Next gen 2017 Mini Countryman will be an "authentic SUV"

To be based on BMW's UKL FWD platform.

Mini is currently working on the successor of the Mini Countryman crossover, which is expected to launch in Q4 2016, according to Autocar UK.

The 2017 Mini Countryman is expected to borrow cues from the Mini ALL4 Dakar X-Raid for a rugged appeal. Sources from BMW divulge to Autocar that it will look like an "authentic SUV". Keeping the compact proportions of a Mini in mind, the next Countryman will, reportedly, measure just over 4.25 m long (a stretch of 150 mm) and at least 10 mm wider than the current model. The boot volume could also be larger than the current 450 litres.

Inside, the Mini Countryman will certainly get the design featured in the latest range of models. It will lose the large central speedometer for a conventional unit in front of the re-designed steering wheel. The 2017 Countryman will also feature the Mini Connected infotainment system, as well as new dials and controllers.

Like the latest range of Minis, it will be based on the UKL FWD platform. It could borrow the 1.5-liter three-cylinder diesel engine from the Mini Cooper D, which makes 114 hp and 270 Nm of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Countryman S is likely to source the 2.0-liter petrol engine from the Mini Cooper S, producing 192 hp and 280 Nm of torque. Power will be sent through an AWD system similar to the one in the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

In India, BMW locally assembles the first generation Countryman from CKD kits at its Chennai facility. It currently sells one variant, the Countryman D, at INR 36.50 lakhs, ex-Showroom.

2015 Mini Countryman Park Lane (based on current model) - Image Gallery

[Source: Autocar]