MINI has refreshed its Countryman SUV range with minor interior updates and a revised colour palette. , , The changes will take effect in vehicles produced from this month, with the updated models scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms by the end of quarter one next year., , This will coincide with the local launch of the Mini Paceman, which is a high-riding two-door coupe based on the Countryman., , Interior flourishes added to the Countryman include newly designed carbon black rings that encircle the centre speedometer and the four air vents, with a chrome inner ring option also available for the vents., , Redesigned door inserts and door armrests add to the list of changes for the small SUV. , , Mini has also moved the electric window controls from the centre console to the remodelled door armrest to allow for better access to the storage compartment below the console. , , The only exterior change to the Countryman is the addition of two new metallic paint options, Brilliant Copper and Blazing Red., , Mechanical details are unchanged, with the Countryman continuing with a choice of 1.6-litre petrol or turbo-petrol engine, and 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre turbo-diesel, depending on the variant., , Released in Australia in early 2011, the chunky SUV soon became a sales winner, with order banks exceeding supply for the BMW-owned British brand., , Sales have been steady this year with Mini shifting 383 units to the end of September, up 12 per cent over the same period last year. , , A more substantial midlife update is expected for the Countryman later next year.
