MINI Countryman Photos Leaked!

Sections: R60 (Crossover) Jan 19th, 2010 114 Comments

Kilometer magazine has leaked three photos of the MINI Countryman. Officially not to be shown to the public until March in Geneva, the Countryman was scheduled for an internet debut in a few weeks. As it stands now it’ll be interesting to see how MINI handle this leak and if they release the rest of the information of photos. One thing for certain, Kilometer magazine likely will not be invited to the next MINI vehicle launch.

Initial thoughts? Let’s hear them…

Updated: Look for our full analysis of the Countryman along with dozens of new photos both inside and out. Along with that MINI will be releasing full information on the Countryman for the EU, UK and US markets as well. Finally we’ll be following is all up with video of the car in motion. It all starts tomorrow morning.

Written By: Gabe

114 Comments

Ron Myers Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I’m totally diggin’ it. Gabe, now that the embargo is out the window, any chance of some more details?

AN Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I like it. Feels like a Clubman on steroids. And the black roof makes the slightly odd roof angle in the rear fade a bit.

Jimuth Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Looks a lot better in these than any other photo so far. A-panel and scuttle look good. The central speedo seems to have shrunk compared to the R56 too.

Far far better than I’d feared… Can’t see the point of the clubby with this around tho?

Nathaniel Salzman Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Oh man. Just loving about 94% of it.

I see that it still says Cooper S on the boot lid. With this being a completely new vehicle based on a completely separate chassis, why would it still be a Cooper? Why not simply be a MINI Countryman or Countryman S?

Can’t wait to see one in the flesh.

Elio Jan 19th, 2010 Link

It looks more like a grown-up MINI rather than a MINI 4×4. It’s a lot better than I thought it was going to look and I actually quite like it. Could be my next car.

Is it me or does the decal on the side say ‘MX4′?

Futrell Jan 19th, 2010 Link

The front end looks great; love the headlights and the interior is probably the most tasteful I’ve seen yet from MINI. The black wheels don’t look too great with the fender flares though, IMHO. I’d also say it needs more aggressive, higher profile tires on it…

So, that’s an S model; I’m guessing base models don’t have the extra “lip” above the bumper?

Good stuff; I was very skeptical but they’ve brought it together well. I agree with he above comments: the Clubman is now redundant…

Peter Burke Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Giant MINI emblem on rear deck à la Escalade.

Elio Jan 19th, 2010 Link

It says ‘ALL4′ actually.

Get it right the first time | dbmini.us Jan 19th, 2010 Link

[...] as it becomes available. In the meantime, go check out the Countryman photos. I really like it! Posted in My MINI, Op/Ed, Project: Roxy — by db on 01/19/10 (0) Comments [...]

Ketan Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Looks great and the production version look much better. I will def. have to put this on the shopping list. So this will still ship late fall or did they move it back to 2011?

Sherwin Smith Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Finally- a real “white” paint option! Hope that trickles down the line!

@Elio: The side decal says “All4″.

Other than that, looks exactly as i expected. Althought I can’t see myself in one of these, I’m very interested in the pricing and drivetrain. Time will tell. :)

Nathaniel Salzman Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Giant MINI emblem on rear deck à la Escalade.

Yeah, not exactly subtle. It’s obviously the opener handle though. The details overall are much more subdued than I expected and I’m totally digging it. Nice details that don’t feel like they’re trying too hard. I can’t wait to see the rest of the photos. Will there be slats in the Cooper trim level grill?

The white on black is just great, I really hope that’s a production color. I’m just imagining it with the windows tinted and roof rails. Awesome.

Richard Wezensky Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I have to admit. I’m really liking this – especially since it’s scale is smaller than most SUVs.

The final design is nice and I can’t wait to see if any of these design cues are brought into the next generation coupe.

Elio Jan 19th, 2010 Link

So strange to see a MINI with little stubby doors. I’m used to the great long coupe style doors.

DavidB Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I like it a lot – no ‘fake’ bonnet scoop for the Cooper S though?

Futrell Jan 19th, 2010 Link

“I see that it still says Cooper S on the boot lid. With this being a completely new vehicle based on a completely separate chassis, why would it still be a Cooper? Why not simply be a MINI Countryman or Countryman S?”

All MINI’s are Coopers, I’ll bet they’ll keep it either “Cooper Countryman” or “Cooper Crossman”.

