Report: Mini working on a 7-seater version of the Countryman

June 9, 2010 Omar Rana 2011, Crossovers, Mini Countryman, SUVs

If you thought four-doors, four-wheel-drive and four-passengers was as far as Mini would think, you’re wrong. While the Mini Countryman has yet to hit the dealerships, it is reported that Mini is already considering an even bigger model.

Sources say that Mini is currently working on a larger, 7-seater version of the Countryman that will be aimed at stealing sales from the likes of the Nissan Qashqai +2 in Europe.

“We could take the wheelbase from 2.60m to around 2.70m,” said Dr. Wolfgang Armbrecht, global head of MINI brand management.

It was recently reported that the Mini Beachcomber concept has already been given the thumbs up for production.

Refresher: The base 2011 Mini Countryman will be available in the U.S. with a 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making 120-hp and a maximum torque of 118 lb-ft. The Mini Cooper S Countryman model will be powered by a 1.6L twin-scroll turbocharged 4-cylinder engine making 180-hp and 177 lb-ft (192 lb-ft with Overboost) of torque. Both models will come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic will be available as an option.