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Development of the new Mini Countryman is now underway at the Nürburgring and in Munich. A sticker on the fuel filler door states that development drivers are filling the crossover with 98 octane gasoline. This indicates that we are looking at a high-performance S class.
The development team put a lot of camouflage on the nose, and the cover hides a lot. However, the large sensor in the center of the grille is easily visible. In the signature Mini style, there are circular headlights on the far side of the front end.
20 Photo
Along the way, this Countryman has a very low ride height. It won’t be the crossover you would use off-road but should improve on-road handling. The sides are square, and there is a flat roof. There is a cover with a spoiler at the top around the hatchback glass.
At the rear, dual exhausts sit under each side of the bumper. The overhang behind the rear wheel looks short. The taillights are still covered to hide their shape.
The new Countryman rides on the FAAR platform like the new X1. Grade S is reportedly sharing a powertrain with BMW’s M35i grade. This means there is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 302 horsepower (225 kilowatts) and 450 pound-feet (332 Newton-meters) of torque.
There’s also a rumored plug-in hybrid variant. It will use a 1.5 liter turbocharged three-cylinder with electric assistance making a total of 322 hp (237 kW). All-wheel drive will be the only layout, and the system will offer an electric range of approximately 55 miles (88 kilometers).
While not visible in this spy shot, the previous photos offer a good look at the cabin. There seems to be an oval-shaped display behind the wheel. A circular screen sits on top of the middle stack. The chunky toggle switch is underneath.
The new Countryman reportedly debuts in late 2022 and goes on sale in early 2023. There are also rumors that Mini is intent on reviving the Paceman. Instead of just being a two-door Countryman like the previous model, the new one is reportedly a little different by using a full electric powertrain. Expected to arrive in 2024.
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