Chassis, schmassis; it’s branding:)

goat Jan 19th, 2010 Link

This is the now the correct scale required for the R56’s several oversized design elements (wheel arch trim, wheel gap, cascade rear hatch, raised hood, tail light clusters). As such, and even though I am by no means a CUV/SUV fan, I think it looks better resolved than the current hatches and Clubman! It would look even better with the Clubbie’s barn doors, mind. The interior looks tidier than the current car’s as well, largely due to liberal use of dark plastics rather than the current silver.

I am looking forward to more photos when BMW releases them – I expect the R60 will look best in darker but non-metallic colours (red could look good too, with black roof).

But most of all I am looking forward to the driving impressions I am sure MotoringFile will be able to pen. Here’s hoping that the R60 maintains the MINI brand values of being far sportier than the uninformed would expect and far more involving to drive than the other CUVs currently offered.

Brian Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Excellent. I remember in a post last year I wrote that MINI would sell a lot of these. I was wrong, they will sell a SH*T LOAD!

Philip Hubertus Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Looks nice. I still don’t get the reasoning of adding a SAV to the MINI brand from a MINI brand perspective.

Brian Jan 19th, 2010 Link

@DAVIDB

I applaud the fake scoop delete. I thought that was a bad addition to the R56.

Brak Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Sorry to be the first dissenter, but I’m NOT digging it at all. Proportions just look completely awkward to me. The giant logo on the back looks ghetto. The wheels look too small in the wheel wells. Hopefully seeing it in the flesh will make a better impression. But so far – not so much.

Cory Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I’ve hated everything I’ve ever seen regarding the Countryman so far, but that is the finest looking small SUV I have ever seen. I won’t trade in the current MINI for that, but maybe I can convince the wife that she wants one…

Cory Jan 19th, 2010 Link

The car still says “Cooper” on the back. Is MINI ever just going to let the Cooper be the Cooper instead of lending it’s name to everything else? MINI Cooper S Clubman is a mouthful already, but MINI Cooper S Countryman?

Andrew Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I like it. It looks a bit more grown up than the regular cooper, and it has a bit more of an aggressive stance. I like it a lot more than the Clubman.

Ronald Campbell Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I hate the wheels, but I love everything else. Much better than I ever expected. Bravo MINI! I still like the hatchback better.

Ben Kittrell Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I’d like to see a higher res photo of the interior. I’m wondering if it’s going to be representative of what we’ll see in the refresh.

Captain Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I am ready to sell the Club for the Country.

Point of Clarification: Is that interior legit, can it be configured w/All4 + manual tran?

Gerarddm> Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I generally like the overall effect, but just wonder about the strategic vision behind upsizing the MINI ethos.

On a micro level, I like the front end grill geometry, but for me the headlights are not resolved properly. Rear taillights seem a bit bulbous, would be nice to see them shaved a bit. I very much like the body color sweeping around the rear, and LOVE the fact that they have ditched the barn doors. For my money they could have avoided the mini reverse scoops aft the rear wheels, this isn’t a Camaro,fer crissakes.

If they took this design and downsized into a Clubman, I’d be very interested.

Joshua Puetz Jan 19th, 2010 Link

This looks A LOT better than I thought it was going to!

eto Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I like the overall look of it, but the angry face makes me frown just like the car. :(

Nick Dawson Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Phew what a relief, it still looks like a MINI. I will definitely upgrade from my Clubman.

Harry Dill Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I see frontal nuances of “shrink-to-fit” Toureg and Cayenne. Not quite sold on the de rigueur humpback whale roofline. Obviously, the Countryman beckons for the BMW diesel power and Getrag AWD. How else can it expect to successfully play in the sands of Dakar with the big boy toys! As in other new MINI designs, details, details, and more details will weigh heavily in driving consumer demand, thus incorporation of state-of-the-art off road technology, as well as, minor niceties such as LED tail lights will add effective marketing sparkle to the debut. Could MINI possibly incorporate planetary reduction gears in the wheel carriers similar to those commonly used in mine haulers. If it did (and the cost was not prohibitive) MINI could legitimately proclaim that”good things come in small packages … and that less is more!” Look out Unimog, Countryman is here, in gear, and poised to carve a potentially remarkable niche in the sands of time.

Gabe Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Point of Clarification: Is that interior legit, can it be configured w/All4 + manual tran?

