Mini adds top-spec sports diesel to Countryman range
BY HAITHAM RAZAGUI | 21st Apr 2011
Standard specification for the SD includes all-wheel drive, 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, ‘Radio Boost’ CD audio system with USB and Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, sports leather steering wheel and front sports seats.
Standard safety kit includes stability control, traction control, six airbags, all-round three-point seatbelts and a tyre defect indicator.
The main event for the Cooper SD is the 2.0-litre BMW turbo-diesel engine, which has a peak power output of 105kW and maximum torque of 305Nm.
The Cooper SD’s extra power and torque over the standard 82kW/270Nm Cooper D translate to 0-100km/h acceleration in 9.4 seconds (Cooper D: 10.9 seconds), not bad considering the extra weight and friction of its all-wheel drive system.
Both the Countryman Cooper D and Cooper SD variants come equipped with fuel-saving idle-stop, brake energy recuperation and a shift light to inform the driver of the most fuel-efficient time to change gear and will arrive in Australian showrooms next month.
Since its local launch in March, the Countryman has been a sell-out success. The BMW-backed British brand says the Australian order bank exceeds supply and expects interest to further increase with the arrival of the frugal diesel variants.
As GoAuto has reported, all Countrymen are available with an optional Chilli pack, which includes an auto-dipping interior mirror, automatic air conditioning, Harman Kardon audio system, part-leather upholstery and sports seats, dark silver or anthracite interior surfaces and Xenon headlights with automatic headlight washers.
The options list also features the same Visual Boost multimedia infotainment package as is available on the rest of the Mini range, comprising a 6.5-inch central colour display with Bluetooth and a USB interface, allowing owners of compatible devices to stream music and view videos on the in-dash screen.
Mini has recently introduced a $25,500 ‘Ray’ base model and at the other end of the spectrum, used the Shanghai show to unveil a luxurious Rolls-Royce-fettled ‘Inspired by Goodwood’ special edition with a price tag expected to exceed $70,000 if it is made available in Australia.
| 2011 Mini Countryman pricing: | |
| Cooper | $37,700 |
| Cooper Chilli | $43,100 |
| Cooper S | $47,500 |
| Cooper S Chilli | $53,150 |
| Cooper S All4 | $50,400 |
| Cooper S All4 Chilli | $56,050 |
| Cooper D | $40,950 |
| Cooper D Chilli | $46,350 |
| Cooper D All4 | $43,850 |
| Cooper D All4 Chilli | $49,250 |
| Cooper SD All4 | $52,100 |
| Cooper SD All4 Chilli | $57,835 |
