Yesterday will go down in automotive history as the day Mini, a go-kart-like hatchback brand, introduced a crossover – the Mini Countryman. The 2011 Mini Countryman will hit the stateside market early next year with two gasoline engine options including the base 1.6L 4-cylinder Mini Countryman and a turbocharged Countryman S.

According to Mini’s UK general manager Jochen Goller, a high-performance John Cooper Works model is also in the works.

“It”s definitely under consideration,” Goller said. “JCW has been a big success and we”ll look at doing it again here.”

Click here for more news on the Mini Countryman.

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.

2011 Mini Countryman:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Earlier this morning BMW released the details on the 2011 Mini Countryman for the European market. We now have the U.S. press release detailing what the 2011 Countryman will offer us on the stateside.

The Mini Countryman will go on sale in the U.S. in early 2011 and will be available with two gasoline engine choices including a “rev-happy” 1.6L 4-cylinder engine making 120-hp and a maximum torque of 118 lb-ft. 0-62 mph will take a long 10.5 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 118 mph. The Mini Cooper S Countryman model will get a 1.6L 4-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group”s Valvetronic technology. It will produce a total of 180-hp with a peak torque of 177 lb-ft (192 lb-ft with Overboost). The run from 0-62 mph will come in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 128 mph. Both models will come with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, and a 6-speed automatic transmission available as an option.

In the U.S., Mini’s ALL4 all-wheel-drive system will only be available on the Mini Cooper S Countryman.

Pricing and option details will be available closer to launch date.

2011 Mini Countryman:

Press Release:

Fun has no Limits: The MINI Countryman

Woodcliff Lake, NJ ““ January 20, 2010″¦ A year ahead of its launch in the US, MINI Countryman is confirmed to expand the MINI lineup to four variants.

Note: U.S. product specifications are different from those announced in markets outside North America. All specifications presented in this press kit are provisional. The launch date for markets outside North America is fall 2010, and early 2011 for the U.S.

Meet The MINI Countryman
MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of motoring with that unmistakable MINI exhilaration. The new MINI Countryman is a genuine crossover vehicle, and bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Crossover. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique go-kart handling so typical of MINI, yet allows the brand to appeal to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility.

As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. The MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, and optional ALL4 all-wheel-drive offers an additional highlight for motoring enthusiasts. In a nutshell, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customization in a new, modern style.

The Countryman”s Look
The MINI Countryman carries on unique design characteristics such as superior style and quality, while combining new larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors. It also features short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and windows extending around the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of a MINI. At the same time, the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagonal radiator grille element, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid with integrated side direction indicators, the prominent wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters.

Measuring 161.3 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 102.2 inches, the MINI Countryman features an interior that offers a new dimension of space and function. The four-door body of the car combines the proportions typical of the brand with extra ground clearance and an elevated seating position, the MINI Countryman thus bridging the gap between the classic Mini and a modern Crossover Vehicle. From the start, the design of the MINI Countryman emanates a unique feeling of independence, performance, robustness and versatility, particularly the clear structure of the front end giving the MINI Countryman a mature and most respectable look of class and style. But at the same time the new model naturally retains that unique charm and individual flair so typical of MINI.

Proceeding from the MINI design language, the MINI Countryman authentically visualizes the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimize pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasized by extra-large windows and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.

The new diagonal function line at the transition point from the front side panel to the door likewise serves to distinguish the MINI Countryman from its counterparts within the range. This particular feature ““ yet another re-interpretation of the body welding seam at the same point on the classic Mini ““ comprises both the side direction indicator and the air outlet on the MINI Countryman. Conceived and designed as a wide and very robust-looking band, this diagonal function line continues the course of the A-pillar towards the front wheel. Like the C-pillar facing towards the rear axle, this special line again emphasizes the impression of a powerful body resting strongly on its wheels.

The proportions and horizontal subdivision of the rear end also underlines the sporting character of the MINI Countryman, ensuring powerful presence also from this perspective. Broadening out in steps from top to bottom, the body structure emphasizes the stable stance of the car, the muscular shoulder line additionally highlighting the masculine character of the MINI Countryman. With its integrated, aerodynamically refined airflow contour, the roof appears to almost hover above the window areas. The chrome band extending round the entire car between the windows and the body, finally, forms yet another horizontal line as a further highlight in the design of the MINI Countryman.

