Wazzup Pilipinas!
Driving a Mini Cooper is said to provide driving fun for every occasion.
Who wouldn't enjoy driving a Mini? It's such a head-turner not only because it's so cute, but also because it is a rare sight on the road. You could say that only a few are privileged to own one, and the most remarkable thing about it is that it becomes a lot more cool to own one if you keep it physically well-maintained and in great running condition.
Car enthusiasts and collectors know how iconic and pleasing to the eye this beauty is. It may not be ideal for a big family, it's a cool car for singles or couples to own, while they save up for a bigger car. But the Mini remains a part of the family for it will be hard to part ways with this car.
MINI Asia and MINI Philippines jointly launched the new MINI Countryman, the biggest and most versatile model in the brand’s 58-year history. Having been completely newly developed, it now reflects considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and premium characteristics.
Retail price are as follows:
The new MINI Cooper D Countryman 2,900,000
The new MINI Cooper SD Countryman 3,400,000
The launch was held on May 3, 2017 at the Maybank Performing Arts Theater located at Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig city.
Members of the media got to test drive the new Mini Countryman around BGC for a few minutes. I've decided to ride the passenger seat so I could take a video coverage of our test drive.
Other videos of the program highlights are also available on our official YouTube channel at http://www.YouTube.com/wazzuppilipinas
Willy Q. Tee Ten, President of MINI Philippines said, “We are thrilled to offer the new MINI Countryman in the Philippines. It has a powerful expressive design, efficiently shaped bodywork and unmatched driving agility. MINI has a strong following in the Philippines and we believe the new MINI Countryman is the car they have longed to drive every day, everywhere, for every occasion.”
Mr. Peter Medalla, Head of MINI Asia said, “The second generation MINI Countryman advances the brand within the premium compact segment. MINI fans in the Philippines will be excited to know that their new daily companion is just as nimble on the streets as well as off-roads. We are confident that the new MINI Countryman will deliver fun and excitement every time you get behind the wheel.”
The new MINI Countryman is some 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor and approximately 3 centimetres wider. Its wheelbase has been extended by 7.5 centimetres. This growth results in significantly increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility.
More photos from the media launch are also available at our official Facebooj=k fan page at http://www.Facebook.com/wazzuppilipinas
Below are technical specifications of the new Mini Countryman:
Key features and highlights.
Exterior.
• Powerful proportions, 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor.
• Electrical tailgate control as well as touchless opening and closing of the tailgate.
Interior.
• Five fully-fledged seats, clear increase in space and versatility.
• MINI Picnic Bench: fold-out load loading sill cushion as a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid and for general outdoor use.
Assistance.
• Optional Central instrument with touchscreen function.
• MINI Country Timer measures driving fun over demanding terrain.
Connectivity.
• MINI Connected App as a personal assistant on a day-to-day basis and when travelling.
• MINI Find Mate: everything you need on board at all times – or in view.
The new MINI Countryman Prices.
Retail price (at press time)
The new MINI Cooper D Countryman 2,900,000
The new MINI Cooper SD Countryman 3,400,000
The new MINI Cooper D Countryman Specifications.
Four-cylinder diesel engine
Capacity: 1,995 cc.
Max output: 150 hp at 4,000 rpm.
Max torque: 330 Nm from 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds.
Top speed: 208 km/h.
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 4.5 l/100 km.
Combined CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 118 g/km.
The new MINI Cooper SD Countryman Specifications.
Four-cylinder diesel engine
Capacity: 1,995 cc.
Max output: 190 hp at 4,000 rpm.
Max torque: 400 Nm from 2,500 rpm.
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.
Top speed: 220 km/h.
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 4.8 l/100 km.
Combined CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 125 g/km.
20 centimetres longer than the predecessor model.
The new MINI Countryman is some 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor and approximately 3 centimetres wider. Its wheelbase has been extended by 7.5 centimetres. This growth results in significantly increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility. The raised seating position ensures an excellent view and hallmark driving fun. The rear seats can be shifted longitudinally by up to 13 centimetres. The folding rear backrest offers a 40 : 20 : 40 split. It also provides a variable tilt angle so as to be able to either increase seating comfort or gain additional storage space at the rear. The luggage compartment volume is 450 litres and can be extended as required to a total of 1,390 litres. This constitutes a maximum increase of 220 litres as compared to the predecessor model.
