Starting this July, the MINI Countryman range will get two new entry-level models, as we reported earlier. The MINI One Countryman and the MINI One D Countryman will be the cheapest option for fans of the model, but there are other changes happening to the line-up this summer, affecting more than just one car in the range.
People ordering a Countryman or Clubman this July will get the chance to fit them with Apple CarPlay as part of the Wired equipment package. Apple CarPlay enables convenient, wireless integration of the Apple iPhone for the use of numerous functions in the areas of music and communication as well as enabling other apps to be controlled via the operating system of the two MINI models.
The cockpit instrument on the steering column of all current MINI models will also change, at night the numbers and letters appearing in white rather than orange. This new color scheme will also apply to the Head-Up-Display in the dark. The individual height setting for the Head-Up Display will be stored in the personal profile on the vehicle key, as will the settings for the exterior mirrors and the electrically adjustable seats. The new fuel level display in the right-hand section of the cockpit instrument features a qualitatively enhanced appearance and more precise display. This makes it easier to read off fuel level details.
Operation of the optional MINI Driving Modes for individual vehicle set-up will be modified in all current MINI models as of this summer. The change from the standard setting to SPORT mode or GREEN Mode and will be triggered by means of a toggle switch designed in typical MINI style and positioned underneath the control unit for the air conditioning. A separate menu item will be provided in the MINI operating system from July 2017 onwards for activation of the optional MINI Head-Up Display.
New optional equipment items will be available as well. The alertness assistant will be introduced for the MINI 3-door, 5-door and Convertible, ensuring additional safety on lengthier trips in these models. This system forms part of the Radio MINI Visual Boost or navigation system and continuously analyses the driving style. If the distance covered or the driver’s behavior indicates that the driver may be losing concentration, the system encourages the driver to take a break – in typical British style with a graphic on the screen in the central instrument and the suggestion “Tea Time”.
Open-top driving fun in the Convertible can be further enhanced with the new Always Open Package – just in time for the start of the summer in 2017. This includes Comfort Access, heatable seats for driver and front passenger, a wind deflector that reduces air swirl during open-top driving and the Always Open Timer, which records and displays the time spent driving with the roof open.
