2021 MINI Countryman Facelift Debuts With New Looks And Updated Technology

MINI has taken the wraps off the 2021 Countryman, ahead of its launch later this year.

Looking instantly recognizable, the facelifted crossover has a revised grille that is flanked by new LED headlights. The model also has modified bumpers, restyled wheels and new Union Jack LED taillights.

While the styling changes are relatively modest, designers also gave the Countryman a revised color palette that now includes White Silver Metallic and Sage Green Metallic.  There’s also a new Piano Black Exterior package which swaps chrome for high-gloss black accents on the headlight surrounds, grille and door handles.

The updates continue in the cabin as drivers will find a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel and a newly optional digital instrument cluster.  The model also boasts revised trim and updated infotainment systems with 8.8-inch displays.  Speaking of the latter, certain systems now support Amazon Alexa.  Last but not least, there are two new leather options called Chesterfield Malt Brown and Chesterfield Indigo Blue.

Under the hood, there’s a host of familiar engines which have been updated to “achieve an even greater balance between driving fun and fuel consumption.”  Petrol models now have particulate filters, while four-cylinder petrol engines now have an exhaust manifold integrated in the cylinder head to optimize cooling of the exhaust gases and the turbocharging system.

In terms of performance, the entry-level Cooper Countryman has 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS) and can accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 9.3 seconds.  With all-wheel drive, the dash to 60 mph (96 km/h) increases to 9.6 seconds.

The mid-level Cooper S Countryman has 189 hp (141 kW / 192 PS) and a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 7.1 or 7.2 seconds.  The range-topping JCW Countryman comes standard with all-wheel drive and rockets to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.9 seconds thanks to its 301 hp (224 kW / 305 PS).

The plug-in hybrid Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 also returns to the lineup.  It features a three-cylinder petrol engine that powers the front wheels and an electric motor that turns the rear wheels.  When they work together, they give the crossover a combined output of 224 hp (167 kW / 227 PS).  This setup allows for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 122 mph (196 km/h).

While the powertrains largely carryover, MINI did reveal the Cooper Countryman ALL4 now features a standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission.  It’s one of several different gearboxes offered on the Countryman including a six-speed Steptronic and a seven-speed DCT.

The 2021 MINI Countryman will go on sale in the United States this summer and additional information will be announced closer to launch.