MINI has introduced the updated 2020 MINI Countryman facelift alongside the BMW 5 Series LCI. Changes include minor exterior updates, new interior bits as well as reduced engine outputs for lower emissions.

Let’s start with the exterior changes. The most obvious one is the new Union Jack LED taillamp design, finally matching other MINIs in the range. Other changes include new radiator grille (now hexagonal pattern) as well as reshaped front and rear bumpers.

Inside, you will have to squint to spot the difference in the updated Countryman. The control buttons for the central infotainment screen are new and at the top you’ll find repositioned buttons for the hazard lights and Advanced Driving Assistance System.

As for the driver, there is a new but optional (thankfully) 5.0-inch digital instrument cluster. For cars equipped with the Connected Media option, you are able to link Amazon Alexa as your AI personal assistant.

With the ever-tightening WLTP emission regulations, all Countryman engine variants will now come with a particulate filter for petrol engines and AdBlue for diesel engines.

For engine options that are relevant to the Malaysian market which are the 1.5-litre 3-cylinder plug-in hybrid (Cooper SE) and the B48 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo (Cooper S).

The 1.5-litre 3-cylinder PHEV mill now features a larger 9.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (up from 6.1 kWh) which bumps the maximum electric range from 47 km to 61 km. Unfortunately, the combined system output has dropped to 220 PS (from 224 PS) as a result of the tweaked engine to comply with the emission regulations.

It’s the same story with the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo in the Cooper S variant, power is down by 14 PS to 178 PS, again in order to achieve the lower emission output. However, MINI claims that century sprint time remains unchanged at 7.5 seconds (front-wheel drive) as is the 225 km/h top speed.

Expect the updated MINI Countryman to arrive in Malaysia with the improved, lower emission powertrain.