Mini embraces dark side with Countryman Blackheath
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 30th Oct 2018
MINI has briefly expanded its Countryman small SUV range with the addition of the limited-run Blackheath Edition, with just 60 examples touching down locally from $59,990 driveaway.
Based on the $48,900 plus on-roads Cooper S grade, the Blackheath raids Mini’s accessories and options ranges to create a dark, brooding atmosphere inside and out.
From the outside, the Blackheath is distinguishable by its Midnight Black metallic paint, while the darkened treatment is also applied to the roof and mirror caps.
The roof and side mouldings are finished in high-gloss black paint, while the 18-inch pin-spoke alloy wheels are finished in black.
Other exterior elements given the black treatment include the headlight surrounds, tail-light surrounds, door handles and front grille surrounds as part of the Black line exterior package, and the ‘Countryman’ lettering on the tailgate. The bonnet also features brushed black aluminium bonnet stripes.
Inside, the Blackheath Edition gains seats trimmed in carbon black ‘Leather Cross Punch’ upholstery, Anthracite headliner, and contrasting trim in piano black and chrome.
Interior specification is boosted by two equipment packages as standard, including the Climate Package which adds panoramic sunroof, tinted privacy glass and heated front seats, while the Multimedia Pro Package includes the newest Navigation Professional system with 8.8-inch touchscreen, 12-speaker harman/kardon sound system, head-up display and the Mini Find Mate system.
No changes have been made to the Cooper S driveline, namely a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine producing 141kW/280Nm driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Mini Australia general manager Brett Waudby said the Blackheath Edition was a nod to Mini’s British pedigree.
“Blackheath speaks directly to Mini’s United Kingdom heritage,” he said.
“Reinforcing this history via our flagship Countryman range is an exciting opportunity in this market. With a striking yet sinister appearance, the Countryman Blackheath Edition really stands out on the road.”
Through the first three quarters of 2018, Mini has sold 805 examples of the Countryman, up 36 per cent on the 592 it managed to the same point last year.
It trails the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLA (3142), BMW X1 (2366) and Audi Q3 (1813) in the premium small SUV segment.
