Next Mini Countryman to be “Authentic” SUV
Larger Clubman Makes Room for Bigger, More Rugged Countryman
When the original revival of the Mini brand debuted in the early 2000s, as small as it was, it was much larger than Sir Alex Issigonis’ original creation. With the introduction of the Clubman and later the Countryman crossover, the term “Mini” ceased being a true description of the vehicles’ size. Well, it doesn’t look like Mini’s growth spurt is over, either in terms of the size of the brand’s vehicles, nor the number of models offered. Britain’s Autocar reports that the next-generation Countryman model will grow once again to being the brand’s largest model, after being temporarily displaced by the new four-door Clubman model.
The report also describes the next Countryman as being a more “authentic” SUV than the current model, suggesting bolder styling and more ground clearance than the current model, likely in response to the popularity of the recently introduced Jeep Renegade. Aside from the new Countryman, Mini is reportedly deciding between a production version of the sub-Cooper Rocketman concept (possibly in collaboration with Toyota) or a three-row Traveller model to be based on the BMW 2-Series Active Tourer. Also allegedly in the works is a four-door SUV “Coupe” model built off the new Countryman platform, to share underpinnings with a BMW X2 coupe utility.
Source: Autocar
