What's all this about?
MINI's first plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the Cooper S E Countryman ALL4, will go on sale on 24th June 2017 with a prices starting at £31,585.
What do you get for the money?
Power comes from a 3-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor that together deliver 224hp. The petrol motor drives through a six-speed, Steptronic automatic transmission. Key figures include a claimed 0-62mph time of 6.8 seconds, 134.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 49g/km.
To distinguish the hybrid there are model-specific design elements including an 'E' emblem on the radiator grille and side scuttles, plus door sill finishers with a yellow 'S' logo. The 17-inch light alloy wheels in Light Spoke design are exclusive to the model. Inside, hybrid-specific displays and the eDRIVE toggle switch are fitted.
Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, Bluetooth, cruise control and emergency E-call.
Are there any downsides to the hybrid model?
A little boot space is sacrificed to accommodate the battery pack; 405-litres (45-litres less than the petrol and diesel models), which can be extended to 1,275-litres with the rear backrests folded down. The hybrid models also lose out on a little headroom for those sitting in the back seat.
Can I depend on the battery?
There is a six-year or 60,000 mile warranty covering the lithium-ion battery. All the hybrid components are products of the BMW Group's eDrive technology.
3 Mar 2017