The Countryman model, assembled at BMW Group Malaysia Assembly Facilities in Kulim, Kedah, is available in two variants of Cooper and Cooper S All4.
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Dr Pils (second from left) explaining some details if the locally assembled MINI Countryman to Dr Ku Abdul Rahman. |
The Cooper is powered by a 1.6-litre engine that delivers 120hp, enabling the car to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in 11.6 seconds with an average fuel consumption of 7.6 litres per 100 km and a C02 emission rating of 177 grams per km.
The 1.6-litre engine of the Cooper S, meanwhile, gets the addition of a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection complemented with a fully variable valve management, for 184hp which enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds.
The Cooper S also features a permanent all-wheel drive system that enables the famed MINI-fun driving and agility to be experienced off road as well.
Exterior colours include Light White, Absolute Black, Crystal Silver, Royal Grey and True Blue, Blazing Red, Brilliant Copper.
The Cooper and Cooper S are priced at RM218,888 and RM258,888 respectively. The cars are also some RM30,000 cheaper than the fully imported versions.
BMW Group Malaysia chief executive officer Dr Gerhard Pils said the new locally assembled MINI Countryman is indistinguishable in all respect from their imported counterparts.
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“The move to assemble the new MINI Countryman in the country provides the opportunity for the transfer of superior quality assembly line technology, practices and standards to Malaysia.
“The introduction of the new MINI Countryman marks the fifth model to join BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles and further reinforces the premium automaker’s investment and commitment in the country.
“Operational since 2008, the BMW Group Malaysia Assembly Plant in Kulim, Kedah has been an integral part of our success in Malaysia with a production run of more than 12,000 units to date.
“With a workforce of over 400 employees and equipped with the latest in manufacturing technologies, our BMW assembly facility here operates to the standards of any production facility of the BMW Group anywhere in the world,” he said.
Also present at the official unveiling ceremony was state industry and investment committee chairman Datuk Dr Ku Abdul Rahman Ku Ismail.
“This is a fundamental demonstration of the possibilities and opportunities Malaysia is increasingly discovering and it is my hope that other investors from both Malaysia and abroad will emulate the commitment, initiative and genuine concern for the societies which the BMW Group serves.
“I would like to once again express my admiration and commend BMW Group Malaysia for its bold and passionate efforts,” he said.
