2015 Mini Countryman unveiled

Four years after it was first revealed, Mini has given its five-door Countryman crossover a mild facelift.

Changes to the exterior are fairly subtle. The front grille has been redesigned, there are some additional paint shades and all-wheel drive versions have acquired extra under-body protection. That’s about it for bodywork updates, although all models apart from the One trim grade now feature LED front fog and daytime running lights.

For the interior, the alterations are limited to better cabin soundproofing and the adoption of anthracite-coloured dials for the main instruments.

Perhaps more significant are the technical upgrades. All petrol and diesel engines have been made EU6-compliant, plus they’re now more economical and emit less carbon dioxide. Helping to achieve those efficiency gains are numerous modifications including the fitment of reduced rolling resistance tyres, some aerodynamic tweaks and the adoption of low-friction wheel bearings.

Furthermore, the 1.6 litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged unit that powers the Cooper S Countryman has had a power boost. Output is up from 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) to 187 bhp (140 kW / 190 PS), a modest lift that reduces the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) time by 0.1 to 7.5 seconds.

The bad news is that Mini has decided to use the 2015 Countryman’s introduction as an excuse for a price rise. When sales begin in the UK it’ll cost from £16,990, an increase of £370.

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