Mini’s latest incarnation plugs in

$ 60,000 FOR THE NEW HYBRID COOPER COUNTRYMAN

Mini’s first plug- in hybrid, the Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, goes on sale in New Zealand in August.

BMWNewZealand says the new model combines the variable space concept of the new Countryman model with the sustainability of BMWGroup eDrive technology, and an electrified all- wheel- drive system.

The Countryman is the largest of the Mini models, and the Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 will have a recommended retail price of $ 59,900 plus on- road costs.

The front wheels are powered by a combustion engine, the rear wheels by an electric motor. The Countryman ALL4 is able to run on electricity alone, at a top speed of 125 km/ h and with a range of up to 41km.

“With the new Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, for the first time we have the hallmark “go- kart feel” driving experience of a Mini with the benefit of electric, zeroemission motoring,” said BMW Group New Zealand Managing Director, Florian Renndorfer.

“This gives our customers the benefits of day- to- day commuting with electric mobility, while being able to drive unlimited distances, creating adventures on the weekend,” he said.

Under the bonnet is a 3- cylinder petrol engine with Mini TwinPower Turbo Technology. The threecylinder 1.5 litre engine produces a peak output of 100 kW and maximum torque is 220 Nmfrom 1250 rpm. It is from the latest generation of BMWGroup engines, and is coupled with a modified six- speed Steptronic transmission.

The second power unit is an electric motor under the luggage compartment floor. Designed according to the principle of a hybrid synchronous motor, it puts out 65 kW, and generates a maximum torque of 165 Nm.

The electric motor directs its power to the rear axle by way of a two- stage single- speed transmission. The Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4.

The 7.6 kWh lithium- ion battery is in front of the electric motor, underneath the rear seat.

At a wallbox with a charging capacity of 3.6 kW, it can be fully charged in about 21⁄ hours. Charging at a regular household socket will take around 31⁄ hours. It accelerates from 0- 100 km/ h in 6.8 seconds.