Mini has unveiled the new Clubman crossover, with further details announced on the plug-in hybrid variant that was previewed last week.
The new model – snappily titled the Mini Cooper S E Countryman All4 – is the first PHEV model to come from the British manufacturer, and offers economy figures of 134.5 MPG and 49 g/km CO2.
These come from a combination of three cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor, producing a total output of 224hp and 385 Nm of torque. This, like many electrified vehicles, means the new Countryman can complete the 0-62mph time in 6.9 seconds – a time befitting of its Cooper badge.
The new Mini makes good use of parent company BMW’s developments in electric and plug-in hybrid cars. The front wheels are powered by the petrol engine, with the rear axle run by the electric motor. A top speed of 78mph is possible on electric power, as is a range of up to 25 miles.
There are three operating modes which can be selected with an eDrive toggle switch – Auto eDrive, Max eDrive, and Save Battery – and buyers will have a high spec car for their money.
Technical details show that the petrol engine is 1.5 litres in size, and puts out 136hp. The electric motor on the other hand produces 88hp, and is powered by a 7.6 kWh battery pack. On a 3.6 kW wall unit, a full charge through a Type 2 connector will take a little over two hours, or a bit over three hours from a standard plug socket.
Prices will start at £22,465 for the Countryman range, with the cost of the PHEV version to be announced at a later date. Considering it is both the fastest and most economical, expect it to come in around £30,000 – though whether that is with or without the Plug-in Car Grant is yet to be seen. Deliveries will start in the UK in February.
