Mini Countryman launched in Qatar by Alfardan Automobiles

MINI Countryman, the brand’s fourth family member, celebrated with Alfardan Automobiles this week, following its successful debut at the inaugural Qatar Motor Show in January. MINI together with its exclusive importer in Qatar, showcased its new crossover model as a car to bridge the gap between the classic MINI and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle.

Larger and taller than its hatchback sibling, the new MINI Countryman is the first MINI model to feature four doors, four individual seats (a three-seat bench is available at no additional cost), optional all-wheel drive and unique MINI Centre Rail, a funky multifunctional guide rail running through the interior. The MINI Countryman also comes in 11 brand new exterior colours – including Light White and Pure Red, previously unavailable on other MINI models.

MINI and Alfardan Automobiles celebrated the recent arrival of the newest member of the family at an exclusive ‘MINI Countryman Getaway’ event at The Pearl-Qatar Boardwalk with lifestyle partners Red Bull, Virgin and Oakley. An all-star entertainment line-up set the ambiance for the evening, with performances from break dancers and a professional DJ. Meanwhile partygoers also had the opportunity to test drive a MINI Cooper S throughout the event.

Upon arrival, guests were greeted with everything you might need on an afternoon getaway to the beach or an evening wadi bashing. One side of the display mimicked the beach with scenes of sun, sea and sand complete with an interactive Wii surfing game, whilst partygoers in the Wadi Zone experienced the dry and rocky Qatar desert terrain by night in a virtual test drive.

“Eye-catching, colourful and everything ‘Getaway’, the set up at The Pearl-Qatar Boardwalk was the perfect setting to showcase the new MINI Countryman and provide an amazing MINI experience for all,” said Mr. Mohammed Kandeel, General Manager of Alfardan Automobiles.

“What better way to celebrate what’s expected to be yet another successful year for Alfardan Automobiles than to welcome a new addition to our MINI portfolio. The new MINI Countryman will allow us to bring MINI’s unique personality to a much wider audience as it opens up a whole new segment of customers who appreciate MINI but require more space and versatility. The new MINI Countryman has been on sale in our showroom since January and has already attracted a lot of interest from customers. We are confident that the newest member of the MINI family will continue do well in Qatar and will build upon our successful 2010 sales results, which saw an 85% growth in MINI sales from 2009,” added Kandeel.

Providing even greater freedom and space, the new MINI Countryman offers a versatile and comfortable ride every time. Its increased length and the option of all-wheel drive offers the perfect solution for getting around town during the week as well as providing enough room for weekend getaway trips. In fact, the MINI Countryman has claimed the top 5-star score in the latest Euro NCAP crash test results, making it one of the safest cars on the road. The car has been designed to ensure highly effective occupant protection for both adults and children in various types of collision.

Inside the MINI Countryman, it’s all about comfort and practicality matched with an innovative style. Combinations in the MINI Countryman’s range also include a host of new interior colours, such as trim strips and upholstery which enables the customer to create a MINI with a truly unique character. With the perfect amount of space for weekend getaways, the vehicle offers 190 litres more luggage capacity than the original at a total of 350 litres. It’s the first MINI model to measure four metres in length, clearly standing out from all other MINI models.

In addition to the endless interior trim options available, the MINI Countryman includes a high-end audio and navigation system, an electric panoramic glass sunroof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with Xenon headlight units, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works performance components.

Alfardan Automobiles’ MINI customers can now enjoy ‘carefree’ ownership with the MINI Service Inclusive XL Package. This manufacturer offer covers all major servicing for MINI vehicles for the first five years or 50,000 kms, including wear and tear parts that are beyond the standard warranty, costs for labor, original MINI replacement parts and top-up oil, ensuring the cost of car ownership is kept to a minimum.