New Mini Countryman S launching in South Africa in 2024 – What to expect

Mini has announced that the new Countryman S will be sold in South Africa, and that it will be arriving in the second quarter of 2024.

This is the third model in the new Countryman range that the carmaker has confirmed for the tip of Africa alongside the flagship John Cooper Works and the all-electric SE – the brand’s second battery-powered vehicle in the country after the Cooper SE.

What to expect

The new Countryman S will feature a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine with 160kW and 360Nm, making it a substantial boost over the current generation’s plant with its 141kW and 280Nm.

This time around, the crossover will use an ALL4 all-wheel-drive system instead of relying solely on the front wheels, and its fuel consumption will now average between 6.8l and 7.4l/100km on a combined cycle.

Additionally, the track width and wheelbase have both been slightly extended, leading to improved driving dynamics and comfort, according to the automaker. Customers now also have the option of buying an adaptive chassis with 15mm lowering and frequency-selective dampers.

Aesthetically, the crossover is rocking a new octagonal front grille accentuated by angular LED headlights, while the rear lamps have been made more vertical to give the vehicle a sportier look.

The S will be offered in four trim levels – Essential, Classic, Favoured, and John Cooper Works – each of which will provide its own unique styling details.

The full extent of what each trim level will show has not yet been disclosed, though Mini did provide one example, saying that the car’s alloy wheels would come in various designs and would range from 17 inches up to 21 inches in size.

Inside, the dashboard uses a two-tone renewable textile meant to convey a more homely feel, and a panoramic sunroof is available as an option to provide more natural light to all occupants.

The centrepiece of the interior is the new round HD display that measures 240mm in diametre, which runs on Mini’s new Operating System 9 and can be operated through touch or via voice commands.

Another new addition is level 2 partially automated driving, which allows the driver to take their hands off the wheel at speeds up to 60km/h, though the individual is still expected to be ready to take the wheel at a moment’s notice.

This system is able to match the speed of surrounding traffic and can identify gaps in an adjacent lane when lane changes are needed.

More details on the new Mini Countryman S, such as its local pricing and specifications, will be revealed closer to its launch in the first half of 2024.

Mini Countryman S