MINI updates the Countryman

Two years on from launching the controversial Countryman, MINI has given its small crossover a host of mild tweaks to keep things fresh.

BMW’s youthful offshoot says the extensive round of modifications will “further enhance the allure of its boundless driving fun”. Yes indeed.

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Amongst the headline changes are that both the Countryman One and Cooper variants are now compliant with the stricter EU6 exhaust emissions regulations. There’s also a range of new colours and interior mods to maintain an element of surprise and delight in the showroom.

That MINI hallmark – the big central speedo – has been given a carbon black surround with a gloss black inner ring, for some added bling. That’s unless the Chrome Line pack is specified, in which case the inner rings are embellished with – you’ve guessed it…

Elsewhere there are newly designed door inserts with remodelled arm rests, and the window switches are now where you’d expect them to be – in the door panels. Moving the window controls away from the centre console is a win-win it seems – providing not only a more ergonomic layout, but freeing up a larger storage compartment where they used to be.

More important news is a standard fit three-seat rear bench – although two individual rear seats can be specified as a no-cost option if desired. There’s also a number of new interior colour schemes to choose from, whilst the outside hasn’t been forgotten, with new paints on offer including Brilliant Copper metallic and Blazing Red.

Aside from manual versions of the One and Cooper now meeting EU6 standards, the Countryman’s engine range is largely as before – meaning three diesels and three petrols are on offer, ranging from the 90hp oil-burner right up to the recently released 218hp John Cooper Works fire-breather.

The updated Countryman goes on sale this month. No pricing changes have so far been announced.

On Bing: see images of the MINI Countryman

Find out how much a used MINI Countryman costs on Auto Trader