2020 MINI Countryman plug-in hybrid: prices, specification and on-sale date

This is the facelifted MINI Countryman SUV, which is on sale now, with prices for the plug-in hybrid S E ALL4 model starting at £34,700. The bulk of mechanical revisions are reserved for non-electrified models further down the range; the plug-in gets some mild adjustments under its new-and-improved bodywork.

Power still comes from a combination of a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor, but there's less power than before: 217bhp versus the old model’s 224bhp, most likely due to emissions compliance measures. Claimed economy is improved on paper: up to 166mpg trumps the old car’s 157mpg. 

Power is put to the road by a six-speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic gearbox; ALL4 four-wheel drive is still standard, and has been added across some non-hybrid Countryman models as an option for the first time.  

The new Countryman, MINI says, can travel up to 38 miles on electric power, up from the 31 miles of the old car. The car’s battery – increased in capacity from 7.6 to 9.6KWh – still accounts for the same 45-litre deficit in load space, however, leaving a total boot capacity of 405 litres.

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Externally, the revised Countryman gets a new look front and rear, with standard LED headlights and new Union Jack tail-lights as per other recent MINI models.

A range of new alloy-wheel designs and exterior colours have been added along with a revised interior with standard digital dashboard (as found in the MINI Electric), new trim options and an extended list of MINI accessories. The plug-in model gets Piano Black and British Dark Oak trim as standard. 

There are some welcome technology upgrades, too: the revised infotainment system gets an 8.8-inch central screen as part of optional Navigation and Navigation Plus packs, while the standard audio system now includes audio streaming via Bluetooth. A SIM card is also installed, allowing for automatic emergency calls, MINI’s TeleServices and Amazon Alexa connectivity.