Five seats in the interior, two on the Picnic Bench.
An electric tailgate control is available as an option on the new MINI Cooper D Countryman and standard on the new MINI Cooper SD Countryman. This makes touchless opening and closing of the tailgate possible in conjunction with Comfort Access. The standard storage package comprises of not only a variable load floor, lashing eyes and tension straps but also a stainless steel insert on the loading sill. One unique option is the Picnic Bench – a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and provides seating for two people.
Powerful proportions, matured character.
The latest generation of the MINI Countryman goes even further in terms of the model’s versatility, agility and premium character. Thanks to its powerful proportions, the new MINI Countryman has a particularly distinctive presence. Its unmistakable aura is defined by an extended ground clearance and raised seating position, further emphasised by the MINI ALL4 exterior look and high roof rails.
The new MINI Countryman features design elements that are typical of the brand, including the clear three-way structure of the side view – broken down into roof, glass section and main corpus – as well as the short overhangs, large wheel arches and downward increase in width. Precise contours on the generous surfaces create an attractive play of light and shade that underscores the car‘s athletic shaping and the vertical orientation of the body. The selection of body finishes includes the variants Island Blue metallic and Chestnut, which are now available for a MINI for the first time.
Numerous model-specific design elements such as the striking helmet roof, the upright rear lights, the hexagonal radiator grille and the large headlamps have undergone evolutionary development. The side turn indicator surrounds known as side scuttles exhibit a new arrow-like shape. The roof rails in satin finished aluminium are combined with silver-coloured side sill tops, thereby lending greater visual emphasis to the car’s height. Horizontal lines dominate at the rear, with the vertically arranged light units providing an appealing contrast.
LED headlamps with peripheral daytime driving light ring for the first time.
The striking profile of the headlamp units deviates from the circular shape that is otherwise typical of the brand. Their distinctive, slightly asymmetrically rounded contour goes together with the radiator grille to produce an unmistakable front view. The parking lights integrated in the air inlets are used for the daytime driving light as standard. In conjunction with the standard LED headlamps, the latter is generated for the first time by a band of light running entirely around each headlamp.
More space for premium ambience.
In the interior of the new MINI Countryman, a clear increase in space, refined premium ambience and a modern display and operating concept reflect the progress achieved through the change of generation. Both driver and front passenger benefit from extended head and shoulder space, while the adjustment range of the seats has also been enlarged. Electrical adjustment of the driver and front passenger seats is optionally available, including a memory function on the driver‘s side. The narrow body columns and the high seating position make for optimum visibility when manoeuvring. At the rear of the new MINI Countryman there are three fully-fledged seats. The rear door openings have been enlarged as compared to the predecessor model, now enabling a more convenient entrance and exit. In addition to interior width, leg space is now significantly more generous, too.
The extensive storage facilities likewise contribute to the car’s optimised functionality.
At both front and rear there are door pockets that hold one-litre beverage bottles. The fully-fledged centre console extending up to the instrument panel has an integrated storage compartment and two cup holders in front of the gear or selector lever. The MINI Controller and the switch for the electrical parking brake are also positioned on the centre console.
Distinctive cockpit design.
With a clear horizontal structure, stretched lines and generously sized surfaces, the distinctively designed cockpit emphasises the solid character of the new MINI Countryman. The profile of the air vents echoes the vertical orientation of the exterior design elements. In addition to the high-quality materials and precise finish, the modern, ergonomically optimised controls contribute to the car’s exclusive ambience. The hallmark central instrument is integrated in the instrument panel and is surrounded by an LED ring that provides a lighting display in response to driving situations by way of control feedback. This forms part of the MINI Excitement Package, which also comprises of the LED ambient lighting and a projection of the MINI logo from the exterior mirror on the driver’s side when opening and closing the car.
Driving fun made to measure: Optional Dynamic Damper Control and MINI Driving Modes.
