What's the news?

A range of improvements will be rolled out across the MINI Countryman range from November. The interior gets new materials, there are new paint colours and the engines meet future emissions standards.

Exterior

There are no changes to the body but new paint finishes have been added including Brilliant Copper Metallic and Blazing Red Metallic.

Interior

MINI boasts that the colours and materials add to the high-quality character of the Countryman's interior. The outer rings around the centre speedo and four air vents are now finished in Carbon Black. The inner trim ring is high-gloss black or chrome with the optional Chrome Line pack.

Door trims have been remodelled with redesigned armrests and the electric window switches moved from the centre console to the door. Moving the switches has allowed the storage compartment in front of the gear lever to be enlarged. In the rear, a three-seat bench is now standard with a pair of individual seats available as a no-cost option.

Mechanicals

Three petrol and three diesel engines are offered with outputs that range from 90- to 184hp. At the top of the range there is the 218hp John Cooper Works model. Manual versions of the MINI One Countryman and MINI Cooper Countryman already meet EU6 emissions regulations that will come into force in 2014. Automatic transmissions are offered on all models except the MINI One D Countryman.

Anything else?

Option packs for the Countryman have been restructured to make it easier for customers to specify their car as they want it.