Will enter its second generation this year.
The first generation MINI Countryman was originally introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show. Later at the 2014 New York International Auto Show, it was given a facelift. Sometime this year, a fully redesigned, second generation model will be introduced. As development continues for the new generation model, engineering mules are being tested across Europe, North America and Asia.
In the latest, a test mule has been spied in France by leblogauto reader Damien. The large air vents, sporty wheel design and red brake calipers hint that it's the John Cooper Works variant.
The next-gen MINI Countryman will be based on the front-wheel drive UKL platform that currently underpins the MINI 3-door, MINI 5-door, MINI Clubman and the MINI Convertible. The Countryman will be the last of the brand's models to move to this new platform. The MINI Coupe and MINI Roadster were discontinued last year, while the MINI Paceman which is still on sale, has been confirmed to be become history once production of the current, first generation model stops.
Also Read: Next gen 2017 Mini Countryman will be an “authentic SUV”
The 2017 MINI Countryman is expected to be offered with the same MINI TwinPower Turbo three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines from the latest 3-door, 5-door, Clubman and Convertible. Transmission choices may include 6-speed manual and 8-speed Steptronic. Front-wheel drive model(s) should be the base offering, with an all-wheel drive system being equipped in the higher-end model(s).
The 2017 MINI Countryman is expected to be launched in Europe in H2 2016.
[Image Source: leblogauto]