Yes

Evan Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I really like it. I am not a fan of black wheels, which are all the rage right now. The wheels do look a tad small, if they are 17″ then definitely need 18″. I was hoping the line down from the a-pillar wouldn’t be black, it doesn’t quite look right. The rear taillights are a little big, and I do agree that the MINI on the tailgate is huge, but better than an ugly handle with a small MINI badge on the lower left. The surface detailing is nice, especially the subtle indent on the lower doors to break up the mass.

The dash looks good too, with an nice new way of giving color accents on the door panels and armrest. Appears to be nice and upright with still good sightlines.

Overall, I’m really excited for it, but still with only four seats… boo. I could really use five MINI. I just can’t justify that many cars…

MINIme Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Not digging it with those skinny, low-profile tires. Looks way too car-like for me. On a positive note, I bet this MINI drives great with AWD! Also like the true white paint. This has been missing for too long.

My vote still goes to the Beachcomber.

MatthewW Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I definitely find the Countryman more attractive (and relevant) than the BeachComber. But it still doesn’t eliminate my general ambivalence toward a MINI SUV in general.

But I still want to see this in person before I draw a final conclusion(s).

Matthew Adams Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I absolutely love it. Can’t wait to see what the back seats look like!

Michael Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Well I am very surprised… I actually do not hate it and may even say I like it. I thought they would just bank on the standard MINI design cues and that was it but this is rather a departure and refreshing at the same time. The roof is going to be one of those things I will hold opinion on until seeing it in real life (much like the 5 GT). It looks like a MINI but is not just one on steroids..

Andy Jan 19th, 2010 Link

It’s different, and I like that. Will I be trading in my Clubman S? Not quite. But I’m definitely enjoying looking at it. I’m holding out for the MINI Coupe…

DUDE! Jan 19th, 2010 Link

NOT SOLD!

KPH Jan 19th, 2010 Link

This could work. The front end is not as angry as the initial concept suggested. Overall dimensions look good. If the center stack also reflects the “refresh” result I guess we’ll just continue to wait for 2013. Is the AWD system used still a secret or did I miss it?

Rocketboy_x Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Much better looking then expected.

Huckleberry Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Wow, I’ve been avoiding reading the comments because of all the people bashing Mini for making this. But to my amazement people are actually not bashing it. I’m completely shocked! I like how it looks. I want my wife to get a Mini for her next vehicle and it’s either going to be this or the Clubman. It’s nice to have options!!!

b- Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Looks like they are keeping the silver plastic on the center stack. ;)

I do like this, it is more attractive than I thought it was going to be.gvvgg b bbbbv Œ

matt Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Is this car over 5 feet tall? Or is that a tiny photoshop woman?

RJ Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I’d vote thumbs up on the female model in the third photo….gotta love those legs….and thumbs down on the Countryman.

Spokane MINI Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Are you sure this is not a fake photo? It doesn’t ring true to me: the trim around the door windows is off in color and doesn’t fit in with the overall design;the window behind the doors is too low at the front edge and makes the smooth arc of the top feel pinched at this point;the front end and headlights don’t look like the ones on the Beachcomber Concept; do you think MINI would have a brand new car that says Cooper S on the back and nothing about All4; the tail pipes are tiny;the ground clearance looks too low for All4;the mirrors seem to be off from the Clubman. This looks like a cleverly done modification of the Clubman to me. MINI’s consistency and good design are missing in some areas. I don’t think this photo is from MINI.

Chris Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I really like it. I was gonna order a Clubman this year, but if it makes it to the US shores this year, then I’ll hold off on ordering the Clubamn and test drive it and see how it feels!

Alex Borrego Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Increible minicrossover! Un cambio por el clubman?

Brian Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Say no to black wheels.

Ftttubrgcm Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Posters above, yes it does say, “CooperS” on the rear because it is the performance level of the MINI line. “Cooper” is also a performance level but for the normally aspirated. Remember, the MINI “One” and “First” are the base models and are not “Coopers”. Not all Minis/MINIs are MINI Coopers as stated above. Also, not all Camaros are Z28’s or SS. But back to the real world, this is exactly what I was waiting for and expected from BMW/MINI! A MINI lady at MINI United told me she and others saw it while at the factory and EVERYONE just loved it.

James Irmiger Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I notice the “refreshed” dash really doesn’t look all that new. The radio buttons are a bit more logical, but the hvac controls look the same as the current R56 lineup except for what looks like another row of buttons below the toggles.

KPH Jan 19th, 2010 Link

OK got it. BMW xDrive of course. Canadian Driver has some nice things to say aboot it as tested in Sweden.

