Mini Countryman plugin hybrid gets June 2017 launch date

Mini has revealed that it will launch the Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 in June. This is the first hybrid model in this generation of Minis and shares its underpinnings with parent company BMW’s i3 hatchback.

This Mini Countryman gets its hybrid (ness) through the combination of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine powering the front wheels and a 65kW electric motor powering the rear wheels giving a new meaning to the term ALL4.

The petrol motor produces 136bhp/220Nm while the electric motor produces the equivalent of 88bhp/165Nm.  The front wheels get a six-speed steptronic transmission while the rear has been mated to a two-stage single speed unit. It has a pure electric range of 40km and can hit a top speed of 125kmph on the same.

It is distinguishable from the standard Mini range by the presence of the electric charging socket and special yellow shades on the badges. This Countryman SE will be launched for markets in Europe in June and is expected to be priced fairly higher than the standard Countryman models. Now given the kind of niche appeal that the brand has in India, there is a high possibility of it being brought here in limited numbers only.