Like all models in the MINI range, the MINI Countryman comes with upright rear light clusters forming a distinctive contrast to the otherwise horizontal lines at the rear. Highlighted by chrome surrounds, the rear light clusters stand out three-dimensionally from the body of the car. Positioned far to the outside, the rear lights emphasize the width of the MINI Countryman and bear clear reference to the generous interior space.

All light functions are integrated in the rear lights embedded like islands in the rear side panels. The inner structure of the lights is determined again in typical MINI style by full circles and circular sections also giving the car its unique night design.

For the first time the MINI logo at the rear has a specific function: Pressing the inner circle on the logo allows the MINI owner to release the rear lid that is hinged at the top. The rear license plate recess takes up the shape of the air intake in the front bumper, thus linking the front and rear ends through their clear symbiosis in design.

The rear air dam on the MINI Cooper S Countryman comes as a diffuser guiding the flow of air beneath the rear end of the car to optimize the aerodynamic qualities of this special model. The most powerful model in the range also stands out through its special roof spoiler, a twin-chamber exhaust system, as well as striking openings in the rear wheel arches.

The MINI Countryman is available with a choice of at least eleven body colors: five non-metallic, and six metallic. All models are available with the roof finished either in Black, White or as an alternative, body color.

Living In The Countryman
Within the interior, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfort and pleasant and optimizes the driver”s all-round view. The Central Display and air vents are highlighted by colored rings. The most unique interior feature is its innovative Center Rail system, which extends from the front to the rear replacing a conventional center console. It opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. It offers flexible clip-in elements enabling the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.

The MINI Countryman offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually and the backrests may be tilted for angle, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from liters 12.2 ““41.0 cu ft.

All surfaces come in a new, even more striking, textured grain that harmonizes perfectly with the powerful look of the car. The instrument panel in the MINI Countryman is characterized by concave shapes and a sporting, functional impression. Extra-large air vents at the side emphasize the particular style of the interior in its modern class and function. Like the center air vents, the center speedo and the gearshift lever, the air vents are highlighted by white surrounds in a contrasting color. A further color highlight is provided by the side surrounds on the center console appearing to actually support and hold up the dashboard. The center console itself, through its matt-black color in conjunction with a chrome ring for the climate controls, is particularly stylish and sophisticated in its looks. Apart from the control units for the air conditioning and CD player, the toggle switches for various car functions typical of MINI are also housed within the center console.

Newly designed door panels underline the specific shape of the body and the extra space the MINI Countryman has to offer. The ellipsoid frame around the door armrests and door handles, again so typical of the brand, is for the first time positioned in the middle, encompassing in its design also the B-pillars and emphasizing the length of the interior through its stretched contours.

The MINI Countryman comes with supportive bucket seats specific to this particular model. Sports seats are featured as standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman (optional on the Cooper) and offer two different combinations of cloth/leather seating as well as various choices of all-leather upholstery as an option. A particular highlight is the top-of-the-line Lounge Leather upholstery that is reminiscent of classy leather seats with piping in a classic British car.

The rear bucket seats featured at the rear move fore-and-aft 5.1inches independently of one another. Even with the seats in their upright position, the MINI Countryman is able to meet additional transport requirements as the rear seat backrests may be moved to a cargo position increasing luggage space from 12.2″“15.4 cubic feet. With the rear seats folded down, cargo capacity increases to a commodious 41.0 cubic feet, enough for two mountain bikes with their front wheels removed. And for those that need more options to carry their adventure items, a standard low-profile roof rail system allows Motorers the ability to add a full line of MINI Accessory.

MINI Center Rail: Unique Storage Concept
Instead of a conventional center console between the seats, the MINI Countryman comes with an innovative rail system, the unique MINI Center Rail enabling the driver and passengers to keep their personal belongings and odds and ends exactly where they need them at any point in time. At the same time the MINI Center Rail forms a visual and functional connection between the front and rear seats.

The Center Rail extends through the entire passenger compartment all the way to the rear seat backrests. Specially developed and easy-to-use clip-in fixtures allow the driver and passengers to use the MINI Center Rail individually as required, hanging on various bins and storage units. As an example, the MINI Center Rail may be fitted with holders for entertainment and telecommunication devices, cupholders, a case for sunglasses in genuine MINI design, as well as center armrests held safely and comfortably in position. The holders and storage bins placed on the Center Rail may then be moved forwards and backwards to any desired position. And whenever the users place electronic devices such as a mobile phone or an MP3 player on the Center Rail, the integrated cable system automatically connects the respective device to the car”s on-board network and ensures full and convenient integration into the MINI Countryman”s entertainment system.

