The memorable day saw a convoy of MINI owners and media meet at the Alfardan Automobiles MINI showroom in West Bay and drive to the Letbelah Classic Cars Museum to have a closer look at various MINI models, followed by BBQ and live entertainment at The St Regis Doha.
For the first time, MINI customers got a chance to familiarise themselves with the all-new MINI Countryman at the exclusive private preview and got a first glance at the various models in the MINI family. The trip to the Letbelah Museum also offered an immersion into the world of the iconic British brand.
Ihab Allam, general manager of Alfardan Automobiles, said: “We take pride in meticulously planning and creating the ideal platform to give Qatar’s MINI fans the best brand experiences. We are particularly excited to launch the all-new MINI Countryman in a way that fits perfectly with our MINI customers. We have taken this a step further by including a visit to the Letbelah Museum to give customers a chance to interact with the British brand and its values.”
Set to arrive in the Alfardan Automobiles showroom this March, the all New MINI Countryman has “pursued its path to success both on and off-road”, according to a press statement. The large tailgate, five seats and optional all-wheel drive now gives an additional boost to the brand's advance into the premium compact segment.
“The latest generation of the MINI Countryman goes even further in terms of the model’s versatility, agility and premium character. Thanks to its powerful proportions, the new MINI Countryman has a particularly distinctive presence. Its unmistakable aura is defined by an extended ground clearance and raised seating position, further emphasised by the MINI ALL4 exterior look and high roof rails,” the statement noted.
The all-new Countryman possesses an “impressive engine portfolio” comprising 4-cylinder petrol engines, an increase in output by 6kW to 141kW/192hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman, optimised driving performance and fuel consumption figures due to extended MINIMALISM technology - including improved aerodynamic properties, and a 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with 6-speed automatic transmission as an option.
Alfardan Automobiles marked another year of growth in 2016, with sales growing by 7% compared to 2015. The MINI 3-door Hatch and John Cooper Works models were the top performers and contributed to Alfardan Automobiles being named the winner of the MINI Middle East Regional Dealer Competition.
