New Mini Countryman in Oz early 2024

MINI has announced timing and pricing for its all-new Countryman range, the small SUV line-up in local showrooms from Q1 priced from $49,990 plus on-road costs – or $1140 more than the entry price of the outgoing range.

From launch, Mini will offer six petrol-powered variants of the Countryman, again with front- and all-wheel drive. Electric (S and SE variants) and sportier John Cooper Works variants are expected later in 2024.

There are some new names to remember in the 2024 Mini Countryman range, which now commences with the Countryman C Core (from $49,990 +ORC).

The entry variant is followed by the Cooper C Classic (from $52,990 +ORC), Cooper C Favoured (from $55,990 +ORC), Cooper S Classic AWD (from $58,990 +ORC), Cooper S Favoured AWD (from $61,990 +ORC), and S JCW Sport AWD (from $63,990 +ORC).

All Countryman variants are now fitted as standard with LED headlights and alloy wheels ranging from 18- to 20 inches in diameter. A 9.4-inch OLED infotainment array is found front and centre on the dashboard, and now offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, up to eight driving modes, and improved ‘Hey Mini’ voice control courtesy of Mini’s updated OS9 software.

The interior is now vegan-friendly with no leather, and no chromium used. Furthermore, the alloy wheels use up to 70 per cent recycled aluminium, and are made using renewable electricity, while the flooring and floor mats are made from at least 90 per cent recycled polyester.

Available in Countryman C variants and fitted as standard in Countryman S variants is Mini’s Driving Assistant Plus package which includes adaptive cruise control, lane change warning with blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert with brake intervention, AEB, and parking assistance.

Powering the all-new Countryman range is a familiar line-up of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder petrol engines again displacing 1.5 and 2.0 litres.

The former develops 115kW and 230Nm and drives the front wheels, while the latter makes 150kW/300Nm and is paired with Mini’s ALL4 all-wheel drive arrangement. Both engines are now paired as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch (automatic) transmission.

Mini quotes a 0-100km/h time of 9.0 seconds for the ‘C’ (1.5-litre) range and 7.4 seconds for the ‘S’ (2.0-litre) range.

The Countryman again grows for the new generation, now measuring 4433mm in length (+130mm), 1843mm in width, and 1656mm in height (+60mm). The wheelbase is listed at 2692mm. Cargo space now measures an impressive 505 litres in five-seat mode, rising to 1530 litres all told.

According to Mini Australia and New Zealand general manager Matt Schmidt, the Countryman has struck a chord with local buyers, with 1531 units registered to date in 2023 – equating to a 65 per cent increase over the same time last year.

“The Mini Countryman stands out in the compact SUV segment with its premium finish, sporty flair, and signature Mini handling,” he said.

“Now, with the new generation model, we are confident the Mini Countryman will offer even more appeal, thanks to its innovative technology including a host of new driver assistant technologies, markedly increased versatility, and an array of customisable options for our customers to choose from.

“It also integrates a host of thoughtful measures that showcase our brand’s dedication to sustainability and CO2 emissions reduction.”

2024 Mini Countryman pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.