The next-generation Mini Countryman crossover is out testing ahead of its planned debut in late 2016. Earlier this year, Mini had revealed the facelifted crossover too, making minor revisions to the car, focusing mainly on styling and fuel economy.
We have seen the pictures of the next-gen Countryman, and the styling changes seem to be minor, with most work confined mainly to the front end, which will be kept in line with the three- and five-door Mini hatchbacks. A larger front grille with a chrome lining, larger redesigned front air intakes, reworked lights on the front and the rear, and a larger badging are likely.
While the styling changes are minimal, the test mule seems to be visually larger in size compared to the current car – especially around the bonnet and with larger alloy wheels. It may also stretch beyond the length of the car currently being offered. Space inside and in the boot seems to have increased as well. Like the current car, the new Countryman will also be based on Mini’s universal UKL1 platform.
The Countryman is set to adopt the cabin architecture and fittings from its hatchback sibling. That means the current car's central round speedometer will move to being directly in front of the driver. The country man is likely to get power from an engine which comes from the three-cylinder turbocharged engine range found on the BMW 2-series Active Tourer, as well as four-cylinder diesel variants. Like the current offerings, a sportier John Cooper Works version can be expected to arrive later.
While there is no word about the pricing on the upcoming Countryman, we expect it to sell at a premium over the outgoing model.