New 2011 MINI Countryman Poised to Lead Crossover Class in MPG
The debut of the all-new 2011 MINI Cooper Countryman promises to give crossover SUV fans a new fuel-efficient option. EPA estimates suggest a maximum of 35 mpg - a fact that makes the vehicle the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid SUV for the year. Learn more about the 2011 Countryman and why it deserves a test drive.
2011 MINI Countryman Styling
Essentially, the MINI Countryman is a super-sized version of the classic MINI Cooper. It boasts a full 2-foot boost in length over its little brother and an additional 5.5 inches over the MINI Clubman. These dimensions are enough to give the Countryman comparable interior dimensions to the 2011 Nissan Juke (one of the Countryman's closest competitors).
The Countryman will be the first MINI to offer four doors and all-wheel drive. Beyond these features and the Countryman's growth spurt, the vehicle retains much of the same sporty European styling of previous MINI models. However, a new front fascia and curvier exterior design results in a MINI that is much less cutesy than previous models. Still, if you've always liked the look of the MINI Cooper, yet longed for improved interior real estate, then the MINI Countryman is likely to win over your heart.
View more 2011 MINI Countryman photos.
2011 MINI Countryman Performance
EPA estimates suggest a maximum fuel efficiency of 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway for the MINI crossover. In comparison, the Ford Explorer Hybrid (a.k.a. the most fuel-efficient SUV on the road) earns 31 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Countryman models outfitted with four-wheel drive max out at 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. The Cooper S Countryman, which receives a more powerful engine, offers 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
Despite these solid figures, the Countryman delivers true MINI performance - a fact that makes it one of the most fun crossovers to drive for the year. Base models come with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 121 horsepower and accelerates to 60 mph in just under 10 seconds. A turbocharged variant of the same engine is available on the Cooper S Countryman, and improves performance to 181 horsepower and zero-to-60 mph in 7.0 seconds.
Review full 2011 MINI Countryman specifications.
2011 MINI Countryman Safety
The MINI Countryman is slated to come standard with four-wheel anti-lock brakes, six airbags, traction control and stability control. The vehicle has yet to be tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, MINI's favorable track record suggests the Countryman will return solid crash test results.
2011 MINI Countryman Prices and Features
Base price for the 2011 Countryman comes in at $22,350. In comparison, the similarly sporty Nissan Juke comes in at just $18,960. Still, the Countryman base MSRP sits in the lower end of the pricing spectrum when looking at all crossover vehicles. Opt for the MINI Cooper S Countryman, and you can expect to pay around $30,000.
Available equipment on the Countryman includes a standard drop-down liftgate, rear bucket seats, power sunroof, roof rack, leather seats, cruise control, steering-wheel controls, air conditioning, Bluetooth and DVD display with voice control.
Find a 2011 MINI dealer near you.