Ambient lighting, which is part of the standard light package, sets a particular highlight within the interior of the MINI Countryman. Providing an indirect lighting effect, ambient lightning creates special color highlights throughout the entire door panel in night design, thus giving the interior a truly unique atmosphere. Using a toggle switch, the driver and passengers may vary the color of the light generated steplessly from a warm orange to a sporting blue. Light rods also provide the color desired on the MINI Center Rail from one end to the other. This makes it easier to find objects attached to the Center Rail.

The optional interior color lines provide further opportunities to customize the car, creating different color effects along the door panels within their ellipsoid frame, on the center armrest side panels, the lower section of the B-pillar covers, and the inserts on the Center Rail itself. The colors available in this case are Carbon Black, Polar Beige, Pure Red, and Dark Tobacco, as well as powerful Surf Blue exclusive to the MINI Cooper S Countryman. Trim bars for the cockpit as well as a Chrome Package adding discreet gloss to the air vents, the central instrument, the rev counter and the surrounds on the gearshift lever, provide an even more intense touch of color and style.

Countryman Power
The MINI Countryman is entering the US market with a choice of two engines, each coming in the new generation of power units developed with masterful engineering and naturally, comply with ULEV II emission standards. The rev-happy 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine in the Cooper offers fuel efficiency and performance with fully variable valve timing and lift via VALVETRONIC technology. The Cooper S adds a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection. It also features fully-variable valve management offering the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. And as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox, both Cooper and Cooper S models are also available with a six-speed automatic transmission complete with manual control.

All engines featured in the MINI Countryman come with fully variable valve management. This technology for masterminding engine load without requiring a throttle to control engine output is quite unique within the segment of this new MINI and is based on the VALVETRONIC valve management system featured in BMW power units. This optimizes engine response and serves to significantly reduce both fuel consumption and emissions.

Valve management adjusts the lift and duration of the intake valves within fractions of a second to the respective level of power required. The intake camshaft acts on the valves through an additional intermediate lever, and not directly through the follower arm. The rotating point of this additional lever is adjusted infinitely by an eccentric shaft controlled by an electric motor.

MINI Cooper Countryman: Four-cylinder gasoline engine with fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group”s VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc
Max output: at least 120 hp at 6,000 rpm,
Max torque: at least 118 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.
Acceleration 0″“100 km/h in 10.5 seconds, top speed 190 km/h (118 mph)
Average fuel consumption: TBD

MINI Cooper S Countryman: Four-cylinder gasoline engine with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection and fully-variable valve management based on the BMW Group”s VALVETRONIC technology.
Capacity: 1,598 cc
Max output: at least 180 hp at 5,500 rpm
Max torque: at least 177 lb-ft at 1,600 rpm (at least 192 lb-ft with Overboost).
Acceleration 0″“100 km/h: in 7.6 seconds
Top speed: 205 km/h (128 mph)
Average fuel consumption: TBD

ALL4 ““Performance and Safety
The MINI Cooper S Countryman is the first MINI to offer a permanent all-wheel-drive system known as MINI ALL4. Utilizing an electro-hydraulic differential, positioned directly on the transmission”s final drive, varies the power distribution from front to rear in an infinitely-variable process. Under normal driving conditions, up to 50 percent of the engine”s power goes to the rear wheels and under extreme conditions up to 100 percent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of the agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with MacPherson spring struts and forged lower control arms, the multi-link rear axle and EPS (Electric Power Steering.)

On the Cooper S Countryman with ALL4, a specific driveline setup is used. Together with the elaborate mounting for the final drive and individual driveshafts, a vibration damper is fitted is within the rear driveshaft giving the ALL4 version of the MINI Countryman the same high standard of acoustic and dynamic comfort as on the models with front-wheel drive.

Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure, with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones, ensures passive safety of the highest caliber. A total of six airbags are standard, with frontal and side airbags as well as side curtain airbags for both front and rear occupants. Three-point inertia-reel seat belts are present on all four seats and belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as LATCH child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tire Pressure Monitor.

In terms of crash behavior, there is no compromise between the front-wheel and all-wheel drive versions of the MINI Countryman. To ensure this equality, the car comes with an innovative drive shaft made up of two elements giving way within one another in the event of a collision to absorb impact energy. The body structure of the MINI Countryman is also designed to offer maximum occupant safety in the event of a collision, high-load-resistant bearer structures, precisely defined deformation zones and an extremely stable passenger cell serving to keep impact forces away from the passengers.