The high-quality suspension of the new MINI Countryman combines the tried-and-tested principle of a single-joint spring strut axle at the front and a multilink rear axle with a design that is optimised for weight and rigidity as well as a model-specific set up. This lays the foundation for precise handling properties and maximum agility. In addition to this there is an electromechanical steering with Servotronic function, powerful brakes and Dynamic Stability Control DSC. 17-inch light alloy wheels come as standard with the new MINI Cooper D Countryman, while the other model variants are fitted with 18-inch light alloy wheels. The program of optional extras includes other light alloy wheels in sizes of up to 19 inches.
Dynamic Damper Control is optionally available for the new MINI Countryman.
Two program maps can be activated for the electronically controlled dampers via the MINI Driving Modes. A rotary switch at the base of the gear or selector lever enables the driver to select a set-up according to one of the three modes MID, SPORT and GREEN. This also influences the accelerator pedal and steering curve, the operating mode of electrically powered comfort features and the engine sound and shift characteristics of the Steptronic transmission, depending on engine and fittings.
Premiere: central instrument with touchscreen display.
The standard fittings of the new MINI Countryman include the Radio MINI Visual Boost with 6.5 inch LCD display in the central instrument and a Bluetooth hands-free telephone facility. Options include the Harman Kardon hi-fi speaker system, the MINI navigation system and the MINI navigation system Professional. The features of the Wired package (optional) including MINI navigation system Professional comprises of not just the Touch Controller on the centre console but also an 8.8-inch colour screen in the central instrument with a new graphic design. It is also a touchscreen, allowing functions to be selected and adjusted at the tip of the finger.
Registers driving fun over demanding terrain: the MINI Country Timer (comes with optional navigation professional feature).
In conjunction with the Wired package and the MINI navigation system Professional it is possible to use another function developed exclusively for the new MINI Countryman that taps into the new model’s all-round talent in a way that is both innovative and entertaining. The MINI Country Timer registers all travel over sloping, uneven, unsurfaced and snow-covered roads and tracks. As soon as the new MINI Countryman moves on demanding terrain, the type and extent of the challenge are detected and shown on the display in the central instrument by means of graphics. The driving situation is analysed based on data supplied by the control unit of the Dynamic Stability Control function. In this way it is possible to observe how fast and how persistent the new MINI Countryman is surpassing the status of “Street Cruiser” and striving to achieve the “Cliff Champ” category.
Modern driver assistance systems, high-quality options for increased comfort.
Driving fun in the new MINI Countryman is based not just on versatility but also on safety and comfort. The standard and optional driver assistance systems are a key factor here. The standard collision warning with city braking function can be extended to include the Driving Assistant system with camera-based active cruise control, pedestrian warning with initial brake function, high beam assistant and road sign detection. In addition to this, Park Distance Control (PDC rear – standard on all variants); (PDC front and rear – optional), rear view camera, Parking Assistant and Head-Up-Display are also optionally available.
The program of standard equipment items further includes a 2-zone automatic air conditioning, a panorama glass roof and an alarm system including red LED status indicator in the fin antenna. A tow hitch with removable ball head is likewise available. Depending on the engine type, the permitted trailer load is between 1,500 and 1,800 kilograms. The broad range of exterior paint finishes, seat upholstery types and interior surfaces enables individualisation of the new MINI Countryman in a way that reflects personal style. With the MINI Yours Interior Styles option available in three variants, the striking interior surface design in the cockpit is highlighted by means of backlit decorative strips. An atmospheric mood is also created by the lighting package comprising of LED interior lighting and LED ambient lighting; the latter forms part of the optional MINI Excitement Package and offers continuously variable colour adjustment.
New from MINI Connected:
MINI Find Mate (optional with Wired package only).
Another new feature in the area of connectivity is MINI Find Mate (optional with Wired package only). This forms part of the Wired package and consists of so-called tags with a wireless tracking function that can be attached to frequently used objects and travel items such as bags, cases, key rings and rucksacks. MINI Find Mate is able to track the location of any such objects connected the system that the driver wants to be sure not to forget: tracking is done not only on the on-board computer of the new MINI Countryman but also on a smartphone. Providing there is a Bluetooth connection with the tag, an acoustic signal can be activated in the car or on the smartphone to help locate the object. If the tag is outside the Bluetooth range, the driver can be guided to the place at which a connection was last detected.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
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