MINI Countryman gets new look for 2014

The MINI Countryman crossover has been given a fresh new face for the summer. The popular 4x4 has sold over 350,000 units worldwide and the subtle updates bring the biggest model in the range closer to the all-new MINI hatch, with lower emissions across the range and extra power for selected models as well as the styling tweaks.

Most of the changes to the exterior are reserved for the front end – which gets a new grille design with a prominent scoop and new crossbar – plus a sporty red ‘S’ badge for the quicker versions. New LED fog lights are optionally available for the first time, and incorporate a ring of daytime running lights for a modern look.

Four new colours, including Jungle Green, are now available, and Cooper and Cooper S variants come with a lighter set of five-spoke alloys as standard. The Cooper S has been given some extra power too and its twin-scroll 1.6-litre turbo now produces 190bhp (7bhp more than before) and takes 0.1 seconds less to reach 62mph from a standing start.

However the whole range is also more efficient than before too. Thanks to better use of the brand’s MINIMALISM technology and lower rolling resistance tyres all versions of the Countryman now meet the stricter Euro 6 emissions standard.

Emissions for the Cooper S fall to 139g/km and it will now return 47mpg, while the more frugal Cooper D models emit just 111g/km and return an impressive 67g/km – which still makes them the cheapest version to run.

ALL4 four-wheel drive versions of the Countryman now come with metal scuff plates built into the front and rear bumpers for a more rugged look, and they are optionally available for front-drive models as well.

Every Countryman in the range now gets the anthracite dials from the JCW model, and even the most potent 218bhp Countryman will get the same changes as the rest of the range, with order books opening at the start of the summer, this June.