MINI’s next compact SUV will be even less compact than before, but promises big gains where it counts
The next-generation MINI Countryman has been spotted testing in Germany by our resident spy photographers and it’s clear from these images that the all-new SUV will be ‘MINI’ by name only.
It’s been extensively reported that the new MINI Countryman would increase in size in this next generation, but only now can we see by how much – and the answer is a lot.
Some 200mm is said to have been added to the vehicle’s body length, despite retaining the front/all-wheel drive UKL2 platform of the current second-generation Countryman, as seen with the newly released third-generation BMW X1.
The extra length is emphasised by a more bulbous front-end and higher roofline, and accompanying these increased dimensions is what should be a heap more interior space including more cargo space.
Specific details are obviously hard to ascertain due to the mind-bending yellow and black camo, but this vehicle’s twin exhaust outlets hint at a sportier disposition – most likely the Cooper S grade.
Sources tell us the new Countryman will feature a similar powertrain line-up to the related BMW X1, which in Australia at least comprises a gutsy 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and, soon, a zero-emissions battery-electric arrangement for the iX1.
Whether or not the BMW Group opts to have the two models compete head-to-head like that remains to be seen, but combustion and EV versions of the new Countryman will be offered globally.
Apart from front- and all-wheel drive options, you can also expect replacements for the hot MINI Countryman Cooper S and JCW models, but some doubts have been cast over the inclusion of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain going forward.
Rumour has it MINI could use the new Countryman to revive its Paceman nameplate by launching a coupe-esque spin-off as an in-house rival to the eventual BMW X2 and a direct answer to the Cupra Formentor.
Odds are the new Countryman will be revealed sometime next year, most likely after the reveal of the production-spec MINI Aceman that will succeed the current MINI five-door hatch.
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Keyword: New MINI Countryman shows off its growth spurt