2021 Mini Countryman gets a mid-cycle update

KUALA LUMPUR: It seems that the British automotive marque, Mini is in the process of upgrading its entire range. The latest to join the list is Mini Countryman, a small, stylish, and fun-to-drive crossover with a high degree of personalization. The automaker released the first glimpse of the 2021 Mini Countryman last week, which is now followed by the full reveal. The updated model gets the subtle tweak inside and out.

The front end is now more polished as designers have given more perfection to the characteristic front grille and standard LED headlights. The rear look is now graced with new taillights that have a half Union Jack symbol, known for British national pride. The rear bumper is now entirely covered in body-color, featuring a prominent skid plate-style panel. 

The 2021 Countryman interior has also received some substantial changes, including a new instrument cluster and an upgraded 8.8-inch infotainment screen, which replaced the 6.5-inch unit. For connectivity, Apple CarPlay is now available, while it still misses on Android Auto. The leather sports steering wheel now comes as standard across the range, and the material options for the interior surfaces have also been increased. 

Under the hood, the new Countryman houses the same range of powertrains as the earlier model. The base trim comprises the turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine producing 134 PS of power. The S Countryman carries a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder mill generating 189 PS while John Cooper Works trim gets 301 PS from the same engine. 

The powertrain of plug-in hybrid SE incorporates the three-cylinder unit with an electric motor, combinedly producing 224 PS. The transmission duties are handled by a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission or an 8-speed automatic. About the fuel economy and pricing, no information has been revealed yet.

The 2021 Mini Countryman is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms this summer. As of now, the automaker has not announced any plan to introduce the refreshed model in the Malaysian market. So stay tuned with us for further information on this.

Also read: 2021 Mini Cooper Sidewalk Edition revealed