The “big deal” for Mini next year is the all-new Countryman, which takes Mini to new heights (as well as widths and lengths), sporting a 4-door SUV-like body and Mini’s available ALL4 on-demand all-wheel drive. The Countryman gives a new argument for those who’ve always dreamt of owning a Mini, but needed more utility. And with prices likely starting around $30,000, they won’t have to break the bank either.
The 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engines in the Countryman are new and will find their way into the rest of the 2011 Mini line. Reduced internal friction and an optimized lubrication system on the normally aspirated version free up an additional 3 bhp for a total of 121 bhp, while the turbocharged engine gets a bump to 181 bhp (from 172) due to BMW’s Valvetronic intake valve control.
On the outside, all Minis sport new front bumper fascias, larger foglights, new taillights and five new wheel designs. Optional xenon headlights can be upgraded to be “adaptive” for $100.
Climb inside a 2011 Mini and you may notice the interior is a little quieter due to enhanced sound-attenuating additions. Also, trim pieces that were once painted silver will now be matte black offset by a new standard beige headliner and a 20-percent darker tinted sunroof. Satellite and HD radio will come standard along with a 1-year complimentary Sirius subscription. Customers can choose to upgrade to the Mini Connected radio package (with Bluetooth, voice recognition, etc.), or even further to the new USB-updateable internal memory-based navigation system, both of which will feature a new 6.5-in. high-resolution screen.
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