MINI Developing More Capable Countryman
The rumor mill is churning like the business end of an industrial mixer, and sources indicate two brand-new MINI models are on the way.
Apparently, the iconic British builder of premium small cars is hard at work on two models. The cars in question include a new cabriolet as well as a redesigned Countryman crossover.
The former, fair-weather model should seat four passengers and feature a folding fabric roof. The drop-top MINI is expected to go on sale early next spring after being revealed sometime this year.
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As for the Countryman, this vehicle is expected to be transformed into something far more rugged than its current iteration. Supposedly, it will take design cues from the company’s X-Raid, which is a four-time winner of the Dakar race. But any changes they make will not be just in the styling department; the vehicle is also likely to get more capable.
Based on MINI’s UKL platform, which underpins the Clubman, the next-generation Countryman is expected to be longer, wider and appreciably more capacious than today’s model. All-wheel drive will be provided by the same system found in BMW’s 2 Series Active Tourer.
[Source: Autocar]
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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