The MINI Countryman furthermore comes standard with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) is an option that also features an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential. All Countryman models comes standard with 205/50 R17 runflat tires for supreme safety and performance in all situations. Available optionally are 18″” alloy wheels with runflat tires and 19″ wheels can be ordered as a dealer-installed accessory.

True You-ification and Technology, Countryman Style
The wide range of customization options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colors, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his ““ or her ““ very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, the MINI Center Rail, and a premium six-speaker audio system complete with a CD player and AUX IN. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone® and other smartphones in the car. Further options are the dual-pane Panoramic sunroof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with the optional Xenon headlight units, lightweight-alloy wheels ranging in size from 17 to 18 inches, sports suspension (which lowers the car by 10 millimeters or almost 0.4″), as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.

The Countryman Cometh
For the US, the Countryman”s three versions ““ Cooper Countryman, Cooper S Countryman and Cooper S Countryman ALL4 ““ will be offered for sale in early 2011. Pricing will be announced at a later date.

As the fourth model within the MINI range and the first premium car of its kind, the MINI Countryman is a pioneer in many respects. It opens up that characteristic MINI feeling for new target groups and at the same time transfers individual design and the unique fun of motoring into a segment with greater demands in terms of space available, diversity and motoring comfort, thus opening up new perspectives for the MINI brand as a whole.

Through this extension of the model range, the MINI brand once again proves its ability to grow with the demands of its fans and followers, while remaining true to its particular character.

- By: Omar Rana

Meet the new and fourth model from Mini with four doors, four seats and available four-wheel-drive – the Mini Countryman (Mini tells us that the name may vary in some markets). After a little leak yesterday, Mini today dropped all the details and images on the new Mini Countryman, which will make its public debut at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

Will the Countryman stay true to the Mini go-kart feeling? According to Mini, yes. Mini says that the Countryman “offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customization in new, fascinating style.”

In the European market, the Mini Countryman Crossover will be available with a choice of three gasoline and two diesel engines with output ranging from 90-hp in the Mini One D Countryman to 184-hp in the Mini Cooper S Countryman. The new Mini crossover comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, while the gasoline models are available with a 6-speed automatic with Steptronic. The Mini Countryman also comes standard with a wide range of fuel-saving features including Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, and on-demand management of the engine”s ancillary units.

Buyers of the Mini Cooper S Countryman and Mini Cooper D Countryman can opt for the Mini ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. It also comes standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control and DTC Dynamic Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman with ALL4.

Keep in mind that most of what you hear here is for the European market. Details of the Mini Countryman’s U.S. debut (where it may be called something else) are scheduled to be released later this year.

Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2011 Mini Countryman:

Press Release:

Fun has no Limits: The MINI Countryman*. (* The name of the car may vary in some markets.)

MINI is adding a fourth model to the family, opening up a new dimension of that unmistakable MINI feeling. As a genuine Crossover, the MINI Countryman bridges the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle. Boasting enhanced opportunities in urban mobility and beyond, the MINI Countryman offers that unique driving pleasure so typical of MINI to new target groups requiring extra space and flexibility. As the first model in the MINI range with four doors and a wide-opening rear lid, the MINI Countryman provides even greater freedom of space for truly versatile use, a slightly elevated seating position, and optimized driving comfort. Full integration of the passengers within the vehicle creates that driving experience so typical of MINI. And at the same time the MINI Countryman maintains that go-kart feeling likewise so characteristic of MINI, optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive offering an additional highlight for the genuine connoisseur. In a nutshell, therefore, the MINI Countryman offers all the characteristic features of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and customisation in new, fascinating style.

The MINI Countryman carries on the design of the brand in superior style and quality, combining larger body dimensions, greater ground clearance and four doors at the side with those unmistakable design features so characteristic of MINI. Short overhangs, a high window line, powerful stance on the wheels, and window graphics extending round the entire car create those unique proportions so typical of MINI. At the same time the MINI Countryman re-interprets the characteristic icons of a MINI such as the roofline, the hexagon radiator grille, the large headlights integrated in the engine lid, the surrounds on the side direction indicators, the voluminous wheel arches and the upright rear light clusters in new style and class.

