The second-generation Mini Countryman becomes available in South Africa this week! Take a look at specificationand pricing for this new model. The launch is currently taking place in Durban, and we'll have more details and a first drive impression soon.

Gone are the days when Mini products were compact city cars and the Countryman is an example of how the brand has expanded its range with a focus on space and practicality. The new Mini Countryman is bigger than the outgoing model and is 200 mm longer and 30 mm wider. The wheelbase has been increased by 75 mm to open up the interior space. The five-seat vehicle now features reclining and sliding rear seats and the bigger boot can now carry up to 450 litres, but you can also fold the seats down in a 40:20:40 fashion to increase capacity.

Engines and powertrain

The new Mini Countryman receives the same engines found in the hatchback Cooper and Clubman. The range kicks off with the excellent 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo petrol motor which has 100 kW and 220 Nm of torque. Then you get the Cooper S, which has a bigger and meatier 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol pushing out 141 kW and 280 Nm. However, the big news is that a diesel engine has been confirmed for South African introduction and we'll be getting the 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine which has 110 KW and 330 Nm. The Cooper reaches 100 kph in a claimed 9.6 seconds for the manual, while its S sibling does the same sprint in a quicker 7.5 seconds (7.4 seconds for the automatic).

In terms of transmission, the Countryman is offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Power reaches the front wheels only, but if you're wanting the reassurance of all-wheel drive, then you're going to have to wait for the performance-orientated John Cooper Works derivative.

Mini Countryman Price in South Africa (March 2017)

Further reading

Stay abreast of all the latest Mini news here

New Mini Countryman Revealed (with video)

Mini Clubman Range Gains JCW

Mini Cooper Convertible Auto (2016) Review

Best Fun Cars Under R600 000

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