2018 MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid Launched, Priced From RM255,888

MINI Malaysia has just launched the new locally-assembled Countryman Plug-In Hybrid. The launch of the new plug-in hybrid variant of the Countryman marks a significant milestone for MINI Malaysia, as this is the British marque's first-ever plug-in hybrid model, on top of being the first country out of Europe to locally assemble the new Countryman. 

Visually, the MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid can be differentiated thanks to its model-specific “e” emblems on the fenders and tailgate plus yellow “S” emblem on the front grille. In addition to the various emblems, the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid comes standard with the ALL4 bodykit and 19-inch MINI Yours Masterpiece alloy wheels. The charging port is located on the left side front fender.

Moving inside, a 6.5-inch touchscreen display takes centre stage of the new Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, with support for multi-touch and pinch-to-zoom. 

Similar to BMW Plug-In Hybrid models, the new Countryman Plug-In Hybrid features an eDrive button that allows the driver to choose between several electric drive modes, including Auto eDrive, Max eDrive and Safe Battery mode.

Underneath, the new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid features MINI’s eALL4 System, with the petrol engine driving the front wheels and electric motor driving the rear wheels. 

Versus the regular Countryman's 450 litres of boot space, the plug-in hybrid variant makes do with just 405 litres of boot space, as the electric motor is housed within the rear axle of the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid. This results in less storage space beneath the removable boot floor. 

The eALL4 System works in conjunction with the eDrive modes, whereby the Auto eDrive allows drivers to drive up to 80 km/h with just electric power. Auto eDrive also features eBoost, a feature which the electric motor assists the petrol engine to boost output.

Then there’s the Save Battery mode, which allows the charging status of the battery to be maintained at a set level, or to be charged by the petrol engine. When this drive mode is activated, the petrol engine is primarily utilized and the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is strictly front-wheel drive only.

Last but not least is the Max eDrive mode. When drivers engage Max eDrive mode, they can enjoy pure electric driving with speeds of up to 120 km/h. The Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is also able to travel up to 40 km on pure electric propulsion. Running on the Max eDrive mode also transforms the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid into a rear-wheel drive vehicle, as the petrol engine is not utilized. 

Powering the new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine that outputs 136 hp and 220 Nm of torque, while the electric motor outputs another 88 hp and 165 Nm, allowing for a combined system output of 224 hp and 385 Nm. The century sprint of the new plug-in hybrid MINI is completed in just 6.8 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 198 km/h.

Other noteworthy highlights include: 

• Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning with rear air vents
• Interior mood lighting
• Power adjustable front seats
• Leather upholstery
• 40:20:40 split folding rear seats
• MINI Navigation system 
• Powered tailgate
• Picnic bench
• LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
• LED front fog lights
• MINI logo projection
• ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
• Attention Assist
• Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control and Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC)
• 6 airbags
• Reverse camera 

A total of 6 body colours are offered for the new Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, namely Chili Red, British Racing Green, Thunder Grey, Light White, and Melting Silver with black roof and Island Blue with white roof.

Buyers of the new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid can enjoy the included ChargeNow offering by MINI Malaysia, which includes the MINI Public Charging Cable plus a 1-year free subscription of unlimited charging at all 270 ChargEV stations.

The introduction of both locally-assembled MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid and Cooper S Countryman Sports mark the exit of the fully-imported Cooper Countryman and Cooper S Countryman. 

Compared to the fully-imported but discontinued Cooper Countryman's RM239,888 price tag, the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid costs RM16,000 more at RM255,888.

Currently, the MINI Countryman lineup in Malaysia comprises of:

• MINI Coooper S Countryman Sport - RM245,888
• MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid - RM266,888
• MINI JCW Countryman - RM348,888

In terms of aftersales support, the new MINI Countryman Plug-In Hybrid is backed by MINI Malaysia’s 5 Years Roadside Assistance programme and a battery warranty that is valid for 6 years or 100,000 km.