Proceeding from that design language so typical of MINI, the MINI Countryman authentically visualises the particular features of this very special car. Positioned almost upright, the front end bears out strong presence and serves to optimise pedestrian safety. The extra space within the car, in turn, is emphasised by extra-large windows, the introduction of four doors, and the individual shape of the roof. The particularly wide frame around the lower part of the body and the powerfully flared wheel arches highlight the robust character of the car and its all-wheel drive. With that typical MINI style now being conveyed to a new segment in absolute clarity and precision, the MINI Countryman stands out from the start as a brand-new, highly innovative model but is nevertheless clearly identifiable from the very beginning as a genuine MINI.

Within the interior again typical of the brand, the MINI Countryman boasts innovative design and function elements throughout. The slightly elevated seating position guarantees comfortable and pleasant access to the car, optimises the driver”s all-round view, and underlines the powerful character of this new model. The Central Display and air vents are surrounded by coloured rings. The MINI Center Rail quite unique the world over, extending from front to rear instead of a conventional centre console, opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cupholders, external audio devices, mobile telephones and other comfort features. Flexibly positioned clip-in elements enable the driver and passengers to subdivide the storage boxes individually as required, keeping travel utensils within easy reach, wherever they are required. At the same time the Center Rail forms an unconventional, visual and functional connection between the front seats and the rear passenger compartment.

The MINI Countryman comes as standard with four seats, while a three-seat bench is available as a no-cost option. The interior offers superior comfort also on long distances, with generous legroom, headroom and shoulder freedom. The rear seats move fore-and-aft either individually or in a 60 : 40 (three-seat bench) split, the backrests may be tilted for angle either individually or in a 40 : 20 : 40 (three-seat bench) arrangement, increasing capacity in the luggage compartment from 350 to 1,170 litres (12.2″“41.0 cu ft).

The MINI Countryman is entering the market with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines, all coming in the new generation of power units developed with the full know-how of the BMW Group and naturally complying with the EU5 and, respectively, ULEV II emission standards. The power range extends from 66 kW/90 hp in the MINI One D Countryman all the way to 135 kW/184 hp in the MINI Cooper S Countryman. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the top model comes for the first time not only with a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection, but also with fully variable valve management offering by far the best balance of engine power and fuel consumption in its class. As a particular highlight of the MINIMALISM fuel efficiency concept, the MINI Countryman comes as standard and in appropriate combinations on each model with a wide range of features serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, among them Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, a gearshift point indicator, and on-demand management of the engine”s ancillary units. And as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard, the petrol engine models are also available with six-speed automatic complete with Steptronic.

As an option the MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman are available with permanent MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive, an electrohydraulic differential positioned directly on the final drive varying the distribution from front to rear in an infinite process. Under normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the engine”s power goes to the rear wheels, under extreme conditions up to 100 per cent, offering a new, high-traction rendition of that agile handling so typical of MINI. This superior traction and drivetrain technology is based on the top-end suspension of the MINI including features such as the front axle with McPherson spring struts and forged track control arms, the multi-arm rear axle and EPS Electric Power Steering complete with Servotronic. The MINI Countryman furthermore comes as standard with DSC Dynamic Stability Control, DTC Dynamic Traction Control coming either as an option or as a standard feature on the MINI Cooper S Countryman and the MINI Cooper D Countryman with ALL4, as well as an electronic limited-slip function for the front axle differential.

Designed for optimum safety in the event of a collision, the body structure with its precisely defined load paths and deformation zones ensures passive safety of the highest calibre. Frontal and side airbags as well as curtain airbags at the side both front and rear, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners and belt force limiters at the front, as well as ISOFIX child seat fastenings at the rear all come as standard. Yet another standard feature is the Tyre Defect Indicator, with runflat tyres coming as an option and standard on the MINI Cooper S Countryman with ALL4.

The wide range of customisation options on both the exterior and interior again so typical of MINI are supplemented by new, model-specific features exclusive to the MINI Countryman. New combinations in the range of interior colours, trim strips and upholstery enable even the most discerning customer to create his ““ or her ““ very special car with truly unique character. The wide range of standard features boasted by the MINI Countryman includes highlights such as air conditioning, the MINI Center Rail, and an audio system complete with a CD player. The equally wide range of options and special equipment tailored to each model comes with features such as high-end audio and navigation systems as well as mobile telephone interfaces including the option to completely integrate an Apple iPhone and other Smartphones in the car. Further options are the extra-large Panorama roof, Adaptive Headlights in combination with xenon headlight units, a heated windscreen, a towbar, light-alloy wheels ranging in size from 16 to 19 inches, sports suspension lowering the entire car by 10 millimetres or almost 0.4″, as well as the wide range of John Cooper Works Performance Components.

