New MINI John Cooper Works Countryman, MINI’s first correct SUV, makes its North American debut

So, what are you getting in your cash? Right here’s a rundown of latest options discovered within the new MINI Countryman:

• A extra upright design. MINI made its SUV upright to exude a “sense of journey,” To us, it appears as if MINI was rightfully catering to a demanding SUV purchaser. To our eye, it appears to be like like a smaller Vary Rover, and we like it. MINI claims the automobile has a drag coefficient of 0.26, making it essentially the most aerodynamic automobile in its class.
• Redesigned Cooper Works badging. MINI says “The John Cooper Works emblem has additionally been redesigned with a
  fashionable, clearcut look. For the primary time, this all-new emblem is getting used on the brand new MINI John Cooper Works Countryman within the basic black, pink, and white shade scheme.
• Sensors and security options. MINI’s new John Cooper Works Countryman has 12 ultrasonic sensors and 4 surround-view cameras, making level-two driving help potential. The Driving Assistant Skilled bundle helps the automobile change lanes safely; it scans the street round you and identifies the right pace and timing for a lane change. Drivers also can take their fingers off the wheel for a quick time on highways with speeds as much as 60 miles per hour.
• A minimalist inside. MINI’s new design language entails a pared-down inside bolstered by a big, round heart show. MINI saved its acquainted toggle panel beneath the display screen for “necessary driving features,” and also you’ll discover some controls on the steering wheel for issues like setting the cruise management or controlling speaker quantity.
• A voice assistant. MINI now has a devoted voice assistant residing within the heart console. We’ve not but examined the assistant, however MINI tells us it will possibly do stuff you ask it to, like get instructions whenever you’re misplaced and activate seat heaters whenever you’re chilly.

A two-liter turbo engine has “optimized pistons, connecting rods and engine mounts” to ge essentially the most out of the engine, which additionally has a dual-drive exhaust turbocharger. MINI additionally elevated the wheel diameter (19 and 20-inch wheels can be found) for its SUV to provide it a “go-kart feeling.”

There’s quite a bit to love, and dozens of small additions and tweaks we haven’t touched on. That is MINI reborn; like most automobile corporations, it’s labored onerous to distinguish itself and develop its lineup.

We’ve not pushed it but, after all, however we’ve sat inside it. It’s spacious with out making an attempt too onerous for the driving force and entrance passenger, thought he rear is a contact cramped when you have got the seat all the best way again. It’s nonetheless a MINI, in spite of everything.