James Irmiger Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Of, and is that Hurst-shifter handle the e-brake? I suppose it’s designed to clear the modular tracks between the seats?

Shawn Dillon Jan 19th, 2010 Link

It’s done.

…I have found my replacement for,”Sade”!(Also,it was nice to see that the color scheme was almost the same as my ‘03 PW MC,where as the color scheme for the Countryman,in the above photos is black and white).

…it’s worth noting that I’m really digging the beefy hand brake in the interior shot of the car. Damn’ good work Gabe…DAMN’ GOOD!!!

To Gabe: I have not seen any good views of the sun/moon roof. Is that to suggest that MINI has something,”special”,planned for it? Thanks.

SMH Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Bought a 2010 Clubman S in October and would have bought the Countryman if it had been available. I still don’t understand why it would have buckets in back instead of bench due to new US laws. If the Clubman in narrower does that mean it will have to give up the bench? Anyway, I would still buy it if the seats can somehow fold down but if not the whole concept is a waste except for 4 wheel drive and higher riding height.

GrFa Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Absolutely love it! Never even considered one of these after a bunch of R53s and R56s. Might just be a practical little upgrade. I hope they do not price it way out of the market. That would be a shame.

Aaron Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I’m not sure this is real either. SpokaneMini pointed out some of the minor details that make it seem unauthentic above. I’d like to add the bug-eyed rear tail lights, which protrude like the clubman tail lights do except here they do not need to protrude like that as there are no barn doors on the countryman. There’s some weird pixelation around the MINI logo on the rear; I cannot quite make out what’s going on there. Why does the antenna have an XM Radio hump and an antenna? Also, I guess they went with door frames.

I like the height but the back end reminds me of the PT cruiser and nobody needs to be reminded of that. I’m not completely sold on some of the design elements depicted in these photos and I’ve had pretty high hopes for it for some time.

superc00per Jan 19th, 2010 Link

i’m shocked at how good it looks. the grill looks 100x better than the spy shots that have been floating around (probably base model). this will probably be my 3rd mini.

JonPD Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Design wise, not bad.

Not a fan of the Mini logo on the back, just way out of scale. Still think though it would make a much better X.5 than a MINI. Might have to edit the third picture with soccer fields and masses of children to get the accurate feeling of this vehicle in nature ;)

rkw Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I’d vote thumbs up on the female model in the third photo…

Apparently the Countryman is manly enough that they are actually willing to use a female model. Previously MINI had always avoided using female models, for fear of MINI being perceived as a girly car. We’ll see whether they will produce any photos of women driving the car.

Matthew Holly Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Looks like Alpine White, not Pepper.

Michael Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Spokane MINI- BMW Group is now placing all AWD badging in the front- BMWs do not even have XI on them any longer.

These are real and not chops the thing is not supposed to be for off-roading. How would someone chop in that center rail in such a short time? Nope this is it and someone is in big trouble!

Ftttubrgcm Jan 19th, 2010 Link

“Not a fan of the Mini logo on the back, just way out of scale”

JonPD, at least there are no handles on the back as seen on the concept and renderings.

Jon Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Great job MINI. The Countryman will likely be on my short list to replace my 2004 MCS. With a growing family, I need a true 4-door, and AWD for the snow. I think this may be my next new car. I also LOVE that you will be offering All-4 with a manual transmission (at least according to Gabe)! Thank you.

One small criticism: the tire/wheel combination doesn’t fill out the wheel wells quite enough. One more inch, please.

Doug Beavers Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Looking good! Nothing like a few photos of the real thing to quiet the haters down. I have several friends with kids who are going to be giving this thing a very serious look. And to those who doubt that the pics are for real – don’t you think Gabe has been hanging on to the same pics for weeks/months now? He would have gotten them from the source, so he knows if they’re legit.

HERR26 Jan 19th, 2010 Link

The Photos are real and are the first of a significantly large batch due on the 7th of February. myself like everyone else was leaving the office when “Kilometer” broke the embargo. So I imagine they will be taken care of tomorrow. Will the launch be brought forward now? It is possible but doubtful because some of the additional marketing elements are still in post-production but we will find out more tomorrow. Personally I was hoping for the Countryman to have a launch propelled by Social media methods, now that surprise has been revealed. :( The locations used are Valencia , Barcelona (Spain) , Vienna (Austria) and the Swiss Alps , Lake Geneva (Switzerland) Apt because of the manufacturing in Graz and the World Premiere in Geneva.

@ Paris , we will show a Performance Concept of the Countryman. The so-called “Cayenne Turbo” model for the MINI Brand with a unique Performance body kit (The JCW kit is very true to this concept) Lowered suspension, Big wheels and a Performance interior. It is the indication of an “Ultimate” series of MINI’s which will also include the Coupe and Roadster.

The first MINI Branded Camouflaged Coupe’s and Roadster’s using the Yellow/Black wrapping should hit the public streets very soon.

Aurel Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Looks good! Nothing that made me have goosebumps as the first time I saw a MINI, but a nice execution nonetheless. I agree about what others said that the wheels look small.

Jason Mills Jan 19th, 2010 Link

While I really like the front, I really really really dislike that rear quarter.

I don’t understand what they’ve done on that rear side window. What’s with all huge rubber flashing around the 2 side windows?

If they had continued to go with the sleek uniform side window design of all previous MINI’s, I think it would have been much sexier.

AUSmotive.com » 2010 MINI Countryman - leaked photos Jan 19th, 2010 Link

[...] MotoringFile via Kilometer [...]

alpinamike Jan 19th, 2010 Link

This looks better then what most people thought. Great white! All 4 works. Rally in the future with this variant?

Yes it looks like a grown up clubman.

Sideways Eh! Jan 19th, 2010 Link

HERR26 – Thanks for the info… I can’t wait to see the camo on the Coupe and Roadster…but what I really want to know is will we get to see the PRO DRIVE WRC rally Countryman anytime soon???

MatthewW Jan 19th, 2010 Link

The more I look at these shots, the more I see the CountryMan as a viable alternative to something like the Subaru Outback rather than viewing it as a true SUV or sub-SUV.

MINIme Jan 19th, 2010 Link

JonPD,

With regard to many comments you have made over several months, what do you have against children and the women who haul them around? Are you some gay old curmudgeon (no disrespect)? And to imply that all “utility” style vehicles are designed to tote kids to SOCCER games is insulting. That is a chore for wagons.

KLF23 Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Things I like: The black wheels. Most of the interior.

I don’t really like anything else. It looks obese. Like it’s had too many hamburgers.

I really hope that face isn’t carried over to the regular Cooper and S in the refresh or next model. Though at least the headlights don’t travel three quarters of the way back towards the windscreen like most cars recently.

What’s with the raised edge on the top of the front bumper?

Alex Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I don’t like it. It’s just an “normal” small SUV like many others. Nothing really unique. The Coupe was a special car, the convertible had the special roof, the clubman had the special doors – but the countryman? It is the first boring mini…

jp Jan 19th, 2010 Link

From my perspective the Countryman’s competition is far more upmarket than it’s pedestrian cousins like the Forester, and will be priced more like the BMW X1. Some sites are saying a premium of $4,500 over a Clubman. My guess that’s for the 2Wheel version. For me the inside could very well possibly be more than a glimpse at the 2011 MINI.

Michael Jan 19th, 2010 Link

JP- The Countryman with All 4 will be priced at the same level as a RWD X1 in its base configuration- very little overlap as BMW is not in the market of competing with itself- Also, the MINI will only have 4 seats thanks to US regs, so the X1 will have more versatility in that regard.

-M

HERR26- Thanks as always for your contributions here and at BimmerFile.

nickmini Jan 19th, 2010 Link

My perfect next Mini! (Baby on board)

goat Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I am hoping the centre stack is more “facelifted” than this small photo allows me to make out. It does look disappointingly similar to the current R56 centre console. Then again, perhaps “piano black” or similar dark plastic will be an option and this single photo shows a “base” interior spec hence the silver plastic in the console and on the instrument / vent bezels. Well, more photos will surely clarify things. The JCW version HERR26 has promised sounds fantastic – at first sight of this photo I was imagining it lowered, wider (non-played-out-black) wheels, larger exhaust pipes, a more aggressive aero kit bumper! :)

goat Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Also curious to see the X1 – the BMW version may end up more appealing to many shopping a small upscale driving-oriented crossover. Exciting times indeed!

Gary (the other one) Jan 19th, 2010 Link

These will sell well in the U.S.

HERR26 Jan 19th, 2010 Link

HERR26- “Thanks as always for your contributions here and at BimmerFile.”

