Mini launches its first ever plug-in hybrid

Mini has launched its new Cooper Countryman range, which includes the first ever Mini with plug-in hybrid drive.

The Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 combines a three cylinder, 1,499cc petrol engine with a 65kW synchronous electric motor, which provides a total output of 165kW/224hp and system torque of 385Nm.

It has a fuel consumption of 2.1 litres per 100 kilometres, according to the EU test cycle, while its CO2 emissions are as low as 49g/km.

Additionally, the Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is able to run on electricity alone at a top speed of 125km/h and with a range of up to 40 kilometres.

Uwe Seitz, MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 project manager, said: “The plug-in hybrid concept perfectly matches the new Mini Countryman because it offers intelligent all-wheel drive as well as being able to run on electricity alone both in urban areas and over longer distances, too. This is unique in the segment.”

Mini has also introduced a number of innovations across the entire Countryman range, which include: a 20cm increase in length; an increase in space to allow for give fully-fledged seats; electrical tailgate control as well as touch-less opening and closing of the tailgate; a central instrument with touchscreen function for the first time; and the Mini picnic bench: a fold-out load loading sill cushion as a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid and for general outdoor use.

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