The Countryman is MINI’s largest offering and later this year we’ll see the unveiling of the new third-generation model. We’ve seen it undisguised in spy shots already, but MINI has released some official images of the new car undergoing some off-road testing.
These latest images don’t really show us anything new in terms of design, although the camouflage covering the grille and lower vents in the front bumper has been removed. It’s also gained some chunky off-road tyres to help it traverse the Scottish Highlands during this photoshoot.
Previous spy shots have pretty much revealed a production-spec Countryman and we can see it certainly apes the smaller Cooper hatchback in terms of its cleaner, more futuristic appearance, only with a blockier square-edged grille fascia, headlights and lower bumpers. The chartreuse-coloured S badges suggest this is the all-electric variant, with further ‘All4’ badges on the side giving us a clue that it’s likely the 309bhp dual-motor variant we’ve already experienced from the passenger seat.
Beyond the new details, it’s also very clear that the new Countryman has been designed in a similar style to the forthcoming all-electric Cooper, with sculpted bodywork that very gently flares at the wheel arches, creating an even more defined shoulder below the window-line. The trademark blacked-out pillars and contrasting roof are typical of all MINI models, but it comes with a new contrasting element just behind the rear door.
The extended rear wing and aero spats on the tailgate now look particularly long, which together with the roof spoiler are designed to clean up the airflow as it detaches from the side of the car. This makes the whole car significantly more slippery to the benefit of both EV and ICE models. Finally, the rear lights also look to borrow the upcoming MINI Cooper’s pixelated LED design in a narrower shape. As with the Cooper, the overall effect is much cleaner and more contemporary, while still recognisably MINI.
This new sheet metal hides some fairly substantial changes under the skin including a 130mm increase in overall length and a 60mm increase in height. These dramatic changes in size don’t only leave space underneath for the new MINI Aceman – a model that will occupy the compact electric SUV space as well as effectively replacing the existing five-door hatchback – but is also driven by its shared FAAR underpinnings with the latest BMW X1 and iX1.
MINI’s characterful design approach will extend to the interior where it’ll get a circular nine-inch touchscreen that apes the original Mini’s speedometer. We expect to see a far more minimalist design with the new generation of Countryman, with more of the car’s functionality being offered through the central screen.
Now read more about the new all-electric MINI Cooper SE Convertible…
