing Green, Thunder Grey, Light White and Chili Red. The Black Roof is available for Chilli Red, British Racing Green, Thunder Grey, Light White; while the White Roof is available for Chilli Red and British Racing Green. It also comes the MINI 4 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service.

Both new variants of the New MINI Countryman (this one and the Plug-In Hybrid) will be on display at all authorised MINI dealerships nationwide from Friday, 6 th April 2018, as well as the upcoming Volts & Vibes Roadshow happening from 13 th April to 24 th of June 2018. Head over to www.mini.my for more information on this.

“In 2013, the first generation of the MINI Countryman began making Malaysia its new home. Its next generation keeps this tradition of having its roots firmly placed in Malaysia and South East Asia much like its predecessor but also raising the bar in terms technology and knowledge sharing for the Malaysian Automotive Industry.” said Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia.


Kidd Yam, Head of MINI Malaysia also added that "Since unveiling the New MINI Countryman here last year, we have already delivered more than 200 units of the (fully imported variant). (Now) the New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports will build on this success as the premium sports activity vehicle now offers more power, exclusive enhancements and more fun to the MINI driving characteristics.”

It looks like there is quite a sizeable market for the maxi sized MINI. The premium compact car maker seems to have made significant inroads in terms of sales and brand awareness. This is also partly because if  you actually get inside the car you will see that there have been so much improvements in terms of interior quality and the overall feel of a modern MINI compared to one when they first re-booted the MINI marque. Everything feels premium and modern. 

It is a formula which is seemingly done very right in terms of how they're mixed it all together. With the growing craze in crossover vehicles and SUVs, this Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), as what MINI would like to call the Countryman is the marque's move into this segment and from a simple observation, this second generation Countryman seems a fully sorted out product. 


The New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports Model Brief 

The New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports will now be equipped with the exclusive John Cooper Works Package which includes the MINI John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit. The Aerodynamic Kit consists of a sporty looking front apron with built-in air ducts for cooling the brakes and a rear bumper with a diffuser design. The kit also includes MINI John Cooper Works door sill finishers.

The New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports also features sports suspension. It has higher rated suspension spring rates and also stiffer pneumatic shock absorbers. These are further supported by the 19” MINI John Cooper Works Course Spoke with Run Flat Tyres for that  hallmark MINI type  handling.

New highlights include Park Distance Control (PDC) in the front and rear which makes parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces easier. There is also Park Assist which helps the driver during parallel manoeuvres. With Park Assist, the Control Display will show the status when sizing up parking spaces. Once a space has been found, it is measured by ultrasound sensors and the Park Assistant then works out the best way to approach the space and takes control of the steering. All the driver has to do is operate the accelerator and brake pedals.

The interior of the  New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports is decked out with Anthracite Headliner. The Anthracite details are also seen on the sun visors, the housing of the inner lighting, the roof grab handles in the rear, as well as the A-, B- and C-pillars. The interior also includes Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black as well as a MINI JCW Steering Wheel.


As for the infotainment, communication and driving systems, the New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports now has a large 8.8” Touch Screen Display with Navigation. It features a clever split screen function allowing two map views to be displayed simultaneously. The system can be operated via the Touchscreen technology or alternatively via the MINI Touch Controller on the centre console. The MINI Heads-Up Display keeps the driver fully in the picture, ensuring that not just the road ahead but all key vehicle information remains visible at all times.

It also sports a Harman Kardon hi-fi loudspeaker system with 360-watt output and the 12-speaker sound system has been finetuned precisely to suit the vehicle’s interior both front and back. 

The New MINI Countryman has achieved top 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test making it a super safe MINI to transport you and your loved ones. Performance and safety at the same time is always a good thing.

MINI Malaysia services for MINI owners
MINI Roadside Assistance.
The New MINI Cooper S Countryman Sports is 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.

Aside from that MINI Malaysia has said that making a service appointment with them is now easier. The new online service programme will now allow customers to schedule their service needs directly at their preferred MINI Authorised Dealerships via www.service.mini.my.

MINI Financing.
For those that need financing options, the new locally assembled MINI Countryman will be available with the MINI Full Circle Programme. With 80% margin of financing, ownership of the new locally assembled MINI Countryman starts from RM 2,998.00 per month.








No comments: