The brand has a more all-road-capable Countryman inbound, and it's tackling a vast proving ground to prove it's ready.Earlier this year, car industry chatter suggested that Mini had a new higher-riding, more trail-curious model in the pipeline.Of course, seeing as everyone from Audi to Hyundai is eyeing up the segment, I didn't give the talk much credit. I'm glad to say I was wrong.Mini's mysterious new Countryman certainly looks the part, even with the camo wrap. - Credit: MiniThat's because Mini just previewed a new all-road-capable Countryman. The SUV still wears plenty of camo, but the rooftop tent and beefy tires make the brand's aspirations pretty clear.An all-road-ready Mini That would be a more resilient, more adventurous option to cater to the current outdoor boom. At least according to some recent studies, Americans are increasingly interested in breaking away from the beaten path.Mini hasn't shared any details just yet, but it does appear to be riding on a lift with chunkier rubbier. - Credit: MiniNow, Mini has yet to disclose what this new Countryman edition will bring in terms of modifications (or even what it's called, for that matter). Instead, the brand has focused on conveying the challenges the SUV is to overcome during testing.AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, that's not without good reason. By vetting this Countryman mule in a vast proving ground like the Rocky Mountains, Mini is exposing the vehicle to high altitudes, loose surfaces and all sorts of other realities that are likely to be encountered off-road.The rear windows are clearly disguising some sort of storage provision. - Credit: MiniIt's a telling mark of the brand's commitment to ensuring the package actually brings real-world upgrades. If it can pass muster in that kind of environment, it should be capable enough for weekend excursions. South African clues?It's worth noting that this Countryman treatment isn't completely unprecedented. In fact, Mini introduced a model earlier this year that may hold some clues as to what this mule could bring.Could Mini's South African Countryman Rugged Edition offer an idea of what to expect? - Credit: MiniIt was called the 'Rugged Edition,' and it comprised a limited run of 100 cars built solely for the South African market. AdvertisementAdvertisementBeyond the exclusivity, the package also brought a set of 18-inch Y-spoke wheels shod in all-terrain rubber, all-weather floor mats and the choice of a complimentary roofbox or a bike rack.In combination with visual cues like some stripes and decals, it resulted in a package not unlike other outdoor-minded trims hitting the market. Between options like Toyota's Woodland Edition, Honda's TrailSport, and Mitsubishi's Trail Edition, it's an established formula. Whether this Countryman makes the splash Mini wants it to will depend on what exactly the new offering brings. - Credit: MiniMore to comeWhether the new Countryman will go a level beyond those kinds of soft-roader alternatives, only time will tell. However, the fact that the brand is reportedly taking the rig to this year's Rebelle Rally does bode well.According to Mini's announcement, the full reveal is scheduled for October. If you'd like to learn more or keep tabs on progress, you can head to the brand's website.AdvertisementAdvertisementAbout the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he's not chasing the latest industry news, he's probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
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