The new MINI Countryman, the fourth model to join the MINI portfolio, has made its debut in the Middle East.

The MINI Countryman is the first MINI model with four doors, four individual seats, an all-wheel drive option measuring four metres in length.

MINI also unveiled 'MINI Connected,' a new connectivity feature that further enhances the driving experience by keeping the driver connected with the outside world through a USB interface.

This technology includes Web radio, a world first for any vehicle which allows radio programmes from across the world to be played in the vehicle. Available as an option, MINI Connected also allows for a high level of integration with smartphones enabling social media platforms such as Facebook be controlled in the on board display system.

The MINI Countryman has claimed the top 5-star score in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results, making it one of the safest cars on the road, a statement said.

“The MINI Countryman is an exciting addition which takes the MINI brand to the next phase in its illustrious 52 year history,“ said Sarah Klippert, MINI manager at BMW Group Middle East.

“We expect that the new Countryman will appeal to a whole new audience who appreciate MINI but require more space in a vehicle.”

“This vehicle has already sold out in Europe and we expect the MINI Countryman to be just as popular in the Middle East. The vehicle will be available, like all MINI models, with a wide range of exterior and interior customization options available for owners to give their car a pesonalised and different look,” added Klippert.

Combinations in the Countryman’s range also include a host of new interior colours, such as trim strips and upholstery, while standard features include a MINI centre rail, running from the dashboard through to the rear seats, where everything from cup holders, sunglasses cases and armrests can be attached to the bar and slid back and forth.

The vehicle offers 190 litres more luggage capacity than the original at a total of 350 litres.

The MINI Countryman also includes a high-end audio and navigation systems, an extra-large panorama roof, adaptive headlights in combination with xenon headlight units, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works performance components.

Both the MINI Cooper and Cooper S Countryman models come in four-cylinder petrol engines and will be available in Bahrain  in February. – TradeArabia News Service