No problem , As you know BMW have always believed in the aspects of social media in a way to engage consumers and there are a few sites which easy accomplish this goal. I think I can say that we encourage your support not only on BimmerFile but also Motoring File here in Munich as a source of feedback to provide our consumers with the best products possible.

I hope you make Geneva.It is going to be awesome for both MINI and BMW.

that.guy Jan 19th, 2010 Link

@ Paris , we will show a Performance Concept of the Countryman. The so-called “Cayenne Turbo” model for the MINI Brand with a unique Performance body kit (The JCW kit is very true to this concept) Lowered suspension, Big wheels and a Performance interior.

Yes!! You mean someone at BMW has actually been reading all my posts?! :) This is the car that might get me to buy another MINI. Production date, please?

(P.S. No need for “big” wheels, just light ones.)

Tailwagger Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Hmmm… I might indeed be interested. Like the size and packaging a lot. I await specs and pricing.

The thing that really caught my eye though is the new seats with the aggressive bolstering. Given that the Countryman doesn’t represent the pinnacle of MINI performance offerings, can we assume that the new thrones will be part of the upcoming refresh for the MCS?

JonPD Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I have respect for the design generally, although the side shot with the female model something with the front wheel and arch looks wrong.

Still have nothing but hatred for SUVs when mixed with the MINI brand. SUVs (even tiny ones) are the realm of boorish designers and pandering to the big three’s idea that bigger was always better. SUVs have their time and place but bloating Sir Issigonis’s visions this direction really does nothing but irk me. I have nothing against families or soccer fields but I think both would have been equally served by extending a clubman to add two rear doors and giving it awd instead making a faux off-roader. Be assure one vehicle that will never get anything but distaste and disappointment whenever I should be unlucky enough to see one.

lavardera Jan 19th, 2010 Link

The below the front bumper body looks very much like the R56, but I see there are what look like brake ducts there. Also the pattern of the grill bars remind me of – not sure if its the JCW body kit, or the factory body kit that had those same horizontal honycombs. The wheels do look small – not so much the wheel diameter, but the overall wheel tire diameter. It just all looks too small for the car. One of the beachcomber sketches showed wide low profile tires – bulk and enough bulk to hang with the body of the car. This is just not capturing the vibe of that sketch.

Inside looks like they have brought back the angled door pull from the R53/50 door trim. Not sure about the blue color there – appears out of left field? But the rest of the dash, stack, speedo, all look very consistent with the R56. I wonder how much they are pulling from existing parts for the vents, speedo pod, other stack bits?

My big question: There has been talk of this R60 platform spawning a 4 door CAR (not suv) down the line. Will that be all new sheet metal, or a re-trimmed countryman on lower height suspension? Frankly this looks more like a car than an SUV, perhaps why it looks a bit odd riding so high on what appears to be too small tires.

Stephen Powell Jan 19th, 2010 Link

What about bonnet stripes??

I appreciate that these photos help you see the bonnet profile, but it just doesn’t feel like a true MINI without the stripes.

Otherwise it looks much better than the concepts… they must have been sandbagging. Also interesting that the side scuttle from the Clubman concepts have made it to production.

Bill W. Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Hardly anything new to say after 70-some comments but I do really like the majority of it. I am having issues too with the rear quarter…someone said PT Cruiser; I’m actually seeing some (ugh) 1st generation Toyota Matrix, believe it or not. And that’s not an appealing comparison to design-impaired “Yotes”.

But the apparent “Alpine White” is fabulous, the forward view excellent, fascia looking really good, and the interior kinda rocks! Who knows…when we go to replace my wife’s Mazda wagon this could well be in the running.

Way to go Gabe and MotoringFile!!

Mark Sullivan Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I think it looks great but…what is the regulation that doesn’t allow for 5th passenger? I may have missed this somewhere up in the notes so I will apologize if that is the case. The lines of the car look great but I really would love to see the driver’s side back door, it is hard to see what the shape of it is.

I would REALLY like it if the had a diesel but I am afraid that will never happen. Diesel is the way to go especially when the vehicles get bigger

Jessica Napier Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Oh MAN. I would love to have this in my driveway! Wonder if my dad would mind us having another MINI in the family… eeheehee….

Hoover Jan 19th, 2010 Link

I’m looking forward to seeing the “Cooper” version and some darker colors. I love Alpine white on BMWs…but I have to say that I think that this color combo, and those black wheels (OK, maybe it is JUST the wheels) do little to flatter this model. I do believe I can convince my better half to consider this as a replacement for our CR-V…if we can afford it. I think the proportions presented bode well for the R65…the MINI I truly want.

Hoover Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Buttons below the toggle switches on the center stack? Hmmmmmmmm….what are those for?

Chris Brake Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Was worried when I saw pics of the beachbomber concept and all it’s gaudy detailing despite the fact I knew it was a concept. My fears were totally misplaced, because the Countryman looks freak’n awesome!

Christian L. Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Yes! I can start saving up to get me a Countryman on All 4!

Chris Brake Jan 19th, 2010 Link

According to insideline.com the pics were leaked by autoexpress…

http://blogs.insideline.com/straightline/2010/01/official-pictures-of-the-mini-countryman-revealed-by-uk-mag.html

John Schoettler Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Looks way better than I was expecting.

Gabe Jan 19th, 2010 Link

According to insideline.com the pics were leaked by autoexpress…

Incorrect. AE could only wish to break this embargo.

Buttons below the toggle switches on the center stack? Hmmmmmmmm….what are those for?

You’ll find out very soon.

rkw Jan 19th, 2010 Link

What about bonnet stripes??

That should be “hood stripes”. Faux British speak and Union Jack decorations aren’t appropriate for this Austrian car.

JMills Jan 19th, 2010 Link

Ughh..pretty fugly compared to the concepts. What happened MINI?

Minipuma Jan 20th, 2010 Link

Wow, it looks great! I wasn’t expecting very much from this car but they’ve really done a nice job with it.

James Irmiger Jan 20th, 2010 Link

Buttons below the toggle switches on the center stack? Hmmmmmmmm….what are those for?

…Ejector Seat, Oil Slick, Rockets, just the normal stuff ;)

James Irmiger Jan 20th, 2010 Link

Buttons below the toggle switches on the center stack? Hmmmmmmmm….what are those for?

Actually, I’m guessing they’re for vehicle dynamics related to the suspension and AWD. Probably something like ride height presets or torque transfer, maybe even a selectable 2WD/AWD switch to improve MPG! That would be nice.

Daniel Jan 20th, 2010 Link

Very nice, will suite my family…..I will take one please! :)

Dylan Bland Jan 20th, 2010 Link

Home run.

Dylan Bland Jan 20th, 2010 Link

PS: I just hope it’s not called Countryman :P

ralf Jan 20th, 2010 Link

http://www.autoblog.nl is a Dutch website and they have more pictures of this great car!!!!

Craig Jan 20th, 2010 Link

Adam Jan 20th, 2010 Link

I have an R57 in BRG/Tuscan/English wood waiting at the docks in Southhampton now. Now that I know I can get the Countryman in manual with the ALL4 and that it looks fantastic, I look forward to becoming an all MINI household. I would like it in the Connaught green with the JCW package. Please make it significantly (low 40’s? very well equipped) less than the Audi S4 and you have the sale locked up. Thanks Motoringfile, this is great news!

Dean Cory Jan 20th, 2010 Link

Why is it FROWNING?!? That front end looks worse than a Pontiac Aztec or worse yet, my dad’s Smart 4two!

And what is up with the stetson hat roof? HATED it on the Clubman, HATE it even more on the R60! Give me a nice smooth roof like on my beloved R50, R53 or R56.

Then worse yet, no seating for 5! I have 2 sons and a girlfriend who has a daughter. I must have space for 5 people!

I wanted to love this car. A chance for me to get out of the car hell I am in now (2001 Neon)! I saw potential in the Beachcomber design. Now, I’m extremely dissapointed in the real car!

BMW must stand for “Bavarians Mess-up the World!”

The BMW overlords continue to move MINI in the wrong direction! :(

Here is an idea! Lets take a BMW (preferably Gabe’s 1988 Bimmer) and have every MINI fan smash it with a sledge hammer and ship it back to Munich!

kalbone Jan 20th, 2010 Link

thats my next ride!

MINI reveals the Countryman crossover - Nathaniel Salzman Jan 20th, 2010 Link

[...] reveals the Countryman crossover 1.20.10 Cars Yesterday I was thrilled to see that three photos of the MINI Countryman crossover had leaked a couple weeks weeks ahead of MINI’s planned [...]

MauiJared Jan 20th, 2010 Link

SICK!

Jeff Wannall Jan 21st, 2010 Link

MINI dropped it like it’s hot!!! Good stuff Oxford, keep it commin!!

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