102 MPG Countryman Panamericana plug-in hybrid is a Mini on a mission

mini countryman plug-in hybrid panamericana front

The name’s a hint

Mini wants to go from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego via the famous Panamericana route using a tweaked Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid.

The mods include new headlights, “tires with emergency running characteristics” – we’re guessing the run-flat sort here, and a roof rack that can hold a spare wheel, you know, just in case.

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Otherwise, the Panamericana – let’s call it edition for now – is based on the run-of-the-mill Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid. It retains the same powertrain (ICE and electric motor) good for 165 kW (224 hp) reaching all four wheels.

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Mini’s literature speaks of a combined fuel consumption of 2.3-2.1 l/100 km (102 mpg) and a pure-electric range of 40 km (25 miles).

Three such PHEV Minis will take on the 25,750 km of the Pan-American Highway also known as the Ruta Panamericana or Interamericana – depending what country you’re asking.

READ MORE:

2017 Mini Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 test drive

2017 Mini Countryman US price starts at $26,100