Mini Countryman plug-in hybrid out for a snowy stroll

[cazza13]

Really anxious to see what this plug-in has to offer. The Mini has
come a long way from a little laugh to one of the hottest little cars
on the road.


FROM: AB

When Mini launched the Countryman in 2010, it emerged as the brand's
first all-wheel-drive model. Now there's a new Countryman on the way,
and it's also set to mark a Mini first by incorporating not just a
mild hybrid system, but a plug-in hybrid powertrain. And that's just
what we're looking at here.

How do we know this prototype is packing a hybrid powertrain, you ask?
A fair question, and we'll tell you: because the manufacturer chose to
mark "Hybrid Test Vehicle" on the door. And because parent
company BMW is already known to be working on a PHEV system for the 2
Series Active Tourer on which the new Mini crossover will be based,
it's fairly safe to say it won't be developing a separate system for
the Countryman.

Expect the hybrid mega-Mini to combine a 1.5-liter inline-three
driving 136 horsepower to the front wheels, and an electric motor good
for another 102 hp on the rear wheels for through-the-road all-wheel
drive and a combined output of nearly 240 hp. That's more than even
the John Cooper Works performance model has offered.

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