2017 Mini Countryman price, specs and release date

The Mini Countryman’s all-new replacement has been revealed. Changes include revised styling, new equipment and the option of a hybrid model – a first for the British brand. Read on for full details.

2017 Mini Countryman – styling

The new Countryman takes the outgoing model’s chunky styling and adds a host of new chrome and contrasting black trim pieces. Numerous air intakes in the front bumper are joined by a broad moustache-like black insert while silver kickplates and a new rear diffuser lend the 2017 Countryman a sportier appearance than the car it’ll replace.

Its boxy profile, instantly recognisable roofline and thick black wheel arch trims have all been carried over mostly unchanged, however, while a familiar range of personalisation options will be offered to buyers who want their car to stand out from the crowd.

2017 Mini Countryman – interior

The new Countryman is 20cm longer and 3cm wider than the outgoing car and, as a result, offers improved interior space for both front and rear seat passengers. Boot space also benefits from a helpful boost, too. The new car can comfortably accommodate 450-litres of luggage with the rear seats up – fold them down and you’ll find its commodious load bay grows to an impressive 1,309 litres – 220-litres more than the old car.

The Countryman’s cabin looks fairly similar to the old car – its square air vents no longer mirror the central console’s circular porthole design, however. The touchscreen infotainment system can now be specced with a larger 8.8-inch display as part of Mini’s new Wired tech package.

2017 Mini Countryman – engines and driving

The biggest and, for some buyers, the most exciting Countryman news is that the 2017 model will be offered with a brand new hybrid system. A compact three-cylinder petrol engine – shared with the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer – is paired with a powerful electric motor and a large battery pack to help return as much as 135mpg. Its minimal CO2 emissions – as little as 49g/km – mean this spacious SUV is free to tax and congestion charge exempt, too.

The rest of the range will be offered with Mini’s efficient 1.5-litre petrol engine, a more powerful 2.0-litre unit – in Cooper S guise – and a range of 2.0-litre diesel options. Four-wheel drive is available on all cars in the 2017 Countryman range but will set you back an extra £1,600.

2017 Mini Countryman – price and release date

The new model will cost significantly more than the car it’ll replace. Entry-level models will cost £22,465 – undercutting the Audi Q3 – while top-spec models could set you back more than £35,000. This new car will make its public debut at the Los Angelis Auto Show in November 2016 and will go on sale in February 2017.