MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition in the realm of ice

Winters in Swedish Lapland are long. The temperature is below zero for more than half a year. Ideal conditions for the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition.

MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition

The average annual temperature in Arjeplog, the starting point of the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition ice adventure, is 0.7°C. With such a long winter, it is not surprising that the indigenous people of Lapland divide the year not into four, but into eight seasons. Now, in February, the “spring winter” begins for the Sami people. While from December to January, residents lead their daily lives in constant twilight, in February, everything changes. With the higher position of the sun, the blue and green spectrum of light returns. The sun changes the snow and creates sparkling ice crystals and a thick snow crust. This is the perfect time for a magical adventure in the winter landscape south of Arjeplog.

Ice Prototypes

Right from the start, the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL 4 (combined fuel consumption: 7.5–7.0 1/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 170–159 g/km) delivers top performance at every corner on snow. . The Untamed Edition highlights the off-road qualities of the indomitable adventurer with 18-inch alloy wheels in the two-tone Untamed design. What's more, this station wagon is not completely unfamiliar with the terrain - after all, MINI regularly tests the dynamics and driving safety of its models in the Arjeplog area.

The vast icy area is about six times the size of Monaco, and during the winter, you can certainly find the world's highest density of prototypes. The vast northern terrain and seclusion offer many car manufacturers the best conditions to continuously test the winter hardiness of their prototypes. Recently, all-electric MINI models have been testing their driving dynamics and electric drive maturity in low temperatures.

After the first warm-up on the frozen lake, the route continues over the huge ice towards Vaxholm in the south. Where in the summer in the cold clear waters of the archipelago in small bays talented fly-fishers catch spectacular salmon, now the driver is surrounded by a seemingly endless white space.

MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 with powerful engine and all-wheel drive created just for such an unusual study. The 131 kW (178 hp) four-cylinder engine with MINI TwinPower Turbo technology ensures sporty driving pleasure on any terrain.

The perfect place for long winter adventures

Beyond Storavan Lake, the landscape changes, and vast winter forests appear in front of the windshield of the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4. In harmony with the environment, the illuminated Frozen Bluestone decorative strip depicts the graphic design of the mountain landscape and hints at this adventurer's preferred terrain. Shortly after noon, the subdued sun floods the snow-covered pines with an unreal shimmering light. The temperature is now dropping below -20°C. Nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year, but the comfortable leather seats of the MINI Yours Lounge in exclusive Highland Green with contrasting blue/green stitching suddenly feel even more comfortable.

Now the route passes through the historical arch bridge in Slagnes. Here, in the center of Säpmi, a Sámi region stretching between Norway, Sweden and Finland, the Byatsuoy cultural center invites you to experience the traditions of the indigenous peoples. On the way south to Malu, there are many opportunities to see reindeer. Inseparable from the Saami culture, these wild animals have perfectly adapted to arctic conditions: for example, the reindeer's mouth acts as a heat exchanger for the icy air, and the eyes change their sensitivity to light depending on the season - from the midnight sun. in summer to the polar night in winter - so the color of the reindeer's eyes changes from brown to blue. On the other hand, the MINI Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition continues to be painted in the exclusive Momentum Grey, which effectively emphasizes the powerful surfaces of this version.

Magic and mysticism as far as the eye can see

An hour's drive south of Mala lies the small village of Rentjärn in the middle of the Strømfors nature reserve, which invites you to take a trip off the beaten path with its deep snow-covered forest trails. The vast natural park in this region of Lapland is famous for its high chances of seeing the magical, vibrant green aurora borealis in the night sky.

The right equipment, such as snowshoes, hiking poles or food packs, can be easily stowed in the spacious luggage compartment of the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4, which can be increased from 450 to 1390 liters in just a few steps. hearty lunch with hot tea and snacks in the bistro of a small hostel Lapland Stuga. Experienced guides guide tourists safely through seemingly endless landscapes, recounting the mystical stories of the Sámi people who are so deeply rooted in the region.

But some mythical creatures are known not only to the Swedes - after all, Lapland is also the land of elves. According to Swedish folklore, these angelic spirits live hidden in the hills and forests and appear either in the morning mist or at dusk. Of course, it's too dark now to meet these lucky ones. However, one wish comes true: in front of a small cabin in the woods painted in typical Swedish red, the warm interior of the MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 Untamed Edition is already waiting for an adventurous return to Arjeplog.

Photos: MINI