- By: Omar Rana

Following a teaser from Mini yesterday, the first pictures of the company’s upcoming crossover have been leaked. We’re still not sure as to what the model will be called, but so far it’s been known as the Countryman and the Crossman.

From the three leaked photos, you can tell that there will be a Cooper S version of the crossover with “All4″ all-wheel-drive badging on the side front fender. The interior keeps the current Mini theme.

We’ll bring you more details as we get them – so stay tuned. Let us know what you think for now.

Mini Countryman Crossover (Leaked Images):

- By: Omar Rana

Source: WorldCarFans

Usually when you see spy shots of an upcoming model you’ll see a bunch of camouflage covering the true design of the vehicle. Keeping that theme going until the covers come off at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, Mini has just dropped a teaser of its new Crossover wearing heavy camouflage traveling through a camouflaged town.

Gotta hand it to Mini for being creative.

Hit the video for the jump.

Mini Crossover Teaser:

- By: Omar Rana

Last we heard anything about the Mini Countryman it was reported that the crossover would debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. It was originally supposed to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Well, according to MotoringFile, the Countryman launch has once again been delayed to the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Sources say that we’ll get to see the official specs and photos in a couple of months before the final reveal.

So what’s the reason for the delay? Well the folks at BMW are more concerned with the already established X3 crossover. Instead of putting too much effort on the Mini Countryman, the BMW team is tying up loose ends from moving X3 production from Austria to the United States.

Nonetheless, Magna Steyr is still hiring new employees to help with production of the Countryman.

MotoringFile says that the Mini will badge its all-wheel-drive Countryman models with “All4″ – as compared to BMW’s xDrive and Audi’s Quattro badging.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: MotoringFile

BMW has a lot planned for the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. The automaker is set to reveal not one, but two hybrid vehicles including the ActiveHybrid 7 and the ActiveHybrid X6.

According to sources who spoke with Mini enthusiast website MotoringFile, BMW has decided to move up the launch of the Speedster/Coupe concept and the production Mini Countryman R60 crossover to as early as this week. Apparently they don’t want the two Mini debuts to be overlooked in Frankfurt.

Both models will be revealed online this week, way ahead of their launch in Frankfurt. If MotoringFile is right, we’ll have all the images and details for you whenever they pop up. Stay tuned.

MINI Crossover Concept:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: MotoringFile

For a while now, we’ve come to believe that Mini’s new Crossover due out next year will be called the “Crossman.” Right after its debut, its was reported that the “Crossman” name had been ditched and that the “Maxi” name was the leading contender for the Crossover.

Well, cross all that out. According to a report by MotoringFile, BMW AG has officially registered the “Countryman” name for its new four-wheel-drive, four-seater, four-door model. The Countryman name was apparently used in classic Mini days for the long wheelbase version of the Cooper in specific markets.

The production model of Mini’s Crossover will debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motorshow in September. Stay tuned for more updates.

MINI Crossover Concept:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: MotoringFile

BMW Group is considering a rival to the Volkswagen Golf GTI based on the upcoming Mini Crossover platform due to hit the market next year. The model has yet to be green-lighted but insiders say that if approved, the car will be built alongside the Mini Crossover at the Magna Steyr factory in Austria.

According to AutoCar, the Mini GTI will produce 180-hp with a John Cooper Works variant making at least 220-hp.

The Mini GTI won’t appear until 2012 and it’s too early to say how the car would be priced.

Insiders say that BMW is considering at least three new models based on the new 4m-long, 5-door Mini platform. The first of those models will be the Mini Crossover (Crossman), due early next year.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Ever since its debut at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, we’ve heard very little about the Mini Crossover Concept. According to the head of Mini brand management Wolfgang Armbrecht, the automaker approved the production version of the Crossover Concept just four weeks after its Paris debut.

The production version of the Mini Crossover will make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show in September with a few changes. Of course the car’s fancy interior will be gone. Mini design boss Marcus Syring says that the production model ”will look very much like a Mini SUV needs to look.”

Power will come from a variety of 4-cylinder engines and Mini says that a twin-turbocharged 1.6L engine could become an option in the future for an ‘S’ version. Europeans will get diesel options capable of up to 45 mpg but North American will miss out as usual.

Armbrecht said that the Mini Crossover will launch first as a front-wheel-drive model with an optional BMW X-drive going on sale later. Both will be build by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria with prices starting about $29,000.

MINI Crossover Concept:

Source: Inside Line