autoevolution
 

2017 MINI Countryman Spied While Testing, Still Has Camouflage

MINI is testing the upcoming Countryman in Germany, and the prototype still has camouflage on it.
MINI Countryman prototype 10 photos
Photo: CarPix
MINI Countryman prototypeMINI Countryman prototypeMINI Countryman prototypeMINI Countryman prototypeMINI Countryman prototypeMINI Countryman prototypeMINI Countryman prototypeMINI Countryman prototypeMINI Countryman prototype
The 2017 MINI Countryman is expected to come to market next year, and it has increased in size when compared to the ongoing model. While the British SUV has reached dimensions that make the name of the brand found on the hood, trunk, and steering wheel seem like an irony, the change was necessary to suit customer requirements.

MINI’s next Countryman shares the UKL platform of the ongoing BMW X1, so the British brand will have access to a plug-in hybrid drivetrain for this model, as well as a level of driving dynamics that can match the equivalent BMW. The other latest additions to the range of the Oxford manufacturer share this platform, so MINI is moving towards a modular approach to its portfolio.

As with the other models that are built on the UKL platform of the BMW Group, front-wheel-drive is standard, while all-wheel-drive is offered as an option. All engines are transversely mounted, and they come in three-cylinder and four-cylinder configurations.

The smallest units have a displacement of 1.5-liters, while the biggest power plants come in two-liters. MINI’s next Countryman will continue to be available in both diesel and gasoline versions.

Some believe that MINI will exhibit the upcoming Countryman at this year’s Paris Motor Show, but others think it will be unveiled at next year’s Geneva Motor Show. Regardless of the decision, the prototype seen in the photo gallery is close to production, and the end of 2017 will have the series version of this car on the road in the hands of clients.

As you can perceive in the photo gallery, our friends at CarPix managed to snap the next Countryman in the same frame with the previous generation of the MINI Hatch.

While the ongoing hatchback model from the British brand has grown since the last generation, it is interesting to spot it next to the upcoming Countryman, and observe the latter’s size and proportions.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories