F60 MINI Countryman launched in Malaysia – Cooper, Cooper S variants; priced from RM240k and RM270k

The all-new F60 MINI Countryman has finally arrived in Malaysia after being teased earlier this week, replacing the first-generation model that has been around since 2010 (introduced here in 2011).

For our market, two front-wheel drive variants are offered – the Cooper and Cooper S – retailing at RM239,888 and RM269,888, respectively. The prices of the fully-imported (CBU) models are for on-the-road and not inclusive of insurance.

The Cooper variant is powered by a 1.5 litre TwinPower Turbo three-cylinder petrol engine that provides 136 hp at 4,400-6,000 rpm and 220 Nm of torque at 1,400-4,300 rpm. Meanwhile, the Cooper S gets a larger 2.0 litre turbo four-pot with 192 hp at 5,000-6,000 rpm and 280 Nm at 1,350-4,600 rpm.

MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system is absent here, so drive on both variants is directed to the front wheels via a Steptronic six-speed automatic transmission in the Cooper, and an eight-speed auto ‘box in the Cooper S. Both engines also come with an idling start/stop system to save fuel during short stops, and keyless start.

In terms of performance, the less powerful of the two will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds, and onwards to a top speed of 200 km/h. The Cooper S will complete the century sprint in an even quicker 7.4 seconds before maxing out at 224 km/h.

MINI says the Cooper has an average fuel consumption of just 6.0 litres per 100 km, whereas the Cooper S consumes more at 6.5 litres per 100 km. The drivetrain is linked to the MINI Driving Modes, which is selectable via a rotary switch at the base of the gear lever.

Three modes – Sport, Mid and Green – are available here, providing a different drivetrain response rate depending on which is selected. However, the system isn’t linked to the optional Dynamic Damper Control, which isn’t specified for the Malaysian-spec Countryman.

On the exterior side of things, the new Countryman is a much larger car than its predecessor, being 200 mm longer, 30 mm wider and with a 75 mm longer wheelbase. The overall dimensions are as follows: 4,299 mm length, 1,822 mm width, 1,557 mm height, 2,670 mm wheelbase.

The Countryman S come with a designated MINI bodykit, which introduces a new upper grille with a diamond mesh design rather than the rectangular grid on the standard model. You’ll also get Piano Black trim on the fenders, bumpers as well as silver accents on the front and rear bumpers. Both cars come with black/white scheme for the roof and mirror caps, along with roof rails and side sills in silver.

The Countryman also comes equipped with automatic LED headlights with cornering lights, which provides illumination to the direction of the steering. A new signature lighting is provided by the light ring surrounding the cluster. All Cooper variants come with 18-inch Pin Spoke alloy wheels, while Cooper S models get larger 19-inch MINI Yours Masterpiece units. Run-flat tyres are standard across the board.

On the inside, the Cooper is specified with Cloth Firework Carbon Black upholstery, Hazy Grey interior surfacing, Chrome Line interior trim as well as a sports leather steering wheel. Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning is standard here, as is the cruise control function with braking function.

The Cooper S, meanwhile, comes with Leather Cross Punch in Carbon Black upholstery for its exclusive electric sport seats with memory function (driver side only); a John Cooper Works leather steering wheel with paddle shifters; and the MINI Yours Piano Black Illuminated interior surfacing. The latter is controlled via the car’s infotainment system, forming part of the MINI Yours Illuminated Cockpit that is also supported by the LED ring around it.

Said ring accommodates the car’s 6.5-inch display screen instead of the optional (and larger) 8.8-inch unit. Here, it is linked to the Radio MINI Visual Boost system (includes the MINI Excitement package) and rearview camera. The former is now controlled via the iDrive-like controls (minus the touchpad) on the centre console, beside the new electronic handbrake.

Other useful bits of kit include a powered tailgate on both variants, which works with the Comfort Access package, allowing you open it via foot-activated sensor at the back. The Comfort Access package, a Cooper S exclusive, also includes a touch-operated keyless entry system. Another exclusive to the Cooper S is a new Picnic Bench within the boot that can be folded out to provide a place to sit on the loading lip.

Buyers will get to choose from a range of exterior colours – British Racing Green, Chili Red, Light White, Melting Silver, Midnight Black, Moonwalk Grey, Chestnut (new) and Island Blue (new). The Cooper S gets an additional option here – Thunder Grey.

You can check out detailed spec and more information about the all-new Countryman at CarBase.my. Also, check out our review of the latest Countryman, here.

GALLERY: F60 MINI Cooper S Countryman

GALLERY: F60 MINI Cooper Countryman

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.