22 November 2016

New Countryman goes on sale here

BMW’s new generation Mini Countryman is now on sale in Ireland with prices starting at €33,580 OTR, writes Brian Byrne. Irish customers will get their first deliveries in February 2017.

Larger than its predecessor, the new Countryman also benefits from a new generation of engines and transmissions, as well as being the first Mini to offer a plug-in hybrid drive. The normal powertrains include 1.5 and 2.0 petrol engines and a 2.0 diesel.

Another first is a central touchscreen in the area originally used for the iconic Mini central speedometer.

The Countryman also features a Picnic Bench, a fold out loading sill cushion on the luggage compartment lid for outdoor use.

The plug-in hybrid uses a turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, reducing fuel consumption to 2.1L/100kms, while its CO2 emissions figure is 49g/km. Prices for the plug-in hybrid model will be announced later.