New MINI Countryman: Grit on Gravel, Elegant on Paved Roads

Stories by Bennett  Oghifo

The new MINI Countryman gracefully matches elegance with strength. Since the production of the first generation in 2010, it has undergone remarkable transformation and is now strictly in premium class. 

The new MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model in the brand’s 57-year history. Having been completely newly developed, it now reflects considerable advancements in the areas of space, functionality, athletic flair and premium characteristics.

At the pre-test drive briefing in Durban, Mr Edward Makwana, Group Communications Division (AK-1-AO-ZA), Manager: Group Product Communications, BMW Group, South Africa, presented the past, present and future of the new MINI Countryman.

The new generation MINI Countryman is configured with modern technology that puts it ahead of its peers in the compact car segment. It is quick off the block, steady on road and has good ground clearance. The car is excitingly roomy with good leg-room for the driver and passengers and large booth that can be extended to the rear seats.

Nigerians, who love statesmanship, are in for a sweet time because the new MINI Countryman is a collector’s item. At the media launch of this great machinery in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, recently, many argue that it could fit in neatly with a Rolls Royce in the garage, and command the respect it deserves.

 The new MINI Countryman is definitely suitable for first time owners also, and it is for all occasions and all terrains. 

The all-new MINI Countryman is packed full of power that gives an exciting feeling on and off road. It is the second generation of the renowned MINI Countryman and comes in two models; the Countryman CooperS, the top brass and the Countryman Cooper, which is the standard. They come in auto and manual transmissions. The MINI Countryman is also fuel efficient.

The new MINI Countryman (combined fuel consumption: 7.0 – 2.1 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 159 – 49 g/km) achieves its unique standing among direct competitors due to its powerfully expressive design, efficiently shaped bodywork and in particular its unmatched driving agility. 

The innovations…

The new MINI Countryman has powerful proportions, 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor; five fully-fledged seats, clear increase in space and versatility; electrical tailgate control as well as touchless opening and closing of the tailgate; MINI Picnic Bench: fold-out load loading sill cushion as a comfortable seat on the luggage compartment lid and for general outdoor use; new generation of engines and gearboxes, an efficiency-optimised all-wheel drive system ALL4 will be available with the MINI Countryman John Cooper Works.

It also has central instrument with touchscreen function for the first time; MINI Country Timer measures driving fun over demanding terrain; MINI Connected App as a personal assistant on a day-to-day basis and when travelling; MINI Find Mate: everything you need on board at all times – or in view.

20 centimetres longer…

The new MINI Countryman is some 20 centimetres longer than its predecessor and approximately 3 centimetres wider. Its wheelbase has been extended by 7.5 centimetres. This growth results in significantly increased space on five fully-fledged seats as well as a definite increase in storage volume and luggage transport versatility. The raised seating position ensures an excellent view and hallmark driving fun.

 The rear seats can be shifted longitudinally by up to 13 centimetres. The folding rear backrest offers a 40 : 20 : 40 split. It also provides a variable tilt angle so as to be able to either increase seating comfort or gain additional storage space at the rear. The luggage compartment volume is 450 litres and can be extended as required to a total of 1,309 litres

This constitutes a maximum increase of 220 litres as compared to the predecessor model.

Five seats in the interior, two on Picnic Bench… 

An electric tailgate control is available as an option. This makes touchless opening and closing of the tailgate possible in conjunction with Comfort Access. 

The optional storage package comprises not only a variable load floor, lashing eyes and tension straps but also a stainless steel insert on the loading sill. One unique option is the Picnic Bench – a flexible surface that folds out of the luggage compartment and provides seating for two people.

“The new generation of the MINI model family continues to grow with the introduction the new MINI Countryman. Even with its model designation, the new edition of the MINI Countryman remains firmly rooted in the tradition of the British brand,” says the automaker.

A particularly versatile variant of the classic Mini once bore the same name back in the 1960s.

Just like the identically constructed Morris Mini Traveller, the Austin Seven Countryman had a highly versatile interior, and the version with wood frame panelling – popularly known as “Woody” – attained cult status that it continues to enjoy to this day. The MINI Countryman likewise offered additional ways of enjoying the brand’s hallmark driving fun when it was launched in 2010.

It was the first MINI with four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and optional all-wheel drive and a total of more than 540,000 were sold worldwide. 

Out of this sales figure 

As the new generation of the MINI Countryman sees its premiere, the tradition-steeped British brand continues its advance into the premium compact segment.  

Essential Skills of Driving Introduction

By Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

Driving is one of the most useful practical qualifications you can acquire. Driving brings with it, independence, and social and career opportunities. Driving gives you the freedom to go where you want and when you want. But before you begin to drive, you should remember that driving is a privilege, not a right, and that you should learn how to be a responsible driver before you set out on the road. Although the rules and regulations of driving can feel overwhelming, but if you take them one step at a time, you will master the rules of the road in no time. 

It is no gainsaying that, every year; thousands of Nigerians are killed or seriously injured on our ever busy roads. Available statistics reveal that, majority of the road traffic crashes that result in most of the deaths and injuries are as a result of human or driver error. With this in mind, it is important that every driver understands the responsibility driving a vehicle brings with it and to make safety a top priority.

Adopting safe driving skills is all about developing the right attitude and approach, coupled with a good knowledge of defensive driving techniques, which means driving courteously, having consideration for other road users, and being prepared to make allowances for the mistake of other drivers.

Whether you are a leaner, an experienced driver, a professional driver or a driving instructor, this column, THE ESSENTIAL SKILS OF DRIVING, will give the necessary advice that will help you stay safe on our roads, which in turn will prevent and reduce many of the deaths and injuries that occur on Nigerian roads on a daily basis, by improving your driving standards and techniques. The series of articles will cover basic driving skills; road procedure; application of driving skills; defensive driving and lots more.

