MINI Countryman PHEV Variant Quietly Axed Ahead of Full EV Shift
Canadians looking for a fun and fuel-efficient little crossover have one less option following the discontinuation of the MINI Countryman SE ALL4 for 2024.
This plug-in hybrid model, which carried a base price of $54,980 and was eligible to a $2,500 rebate from the federal government’s iZEV program (plus provincial incentives where applicable), combined a turbocharged three-cylinder engine with a 70kW electric motor. It delivered 221 total horsepower and 284 lb-ft. of torque, paired with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system.
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However, zero-emission range was pretty limited. With a full charge of its 10kWh battery, the Countryman SE ALL4 couldn’t travel more than 29 km—in ideal weather conditions—without the gasoline engine kicking in according to Natural Resources Canada.
What’s more, fuel consumption in hybrid operation amounted to 8 L/100 km, an improvement of just 1-1.2 L/100 km from every other Countryman model in the lineup. This includes the high-performance, 301-horsepower John Cooper Works, which is not only more explosive (0-100 km/h in 5.1 seconds instead of 6.8 seconds) but also cheaper (base MSRP of $52,690 for 2024).
Electric Countryman is Right Around the Corner
MINI will turn to the next chapter later in 2023 with the debut of a brand new Countryman, which will offer both conventionally powered and fully electric models side by side. While the small crossover remains camouflaged in the pictures released so far, we can see that its silhouette is pretty much unchanged, though most likely bigger in every dimension.
Sales of the next-gen Countryman in North America are expected to start next year as a 2025 model. MINI, remember, aims to have an all-EV portfolio by the end of the decade.
One Millionth Fourth-Gen MINI Lands in Canada
In related news, the one millionth example of the current-generation MINI (2014-present) was delivered to a couple in Alberta, Steve and Kerry Lockhart, on June 28.
The fully electric Cooper SE was built at MINI’s Oxford plant in the U.K., which is celebrating its 110th anniversary this year. It has special features including badging and details demarcating its heritage and milestone status.
To mark its delivery, a fun celebration in true MINI style was hosted at MINI Calgary. The Lockharts even got a video message from Charlie Cooper, grandson of John Cooper.
“You’re going to have a lot of fun with your MINI,” said Cooper in his message. “I remember getting my first MINI – it wasn’t my first car…because my dad said you’ve got to EARN getting your MINI Cooper, which I got when I was 18. You’re now part of the family,” continued Cooper, “so get out there and enjoy it!”