The new Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 has been priced from £31,585, and is set to make its public debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
The S E Countryman is the British brand’s first plug-in hybrid model, and is powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine that has been paired with a synchronous electric motor.
Together, these give the hybrid Mini a combined power output of 221bhp, enabling the crossover to complete the benchmark sprint from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds. The petrol engine drives the front wheels, while the electric motor sends power to the rear.
The Mini is capable of operating solely on electric power up to a speed of 50mph, when the petrol engine will be prompted to kick in.
However, a special eDRIVE setting allows motorists to continue in electric mode up to a maximum speed of 78mph. Mini claims the S E Countryman has an electric range of 25 miles. Charge time for the lithium-ion battery takes between 2hr 15min and 3hr 15min.
Because of the car’s ability to alternate between conventional and electric drive modes, Mini claims the S E Countryman can achieve a combined fuel economy figure of 134.5mpg, while CO2 emissions stand at 49g/km.
Because of the Mini’s plug-in hybrid credentials, it qualifies for a £2,500 government grant, bringing the on-the-road price down to £29,085.
