Mini's fastest-ever production car, the new Clubman JCW, will touch down in Australia before the end of 2019, priced from $57,900 before on-road costs. Powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the Clubman JCW now makes 225kW and 450Nm, an increase of 55kW over the outgoing model. The engine is shared with the BMW X2 M35i, as is the eight-speed automatic transmission...
The 2020 Mini Countryman has been spied on the streets of Munich, previewing the car's mid-life refresh. As with the revised 'LCI' Mini Hatch range, the Countryman appears to be wearing a fresh grille and front bumper. The headlight internals also look different, although the design team's yellow-and-black camouflage makes it hard to nail down exactly what's changed...
Mini has detailed the updated John Cooper Works versions of its Clubman wagon and Countryman crossover, which both get beefier performance amongst other upgrades. Headlining the changes is what lies under the bonnet – a 225kW/450Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine borrowed from the related BMW X2 M35i, the most powerful engine fitted to a production Mini...
Mini Australia has announced pricing and specifications for its first electrified model Down Under, the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, also known as the Cooper S E All4. Priced from $57,200 before on-road costs, the plug-in hybrid version of Mini's crossover is $3300 dearer than the Cooper SD All4 diesel, and $2700 less than the flagship John Cooper Works performance variant...
Mini Australia has announced a 2019 model-year upgrade for its Hatch and Convertible model lines, meaning every vehicle in its range now comes as standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB). The German-owned British marque has confirmed the Driver Assistance Package is now included as standard across all 3 Door Hatch, 5 Door Hatch and Convertible models...
Mini Australia has announced another limited-run special in the form of the Countryman Blackheath Edition, which is now on sale priced from $59,990 drive-away. Just 60 units will be heading Down Under, featuring a range of black-themed add-ons and accessories from the Mini options range as standard equipment...
Mini UK has announced a revised model structure across all its ranges, with each line available in three new 'styles' – Classic, Sport and Exclusive. Designed to streamline the specification process and make it easier for customers to choose their car, the company claims the new model structure will allow buyers to create their vehicle using five steps...
BMW Australia has recalled the current-generation 'F60' Mini Countryman with the three-cylinder petrol engine, over concerns about the high-pressure fuel pump. According to the company a crash protection plate wasn't installed for the high-pressure fuel pump, meaning the pump could be damaged in a severe front-end accident...
It's a Sydney special! Joining Mandy Turner on the panel this week are CarAdvice CEO Andrew Beecher, founders Alborz Fallah and Tony Crawford, along with Trent Nikolic and Paul Maric. In car news, Holden has announced $28 million for autonomy and electric vehicle development, General Motors has stated there is 'no exit plan' for Holden, and reckons it's 'certainly capable' of getting Cadillac to Australia...
UPDATE, 13/7/18: Mini's local division has confirmed the plug-in Countryman will be available from Q2 2019, along with supplying some local images. See article for details. BMW Group Australia has confirmed the Mini Countryman S E All4 PHEV (deep breath) is coming to Australia, due to land in the second quarter of next year...
Mini has unveiled the cars it will be taking to the 2018 Dakar Rally, showcasing two very different approaches to desert-destroying performance. Along with the all-wheel drive John Cooper Works Rally, the company will be lining up with the rear-driven John Cooper Works Buggy...