STARTING TO DRIVE

Before you start to drive, there are important things you need to be aware of. Firstly, you need to make sure that you are licenced and insure to drive. Secondly, you need to think about your fitness to drive, you therefore need your eyesight checked, and be certain that you are mentally and physically ready for the challenge of being on the road.

FITNESS TO DRIVE

Driving a car demands a high degree of alertness, concentration, quick reaction and a safety conscious state of mind. Various forms of illnesses, alcohol or drug use, or tiredness can affect your ability of safe on the road. It doesn’t matter the importance of keeping an appointment or to attend a party or a function, if you are not fit to drive stay off the road. 

Next week’s article will be the Cockpit Drill, a routine that you will carry out each time you get into the driving seat…. which shall herald the detailed professional explanation of the various stages of driving and being safe on the road.

Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

DG, DESTMA/Driver Trainer and Road Safety Consultant sdieseruvwe@gmail.com.

Mobile Phones And Brain Cancer

D

r Biodun Ogungbo is a brain and Spine Surgeon.As an expert, must trust the  information contained in the piece which he graciously forwarded to me and permitted me to publish for which I am eternally grateful. Read it. Internalize it and take a second though on how you use your mobile phones – Mobile phones can cause brain cancer .Okay, this is not a joke.   This is not a topic to profess ignorance about or say, ‘I did not know’. Just go with the flow and say, ‘Mobile phones can cause brain cancer’. Simply because you don’t want to find out the hard way!   Experts believe there is a strong association with prolonged usage of mobile phones especially people who have been using the phones for over 10 years. The risk is also significant in children with their growing and immature brains.  It had been predicted that the numbers of patients with newly diagnosed brain cancer and other tumours will almost double by the year 2025. Many countries are seeing an increasing incidence of these horrible tumours now and it’s a worrying trend.  

Okay, this is not a joke.  Glioblastoma Multiforme – We have and are seeing a rise in the numbers of people suffering from high grade brain cancers. These are the types of cancers that defy cure. These cancers especially the horrible one called Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM for short is incurable and kills 100%. This cancer kills the young or the old though it appears more common in patients in their early 60’s. The numbers of sufferers increase with age and it is more common in men.   The risk is real and prevention is the main treatment for cancer. Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer. This can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking medicines or vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing. Avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substances such as sugars, cigarette and now mobile phones is vital.  

Studies upon studies Okay! studies are conflicting and contradictory. Some will find a link and others will not. The risk may be tenuous at best but so what. The American Cancer Society Exit Disclaimer (ACS) states that there could be some cancer risk associated with radiofrequency energy, but the evidence is not strong enough to be considered causal and needs to be investigated further.  Brain tumours are particularly difficult to study, for example, because of their high death rate and the short survival of people who develop these tumors. Similarly, patients who survive initial treatment are often impaired, which may affect their responses to questions. Furthermore, for people who have died, next-of-kin are often unable to accurately describe their patterns of phone use to an interviewer. 

Prevent cancer- Individuals who are concerned about radiofrequency energy exposure can limit their exposure, by using an ear piece and limiting cell phone use, particularly among children. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suggested some steps that concerned cell phone users can take to reduce their exposure to radiofrequency energy:  Reserve the use of cell phones for shorter conversations or for times when a landline phone is not available. · Use a device with hands-free technology, such as wired headsets, which place more distance between the phone and the head of the user. Hands-free kits reduce the amount of radiofrequency energy exposure to the head because the antenna, which is the source of energy, is not placed against the head. Exposures decline dramatically when cell phones are used hands-free.

Okay, this is the score -The decision to limit the use of phones and especially to use a hands free device is entirely yours. You must take the decision to prevent mobile phone causing you a brain cancer.  Other issues- There is now strong evidence that the rate of fertility is reducing in many communities around the world. The volume and quality of sperms produced by men is reducing and some feel that it may be not unconnected to mobile phones and computers close to the genital areas in men.  Certainly, fertility centres such as Nordica Fertility centre in Abuja have found an increase in the abnormal sperms seen in specimens and a decrease in the motility.  Mobile phones are a great resource and a necessary evil but you have got to take care.  Okay, now you know. Here ends the piece by Dr Ogungbo which I find too rich and interesting.

I must thank Dr. Ogungbo for his quick approval to use his lovely and timely piece which is an eye opener for me even though I feel very guilty for procrastinating on the use of this information since last year when my friend and brother Patrick Adenusi of Safety Beyond Border, a Non Governmental Organization on road safety alerted with me on a news item on CNN on the same subject. I told myself I must share the stuff but missed out until Dr Ogungbo sent me the material. The decision to limit the use of phones and especially to use a hands free device is entirely yours. I must confess that I got fascinated yet scared when I read through the section on Gliobladtoma multiforme which he said is incurable and kills 100percent .More scary is the information that it appears more common in patients in their early 60’s and that it is common in men.

I do hope that men, those in their 60’s and drivers generally will take special interest in their God sent information. For me I have taken lessons that will no double guide in my usual use of ear piece or blue tooth which in our clime is seen is show off. Now I have a better understanding of why nine out of ten mobile phone users in some climes outside our shore have become addict in the use of hands free. 

I hope you will not mistake me for recommending that you go about driving and using hands free since the National Road Traffic Regulations does not allow the use of hands free while driving because of the inherent risk involved. 

The provision is meant to guard against the risks inherent in distracted driving which is a leading factor in many crashes, and cell phone use and texting are two of the most common distractions.