MINI is testing its second-generation Countryman near the Arctic Circle, and we now bring you a fresh set of spyshots of the pre-production prototype.
This time, our spy photographers have spotted a MINI Countryman prototype in a cool shade of red with yellow camouflage. The color is unusual for a prototype, as manufacturers usually test white, grey, and black cars at this stage, but apparently MINI likes to be original even when testing mules in the Arctic.
As you know, the second-generation of the MINI Countryman will be built on BMW Group’s UKL platform. The German company already uses the platform for a production SUV, the BMW X1, and a second SUV from the Munich brand is set to launch on the same framework, the BMW X2.
While the new Countryman does not seem larger than the current model, MINI’s new SUV will be bigger. According to information from the field, the prototype features a more spacious interior, along with a larger trunk.
MINI is expected to provide the Countryman with front-wheel-drive for the cheaper versions, while the more expensive and more powerful ones will have the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard.
Like on the previous Countryman, MINI will offer a performance version in two power levels, the Cooper S Countryman and the John Cooper Works Countryman. Both versions will use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will provide around 228 HP in the JCW and 192 HP in the Cooper S.
MINI is expected to improve the passive and active safety level of the Countryman. The car will also get more tech features, such as a parking assistant, more apps, a head-up display, and many more.
The second-generation MINI Countryman is expected to launch later this year as a 2017 model. After all, we are in January, and the prototype seems as close to production as they get.
We would not be surprised if the car were showcased at the Paris Motor Show this fall, if not earlier.
As you know, the second-generation of the MINI Countryman will be built on BMW Group’s UKL platform. The German company already uses the platform for a production SUV, the BMW X1, and a second SUV from the Munich brand is set to launch on the same framework, the BMW X2.
While the new Countryman does not seem larger than the current model, MINI’s new SUV will be bigger. According to information from the field, the prototype features a more spacious interior, along with a larger trunk.
MINI is expected to provide the Countryman with front-wheel-drive for the cheaper versions, while the more expensive and more powerful ones will have the ALL4 all-wheel-drive system as standard.
Like on the previous Countryman, MINI will offer a performance version in two power levels, the Cooper S Countryman and the John Cooper Works Countryman. Both versions will use a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that will provide around 228 HP in the JCW and 192 HP in the Cooper S.
MINI is expected to improve the passive and active safety level of the Countryman. The car will also get more tech features, such as a parking assistant, more apps, a head-up display, and many more.
The second-generation MINI Countryman is expected to launch later this year as a 2017 model. After all, we are in January, and the prototype seems as close to production as they get.
We would not be surprised if the car were showcased at the Paris Motor Show this fall, if not earlier.