2017 MINI COUNTRYMAN FIRST LOOK

2017 MINI COUNTRYMAN FIRST LOOK BY AUTO CRITIC STEVE HAMMES

Taking on the likes of the Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA is the all-new, next generation 2017 MINI Countryman; the largest, most technologically advanced and most versatile MINI ever.

Reengineered from the ground up while incorporating BMW Group engine technology and vehicle architecture, the Countryman offers an all-turbocharged lineup with the added traction that comes from the latest iteration of ALL4 all-wheel drive.

The 3-cylinder Cooper and 4-cylinder Cooper S possess transcendent performance compared with the outgoing Countryman models and for the first time, both can be specified with the fully automatic ALL4 system, seamlessly delivering power to the wheels that grip.

Depending on the build, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic and 8-speed sport automatic transmissions are offered with the quickest acceleration arriving from 0-to-60mph in 7 seconds.

The Countryman offers more space for cargo, people and anything else with a 30% increase in volume with the added flexibility of sliding and folding rear seats, a high roofline and an adjustable trunk floor.

And following later in the model year, is the MINI Cooper S E Countryman All4, the brand’s first plug-in hybrid model.