Locally-assembled MINI Countryman S ALL4 now available

When the Mini came into existence, it was a small car, the Kancil of its day. It remained the same size – just a bit over 3 metres in standard form – for the 41 years that the first generation was produced. The BMW Group acquired the rights to the brand in the late 1990s and decided to continue the model, bringing its design into the 21^st century.

BMW retained the essence of the Mini in the new MINI, maintaining all the styling elements that made it an icon. The small cars of the 1960s had grown over the 40 years and the Mini, likewise, became slightly bigger but retained the same compact proportions.

At the same time, BMW’s product planners also created more variations to the range, broadening its appeal. This saw the creation of the Countryman in 2010, a model intended to give MINI a representative in the growing SUV segment. A mini-sized SUV might not have been suitable so the designers pumped up the model to dimensions that would have shocked Sir Alex Issigonis (the creator of the original Mini).

Departure from original compact form
While the modern MINI has been around 3.6 to 3.8 metres, the Countryman was given steroids that lengthened it past 4 metres and today, it is 4.43 metres, dwarfing its brothers that park next to it. It’s hard to think of it as a ‘mini’ but the design still identifies it as a member of the family.

This largest member of the MINI family is now in its third generation which was launched in 2023. Along with the latest generation of the other MINI models, the Countryman is also assembled locally at the Inokom plant in Kedah.

Additional Countryman variant
Recently, the Countryman S ALL4 was also added to the range, joining the Countryman SE ALL4 introduced in 2024. Taller and longer compared to its predecessor, the latest Countryman has the intricate octagonal grille flanked by LED headlights, enhanced with a high-beam assistant and 3 adjustable light signatures.

The side profile shows a seamlessly integrated, gently curved roofline that merges elegantly into the C-pillar, while a characteristic wraparound black band adds a contemporary touch to the crossover SUV’s exterior aesthetics. At the rear are flush, upright LED taillights, also featuring 3 unique light signatures.

More space inside
The new dimensions offer more spaciousness in the cabin which is furnished with Favoured Trim. The meticulously crafted and high-quality components include warm materials, most notably textile surfaces made with 2-tone recycled polyester fabric through an in-house knitting process.

From the driver’s seat, there’s an expansive forward view, thanks to the higher position typical of SUVs. Furthermore, the dashboard design omits an instrument cluster – all driving-related information which the driver needs is shown on the Head-Up Display on a small panel ahead of the steering wheel.

Unique circular OLED display
The unique to the industry 240-mm round OLED display not only provides a touch-based interface but also features 2 projectors behind to enhance the immersive driver experience via the New MINI Experience Modes.

Digital connectivity is powered by the MINI Operating System 9, merging both functional and emotional elements in a distinctive MINI style. The circular OLED display facilitates the presentation of both static and dynamic elements while micro-animations enhance the intuitiveness of interaction between the driver and the central display.

John Cooper Works sports seats
The front occupants of the Countryman S ALL4 get John Cooper Works sports seats come with an integrated headrest and enhanced lateral support, with an active seat specifically for the driver. Both front seats are upholstered in high-quality vegan leather on the sides and electrically adjustable seats with memory and massage function. There’s also a wide central armrest situated between the seats.

The rear seats offer an additional 2.5 cm of shoulder width, and each seat can be individually adjusted to 6 positions, including up to a 12-degree tilt for a more comfortable posture. The rear seats are equipped with a sliding adjustment feature, offering the flexibility to prioritise either extra legroom or an expanded boot space (up to 1,530 litres).

Other interior features are the comfort access system, Comfort Package Plus, 12-speaker 365W Harman Kardon Surround Sound System.

All-wheel drive system
The ‘ALL4’ is MINI’s term for its All-Wheel Drive system. The Countryman S ALL4 is equipped with the latest generation which continuously monitors road conditions and distributes optimal torque within milliseconds.

Power comes from an enhanced 2-litre petrol engine with a turbocharger boosting output to 204 ps/300 Nm. This gives the Countryman S ALL4 a claimed top speed of 228 km/h and 0 – 100 km/h time of 7.4 seconds.

The estimated retail price (without insurance) is RM259,000, and if you want to add the Extended Warranty and Service Package, it will cost another RM11,000 more. All MINIs come with a standard 2-year warranty, 5-year Roadside Assistance and free towing services (terms and conditions apply), replacement vehicle, and other mobility solutions in the event of a vehicle breakdown.

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