The next car developed from the new FWD platform UKL has been spotted for the very first time; meet the new Mini Countryman.

Just like all the Mini models, this new Countryman is more of an evolution than a revolution design wise. However, the inside will be different as Mini is aiming for more space and a roomier appearance in order to better compete with other mainstream compact SUVs.

Other changes are that the new Countryman will be made in Oxford and in a new plant in the Netherlands (ex Mitsubishi NedCar plant) instead of in Austria and Magna Steyr, where they currently build the Countryman and Paceman.

Expect a debut in 2016. What do you think of the new design?

 

Looks the same to me...

 

I do like the new color

 

please add a bonnet scoop on the s models.
thankyou.

*edit*
hmm.. and its been dehumped it looks like.

 

yeah id love a scoop, all s models should have it. does not make sense.

 

Hate the back end...those tail lights are hideous.

 

It kinda seems like they keep slowly making Mini's more into Beamers... I don't like it. Just like with the F56

 

I agree, although I can't say that I am that surprised.

 

I thought the CM will be made on the same platform (frame) as the BMW X1.

 

yeah, I recall reading that also, but never really understood given that the X1 is a rear wheel drive based design and the CM is a front wheel drive based design. Could it be possible that the CM is switching to a rear wheel drive based design? Might make it a more entertaining vehicle to drive if done correctly. Would the market support a rear wheel drive Mini? I dunno, but who would've ever thought that Porsche would be so successful selling SUVs?

 

Front end looks like a Land Rover lol

 

The next X1/X2 (3-door X1) will be a FWD/4WD vehicle, as BMW are adopting FWD for smaller vehicles. Surveys in Europe indicate that a significant minority of small BMW buyers think they are FWD already - the same percentage that buy a vehicle for its badge, I'm guessing.

 

As long as they don't give the countryman the ridiculous front bumper that they gave the F56. It's pretty much awful in everyway including the increased overhang.

 

Does the last photo show two tail pipes or just one on the left?

 

looks like the head and taillight are partially taped over to disguise the final look. No turn signals. They have to be under there somewhere

 

It's always hartd to tell what the final product will look like from the spy photos... If MINI design since the relaunch in 2001 is any indication, that looks like a mix between the Base, S, and JCW models... The side skirts look JCW, the Front end looks like an "S" with the mesh honeycomb grill and the rear since it has cutouts for two exhaust tips, but there is only a single tailpipe like the base model. My guess is that there is still MUCH to come as far as the final appearance.

I'm guessing the headlight shape will still be more or less round in MINI tradition... not square... The wrap is just cut that way to try to disguise it more.

 

Me likey, looks like a rwd, just fooling us with those euro crash standard front ends. The new hardtop taillights, look heinous, maybe if enough people complain, that wont happen.

Maybe there will be a dial-in rear wheel drive bias, for mid range/low speeds!
You never really know, bmw has about eight transmissions for every fuel and displacement, hopefully something comes out good from bmw switching to fwd!

 

Interesting article on the Countryman
http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/09/...e-seats-power/

It doesn't look bigger than the current Countryman. I wonder if this is the 4 door Paceman.

 

There is no four door Paceman. That's a Countryman.

 

http://www.motoringfile.com/2014/09/27/next-generation-paceman-to-go-four-doors/